VA is a pain in the @SS!

I think the only way that is going to work is to find an accredited college that offers taxidermy. I have seen some colleges that offer this. not many but some. I went through the same thing a few years back ( not for taxidermy ) and in the end it boiled down to i had to go to an accredited college.

 

The VA paid for mine but it was a vocational rehab program. The same as above must be an acredited scholl or vocational school. They can be a pain but you have to learn the system and work within their guidelines. In order to qualify for a voc rehab VA program you must be at least 20% service connected disability.

 

I'm in the same boat. It boils down to accredidation. You need to find a Community College or Trade school that has taxi part of the course offerings OR pay out of pocket.

 

Stoney Hills School of Taxidermy is an approved VA school...The case worker may need some coaching and every case is a bit different...if you have any questions feel free to call 320-749-2128, or email me at [email protected]

Best Regards
Randy Hamson
www.stoneyhills.com

 

there are VA approved schools out there... I thought I replied to this post a while back, unless it was an almost identical one...

anyhoo, you can get with the VA rep and ask for a list of ones approved, OR simply look at the schools listed and see if they are approved....

it can be done, but your playing field of choices for schools will be narrowed...

 

I'm still active duty, has anyone used Army or Military tution assistance to pay for taxidermy schools?

 

I do not know Joe---- if the school was approved for VA, then tuition assistance SHOULD be okay, but the problem you have is being near the darn thing to where you can take the classes... unless you were to be granted permissive TDY for the duration of the course... I think it would be difficult... I am rusty on the TA rules.. as it falls into the Vo-Tech stuff, I do not know for sure if it would qualify.. should, but unsure....

 

There is a school only an hour from Ft Carson that offers 2 to 3 week block classes. Whole course is 9.5 weeks. I could take leave for each over the next 2.5 yrs before I retire. I already used the GI Bill for the computer degree I have (I hate computers;D )
I already checked with the Ed Center and they said they will pay for anything that is accredited with the college accrediting programs. Doesn't look good for me.

 

I did a little research for you guys and came up wit the following list of Taxidermy schools that are GI Bill approved:

2nd Nature School of Taxidermy - Montana
Bill Allen's Pocono Institute of Taxidermy - Pennsylvania
Colorado Institute of Taxidermy Training - Colorado
NW Iowa School of Taxidermy - Iowa
Missoula Valley School of Taxidermy - Montana
Academy of Realistic Taxidermy - Montana

 

where did you find that list?

 

Here are a few more:

Central Texas School of Taxidermy - Texas
Dan Rinehart's School of Taxidermy - Wisconsin
Kindred Spirits School of Taxidermy - Iowa
Missouri Taxidermy Institute - Missouri - Call to verify

 

Found these by individually visiting Schools in the quick links section in the upper right of this forum. I then went through each and every web site.

I also typed in GI Bill approved Taxidermy schools into Google and found this:

These programs allow qualified veterans to use GI Bill educational benefits while in
training and earning a wage.
Types of Training Include:
Construction Trade
Taxidermist
Dog Groomer
Funeral Director
Real Estate Appraiser
Mechanic
Waste Management
Power Plant Operator
Minimum length of training must be at least 6 months

 

Joe - remember, ifthey are approved for the GI Bill, they still might no be on the TA list... they are ridiculous on some of these rules...

this is one of those circular arguments, where logic is implied... but not necessarily the case.. FRUSTRATING to say the least...

 

we take several students every year who are using GI Bill and VA Benefits. The initial paperwork is usually the worst part, then after approval everything goes smoothly.

 

I know someone who used ta in north carolina to go to piedmonts course when they had it going.

 

Is that Piedmont Community College? They are an accredited school and that makes the differance.

 

Wegner's School of Taxidermy in Milton, Wisconsin is also VA approved they have a website listed in school section of this website or you can call Ron Wegner at 608-868-4022 for any further questions

 

Hi,
What is the problem you are having with the VA? Colorado Institute of Taxidermy Training works with students every year from the VA and is familiar with many of the issues they present. We are required to attend a class to re-new our certification to better assist VA students. Maybe I can help.

 

A school does NOT have to be accredited to be used on the GIBILL. It only needs to be approved by the VA approving agency in their state. The certifying officials from each school are required to attend classes and have a full inspection by the VA Approving agency each year.

In order to have "tuition assistance" from individual military bases, is where accreditation is a little more sticky.
Please call your school to find out if they are approved and allowed to help with VA benefits. The school is never able to tell you what the VA will approve, they are only able to certify you as a student and help with your paperwork. You will be able to find out your own benefits online at the GI BILL website. Once you know you are attending an apporoved school, then they school's certifying official will send the VA the paperwork so you can get your money.
Hope this helps.
Anne Vinnola
Colorado Institute of Taxidermy Training.