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Women’s Health Transition Training
The online, self-paced Women’s Health Transition Training is available for service women and women Veterans to take anytime, anyplace at the Transition Assistance Program website.
About the program
This course provides important information for transitioning service women on women’s health care services available from VA post-separation from the military.
After participating in the Women’s Health Transition Training, you will have a better understanding of:
- How VA health care is designed to serve you
- Available women’s health care services (e.g. maternity care, cancer screenings, whole health, and mental health care services)
- The process and eligibility requirements for enrollment—you don’t have to be disabled to receive health care at VA
- How to connect with other women Veterans through women-specific networks, resources, and programs post-service
- How to find your local VA facility and resources for additional support
Explore the content further by downloading the Participant Handbook.
This is an optional course you can take in addition to the Transition Assistance Program (TAP). This course is not a substitute for TAP. Some women find it beneficial to finish the TAP VA Benefits and Services course before attending this training.
Visit the women’s health website and check out the comprehensive list of women’s health benefits and resources.
Who should attend?
All service women and women Veterans are welcome to participate. If you are a service woman who will be transitioning to civilian life or to the reserve components within the next calendar year, we strongly encourage you to take the training.
Where to attend?
All service women and women Veterans are welcome to participate anytime, anyplace at the Transition Assistance Program website.
Agenda
The Women’s Health Transition Training course consists of five phases designed to help you understand how VA health care is designed to serve you as you transition from active duty and into the future:
- Shift from Active Duty
- Understanding the VA
- Available Women’s Health Services
- Enrolling in VA
- Transition Assistance
Building on success
In 2018, VA partnered with the Air Force Women’s Initiative team to develop and implement what would become today’s Women’s Health Transition Training course to raise awareness of the women’s health services available through VA. What started with five Air Force bases and the Pentagon, expanded in 2019 to include transitioning servicewomen from the Army, Marines, and Navy. By December 2019, 669 servicewomen from all military services had participated in 1 of the 74 in-person sessions or 10 virtual sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I learn more about women’s health services and support at VA?
Visit the Women’s Health website or call the Women Veterans Call Center at 855-829-6636. You can also check out the She Wears the Boots podcast on iTunes or Spreaker.
Who can take Women’s Health Transition Training?
The course is open to service members who identify as a woman who either are currently serving or have previously served in the military. It is encouraged for servicewomen who will be transitioning to civilian life or the reserve components within the next calendar year.
How can I register for the online course?
Follow these steps to access the self-paced online course:
- Visit the Technical Assistance Program website. (Note: For best browser performance, please use Google Chrome or Firefox.)
- In the TAP Curriculum drop-down menu, select All Courses or Transition Tracks.
- Locate Women’s Health Transition Training and select Get Started.
- Complete the required fields.
- A registration confirmation will be sent to the email provided. If you need to leave the course and resume later, use the direct link provided in the email or re-enter your details exactly as you entered them on your first visit.
If you’re having trouble navigating the Technical Assistance Program website, check out the list of commonly asked questions or contact the help desk from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, 7 days per week, or call 877-577-6697.
How long is the online course, and do I have to complete it in one sitting?
The online course takes approximately 2.5 hours, but it is self-paced and you can pause and return to the course as needed. If you need to leave and resume the course, use the direct link provided in the registration confirmation sent to the email address you provided, or return to the Technical Assistance Program website and re-enter your details exactly as you entered them on your first visit.
How is the course delivered?
The course is currently offered as a self-paced online course that can be taken anytime, anyplace. Anyone can access the course at the Technical Assistance Program website. Subscribe to the Center for Women Veterans emails for more information and updates about upcoming Women’s Health Transition Training course opportunities.
What topics does the course cover?
Women’s Health Transition Training topics include:
- Availability of women-specific health care at VA facilities including reproductive services, maternity care, infertility services, mental health services, newborn care, cancer screenings, whole health, gynecological care, and musculoskeletal care
- Eligibility for VA health care and how to enroll; women (and men) do not have to be disabled to received health care through VA
- Resources available during the military to civilian transition process, including connecting with fellow women Veterans through women-specific networks, resources, and programs post-Service
- A virtual tour of a VA medical facility to learn more about where women Veterans can receive health care
Why was this training developed specifically for women?
As a woman Veteran, you’re part of the fastest-growing group within our Veteran population. If you qualify for VA health care, you can get access to high-quality women’s health services as part of your benefits. Women Veterans face a higher rate of some health-related challenges after military Service compared to men, including chronic pain, obesity, musculoskeletal issues and depression (Haskell et al 2006, 2011, 2012; Breland et al 2017). VA has care to meet your needs. And yet, fewer women Veterans seek services and support from VA compared to men. Enrolling in VA health care and support services will help you during your military transition and beyond.
Why should I take the course?
Less than half of eligible women Veterans are enrolled in VA health care. Some do not believe they are eligible for VA health care benefits; some do not see themselves as Veterans, and some are unaware of all the gender-specific health care services that VA offers women. This training provides a deep dive into those available services and dispels the myth that VA is not a good place for you to receive quality care.
This course will help you prepare for military transitions. You will also learn about women’s health care services, including mental health and military sexual trauma care, eligibility requirements, how to connect with other women Veterans, and how to find local VA facilities and points of contact for additional support. The information in this course will empower you to make informed decisions about your future health care, aiding in the transition to civilian life.
What is the VA Women’s Health Transition Training?
The VA Women’s Health Transition Training is an optional course for servicewomen to help you plan for post-separation health care needs and learn about VA services and resources for women Veterans. The course should be taken in addition to the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), not as a substitute. The course was designed by VA, in collaboration with DOD.
