Licensing Relief Opens New Doors for Military Spouses
Healthcare is one of the industries many military spouses pursue, with the knowledge that people will need medical professionals no matter where they move. One of the biggest issues that spouses in various professions encounter is that their license does not transfer to their new location each time they move. This has been discouraging for newer spouses looking into healthcare as a career.
Unemployment and under-employment in the military spouse population is not a new issue. According to a recent study by Hiring Our Heroes, the unemployment rate for military spouses is 22%. Fortunately, in January 2023, President Biden signed into law the Military Spouse Licensing Relief Act (MSLRA), which amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. Under this new law, state licensing boards must accept valid professional licenses from other states, with the exception of law licenses. The MSLRA aims to help lower that number by reducing the obstacles for licensed spouses. Spouses who are moving can go to the Department of Labor website to learn about occupation-specific information and state-specific information before moving.
Most licensing issues that spouses continue to face are not a result of bias against military spouses. Rather, they are a result of local licensing boards being unaware of the change in the law. While the MSLRA is now in effect, according to a Military.com article, spouses are still being asked to re-license, take a test, or even pay a fee in their new state. Before this law, some states were members of Licensing Compacts allowing spouses to transfer their license with varying degrees of difficulty and due process. Under this new law, licensing boards could face lawsuits for non-compliance.
If you're an eligible spouse looking to work in healthcare, you can leverage your MyCAA scholarship to obtain a dental or medical assisting certification. This scholarship, designed specifically for military spouses, can significantly reduce the financial burden of pursuing a healthcare career. Additionally, the American Red Cross offers a free Dental Assistant Program on select installations, providing another avenue for you to gain valuable healthcare skills.
One of the most powerful tools for exploring healthcare careers, creating a career plan, or advancing in your career is mentorship. A mentor can provide guidance, support, and valuable insights that can propel your career forward. To learn more about how ACP can help you with your career goals, visit our website and apply for our no-cost, yearlong mentorship program! This is an opportunity to connect with experienced professionals who can help you navigate the challenges and opportunities in the healthcare industry.
