NUHS has a proud history of supporting veterans as well as active-duty personnel in the United States Armed Services. For example, after World War II, two hundred and thirty-one WWII veterans established what may have been the first American Legion post on a campus of a professional college at National. 

At the heart of our institution lies a deep commitment to honoring the dedication and sacrifice of those who have served our country. From tuition assistance to discounted health care services, we are dedicated to ensuring that veterans receive the assistance and care they deserve without financial burden. Join us as we explore the initiatives and resources in place to empower and uplift our veteran community, embodying our commitment to serving those who have bravely served us. 

1. Yellow ribbon program ensures tuition is 100% covered 

Both National University’s Illinois and Florida locations are part of the Yellow Ribbon Program, a tuition matching support program that helps veterans on the GI Bill® pay tuition and fee costs for college and advanced degrees. 

National University is honored to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which is specifically designated to help cover the education costs provided by the GI Bill® for eligible military veterans and their dependents. We are committed to offering an unlimited number of Yellow Ribbon scholarships each year, with no cap on financial support. By providing unlimited tuition assistance through the Yellow Ribbon program, NUHS ensures that our veteran students and their families can pursue their education with minimal financial burden.   

The application process is easy. NUHS staff are available to help guide veterans through the process. 

“Because National University is a Yellow Ribbon School, the application process was surprisingly easy,” said Alan Norman, DC, an Air Force veteran and 2021 Doctor of Chiropractic graduate. 

2. Veteran’s Clinic provides a growing number of free and discounted treatments each year 

Our interns and clinicians know the importance of serving those who have served our country. In an effort to positively impact the health and quality of life of veterans and their spouses, National University’s Veterans Clinic at the Illinois campus has been offering free acupuncture and discounts on all other services since 2009. 

Over the years, the number of treatments clinic interns provide to veterans has continued to grow. In 2023, the clinic provided 1,299 discounted treatments to veterans and their spouses, more than double the treatments the clinic provided in 2016. At the clinic, veterans receive complimentary full body acupuncture, moxibustion and tui na therapies, with a 20% discount offered on all other services. Their spouses also receive 20% off all services. 

 In 2018, NUHS expanded its Veterans Clinic to the NUHS Florida site’s Whole Health Center in Pinellas Park. Both clinics at the Illinois campus and Florida site have been instrumental in helping veterans seek natural alternatives like chiropractic care and acupuncture instead of prescription painkillers. Veterans, in particular, are especially vulnerable to the overuse of painkillers. Experts say this often contributes to job loss, family strife, homelessness and suicide, as well as weight gain, diabetes and heart disease. 

In addition to reducing opioid use, NUHS clinicians consider a wide range of factors that can impact a veteran’s health, such as biomechanical dysfunction, genetics, trauma, hygiene, microorganisms, nutritional status, exercise, posture, environment, and stress. They then make a diagnosis and treatment plan based on the veteran’s unique health needs. 

3. NUHS preceptorships at VA sites across the country provide access to care 

In addition to our on-site clinics, NUHS interns can share their unique skillset in natural medicine directly with veterans as part of preceptorship opportunities all across the United States. Such opportunities not only broaden the practice experience of our students and advance our healing professions, they help restore the lives of our veterans and build stronger communities. 

As veteran hospitals continue to add DCs to their staff, NUHS students have the chance to join those DC departments and gain valuable experience. 

Since adding chiropractic physicians to the Fayetteville North Carolina’s VA Hospital, the department has had a busy schedule. NUHS interns who join the preceptorship program work under Jude Miller DC, MS, CCSP, ICSC, or Peter Szynkowicz DC, MS, DACBSP, ICCSP, two of the three chiropractic physicians part of the VA Fayetteville NC Coastal Health Care System.  

“With a large veteran population in the coastal region, demand for chiropractic care is very high,” said Dr. Miller. “Interns can expect a full schedule.” 

At VA hospitals, students can expect to handle more comorbidities and complex cases, said Daniel Tominello, DC, a staff chiropractor at the Detroit VA, where NUHS also offers a preceptorship program to students. 

“I see more medical complications in a week than I saw in years of private practice,” said Dr. Tominello. 

Similar preceptorship opportunities are available at VA Hospitals in Danville, Illinois, Bay Pines, Florida, Indianapolis, Fargo, North Dakota, and Bellville, Illinois. 

National University recognizes the unique challenges veterans may face and remains committed to providing them with the resources and support necessary to succeed in both their educational pursuits and their healthcare needs. Through the Yellow Ribbon program, along with providing care for veterans on-campus and across the country, NUHS hopes to express our gratitude for their service and sacrifice. 

If you are or know a veteran who would like to earn a degree or pursue a new career in science or health care, call 1-800-826-6285 or visit the NUHS website for more details. For more information regarding educational benefit eligibility, students should contact a representative from the Department of Veterans Affairs or visit http://www.gibill.va.gov/benefits/index.html. 

To schedule an appointment at the Veteran’s Clinic, call the NUHS Whole Health Center in Illinois at (630) 629-9664 or the clinic in Pinellas Park Florida at (727) 873-7870.