Every PCS means a new home, a new school for the kids, and too often, starting your career over. If you're a military spouse looking for work that can move with you, the SpouseWorks Scholarship (formerly MyCAA) can help you pay for a healthcare certification that's recognized across the country.
This guide explains what the scholarship is, who is eligible, how to use it step by step, and which healthcare careers you can start at DMS Care Training Center, an approved SpouseWorks Scholarship school.
In this guide
What is the SpouseWorks Scholarship?
The SpouseWorks Scholarship is the new name for MyCAA (My Career Advancement Account). It's a Department of Defense workforce development program that provides eligible military spouses with up to $4,000 in financial assistance to pursue:
- A license or certification
- An associate degree
- Continuing education courses to maintain a license or certification needed for employment
If you've been searching for "MyCAA," you're in the right place. It's the same benefit with a new name, and the scholarship website is still mycaa.militaryonesource.mil.
Who is eligible?
The scholarship is open to spouses of active-duty, National Guard and reserve component service members in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Space Force who are serving under qualifying Title 10 orders, across all ranks and pay grades.
The best way to confirm your eligibility is to apply for an account on the SpouseWorks Scholarship website. If you have questions, a SpouseWorks career coach can help. Call Military OneSource 24/7 at 800-342-9647.
Why healthcare is a portable career
Hospitals, clinics, labs and pharmacies operate near every installation in the country, and they all need trained staff. A nationally recognized healthcare certification gives you a skill set you can take from one duty station to the next.
- Short training. Our students study for about 1 to 6 months to earn a certification.
- National certifications. NHA certifications such as CCMA (medical assistant) and CPT (phlebotomy) are recognized across the U.S.
- Real job paths. Start as a medical assistant, phlebotomist or patient care technician, and grow into nursing or clinic leadership later.
- Flexible study. Online classes fit around deployments, moves and family life.
How to use your scholarship, step by step
Here's the path from "I'm interested" to your first day of class at DMS Care.
STEP 1
Create your account and check eligibility
Apply for an account at mycaa.militaryonesource.mil. Registration includes reading the fact sheet and terms and conditions, answering short quiz questions, and entering your personal, education and employment information.
STEP 2
Talk with a free SpouseWorks career coach
Career coaches are trained to help military spouses set and pursue education and career goals. They can explain the benefit, help you explore career options and prepare for a job search. Call 800-342-9647, available 24/7.
STEP 3
Choose your program at DMS Care
DMS Care Training Center is listed in the SpouseWorks Scholarship school search. Contact us and we'll walk you through programs, schedules and start dates so you can choose the certification that fits your goals.
STEP 4
Request your Education and Training Plan
Contact DMS Care and request a SpouseWorks Scholarship Education and Training Plan. The plan includes your career goal and information about our school, your program and coursework. It must be approved before you receive financial assistance, and review can take up to 14 business days, so start early.
STEP 5
Request financial assistance
After your plan is approved, follow the steps in your SpouseWorks Scholarship account to request financial assistance for your course. Your career coach can help with timing.
STEP 6
Start your training
Once your funding is in place, we confirm your enrollment and you begin training toward your certification.
Plan ahead. Because plan review can take up to 14 business days, reach out several weeks before the start date you have in mind.
Healthcare programs at DMS Care
Our programs prepare you for nationally recognized certifications. Ask us which programs fit your scholarship plan.
Real hands-on training, not just a screen
Many career-training programs are 100% online and teach clinical skills with videos or virtual simulations. At DMS Care, you learn online and practice on real equipment with instructors beside you, so you're ready for your first day on the job.
- 40+ supervised blood draws in our MA, PCT and phlebotomy programs, until you're confident
- Hands-on clinical skills, including vital signs, injections and EKG
- Live Zoom classes plus recorded video lectures you can review anytime
- 92% first-attempt certification pass rate
- Career seminars and job-search support after you certify
Frequently asked questions
Is MyCAA the same as the SpouseWorks Scholarship?
Yes. The SpouseWorks Scholarship was formerly called MyCAA. The scholarship website is mycaa.militaryonesource.mil.
My spouse is an officer. Can I still qualify?
The scholarship is open to spouses of service members on qualifying Title 10 orders across all ranks and pay grades. You can confirm your eligibility by applying for an account.
How do I get my Education and Training Plan?
Contact DMS Care and request a SpouseWorks Scholarship Education and Training Plan. It includes your career goal and information about our school, your program and coursework.
What if we PCS during my program?
Most of our coursework is online, and our certifications are recognized nationwide. Talk to us about hands-on practice scheduling before you enroll.
Who can answer questions about the benefit itself?
SpouseWorks career coaches are available 24/7 through Military OneSource at 800-342-9647. For questions about our programs, schedules and enrollment, call DMS Care at 469-237-9852.
Official resources: SpouseWorks Scholarship on Military OneSource · SpouseWorks Scholarship website · School search
DMS Care Training Center is an approved school in the SpouseWorks Scholarship program. We are not part of, or endorsed by, the Department of Defense or Military OneSource. Eligibility, funding and program rules are set by SpouseWorks and may change.
