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JBSA News
NEWS | Sept. 22, 2022

METC Degree Bridge Program helps METC alum change career path

By Lisa Braun Medical Education and Training Campus Public Affairs

Spc. Abby Milinkovich, a 2017 graduate of the Medical Education and Training Campus Combat Medic Specialist Training Program (previously known as the Department of Combat Medic Training), is currently working on her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at a Minnesota college while serving in the Army National Guard.

Although Milinkovich already holds a bachelor's degree in exercise science, she realized after experiencing a serious injury and going through physical therapy that she no longer wanted to pursue that field. She instead felt that nursing would better fit her passion for caring for people in a healthcare environment. 

Milinkovich said that joining the Army was one of her best decisions.

“One of the deciding factors to enlist was a desire to become a combat medic because I wanted to be in the healthcare profession,” she said. “I knew the military would provide a good experience for me and the medical training would help my career in civilian life.”

Enlisted medical professionals like Milinkovich, and those who recently left military service, can earn certificates, diplomas, associate's, bachelor’s or master’s degrees through METC’s Degree Bridge Program. METC has partnerships with nearly 90 civilian colleges and universities spanning 29 states, from which more than 1,900 degree-bridge pathways are available. Milinkovich chose an accelerated BSN program.

The METC Degree Bridge Program provides a way for active duty, National Guard, and Reserve service members and veterans to successfully transition to a civilian career by earning college credit from participating schools for their military service and training without having to retake courses already completed.

The training at METC helped Milinkovich in nursing school because it gave her a great foundation of knowledge.

“Since I have that medical knowledge, it helps me learn at a deeper level in my nursing classes,” she said. “I feel more confident in what I’m learning and how to apply it.”

As part of the military, Milinkovich receives a “joint service” transcript that includes all the credits that she accumulated throughout her service — from basic training to medic training. Between her other degree and her military service, she ended up getting 62 credits transferred into her nursing program. She anticipates graduating in December.

Service members and veterans can visit https://www.metc.mil/Academics/Degree-Bridge-Programs for more information about available degrees by using filters to choose a training department, program name and degree, or credential level. Links to colleges and universities can also be found within the program.