SNU Supports Military Students

You must apply for your educational benefits through the VA in Muskogee, OK online at gibill.va.gov. You can also call the VA Education Hotline for assistance at 1-888-442-4551. 

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

For information visit the following sites:

Chapter 35 Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program at http://www.va.gov/education/transfer-post-9-11-gi-bill-benefits/

Chapter 33 Transfer of Eligibility for Depenents and Spouse at http://www.va.gov/education/transfer-post-9-11-gi-bill-benefits/

The VETS Center certifies students' enrollments to the VA in the order we receive the students' course confirmation forms for every term. After your sheet is date stamped in our office, it takes approximately 30-45 days for us to certify it to the VA. After we certify your enrollment with the VA, it take the VA an additional 30-45 days to award your GI Bill money.

Remember, a change in your class schedule may affect your VA benefits. Frequent changes of schedule often can cause a student veteran to have an overpayment of benefits where the VA will require you to pay it back. Notify the VETS Center at SNU of all course schedule changes as you work with your admission advisors. When you are adding a new course, a new course confirmation form, approved by your college on campus, is required before the adjustment can be reported to the VA.

It is important that the military service members or DOD civilian employees who wish to apply for DOD tuition assistance to help pay for their classes, take these steps prior to enrolling to ensure there are DOD tuition assistance funds available and to get the application process moving forward to ensure DOD tuition assistance is approved prior to the start date of any class the military service member/DOD civilian employee wishes to use DOD TA towards.  The DOD will not approve tuition assistance for any class that has already begun.      

1. Immediately talk with your Education Services Officer at your respective military installation education office, or if a DOD civilian employee, speak with your DOD employer’s education liaison.  The installation education office/DOD employer education liaison will provide the necessary paperwork, status of funds, and information requirements respective to that military service branch for the service member to start the application process.
2. The service member/DOD civilian employee, to include National Guard/Reserve service members, will then access his/her military service branch’s respective education portal to complete and submit his/her application for requesting DOD tuition assistance and receiving DOD approval.  
   1. US Army Service Member:  AI portal for Army service members:  AI Portal website: http://aiportal.army.mil (Edge and Firefox are the preferred browsers).  If a user needs assistance, users may contact the BAM Helpdesk Email: army@bamtech.net or BAM Technical Issue Phone:  276-231-0938.  
   2. US Air Force Service Member:  Air Force Virtual Education Center at http://afvec.us.af.mil/afvec/public/welcom
   3. US Navy Service Member:  Navy College Program at http://www.navycollege.navy.mil/sailors/tuition-assistance-ncpace.htm
   4. US Marine Corps Service Member:  Marine Corps Voluntary Education Center at http://usmc-mccs.org/articles/how-do-i-apply-for-tuition-assistance
   5. US Coast Guard Service Member:  Education and Training Quota Command Portal at http://www.forcecom.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/FORCECOM-UNITS/ETQC/VOLUNTARY-EDUCATION/Tuition-Assistance
3. When applying for DOD tuition assistance through your military service branch education portal, make sure you are providing the correct course numbers (i.e., BIOL-3274, etc.), costs, and class dates for timely processing of the paperwork (for SNU professional and graduate studies students, class dates should be listed as per course/module and not by semester).  
4. Once the service member/DOD civilian employee receives his/her DOD TA approval letter, provide a copy of this approval letter to the following departments at SNU for required filing and for proper processing towards the student’s SNU account:
   1. SNU Bursar’s Office (if a Professional Graduate Studies student) or SNU Business Office (if a Traditional Undergraduate student) so the DOD TA funds will be applied towards the student’s account.  
   2. SNU Financial Aid Office at pgsfinaid@51jiyangshi.com for filing requirements with the student’s assigned Financial Aid Counselor.
   3. SNU VETS Center at veterans@mail.51jiyangshi.com for filing requirements with the VETS Center’s School Certification Official. 
5. All DOD tuition assistance requests must be submitted and approved 7 days prior to the start of any class the service member wishes to use DOD tuition assistance funds towards.  If the application is not received and approved 7 days prior to a class start date, the service member is at risk for not getting the TA approved by the DOD.

As soon as a military service member and/or DOD civilian employee decides he/she will want to take college level courses and use DOD tuition assistance to help pay for the course costs, the individual should immediately contact his/her military installation education office, or DOD employer if a DOD civilian employee, to begin the process for applying for DOD TA funds.  All DOD tuition assistance requests must be submitted and approved 7 days prior to the start of any class the service member wishes to use DOD tuition assistance funds towards.  If the application is not received and approved 7 days prior to a class start date, the service member is at risk for not getting the TA approved by the DOD.  The service member/DOD civilian employee will submit his/her DOD TA application through the appropriate military service branch education portal at one of the following:  

1. US Army Service Member: AI portal for Army service members:  AI Portal website: http://aiportal.army.mil (Edge and Firefox are the preferred browsers).  If a user needs assistance, users may contact the BAM Helpdesk Email: army@bamtech.net or BAM Technical Issue Phone:  276-231-0938.  
2. US Air Force Service Member:  Air Force Virtual Education Center at http://afvec.us.af.mil/afvec/public/welcom
3. US Navy Service Member:  Navy College Program at http://www.navycollege.navy.mil/sailors/tuition-assistance-ncpace.htm
4. US Marine Corps Service Member:  Marine Corps Voluntary Education Center at http://usmc-mccs.org/articles/how-do-i-apply-for-tuition-assistance
5. US Coast Guard Service Member:  Education and Training Quota Command Portal at http://www.forcecom.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/FORCECOM-UNITS/ETQC/VOLUNTARY-EDUCATION/Tuition-Assistance

For undergraduate students follow these guidelines:

• Ideally, if you are an Oklahoma resident, you should complete your FAFSA by December 1st of the year before you plan to start school (academic years beginning July 1st).  Some Oklahoma students qualify for the Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG) and the state deadline falls around December 1st.  If you read this shortly after December 1st, complete the FAFSA as soon as possible, because the state has extended deadlines in the past.
• For students who miss the deadline, or are not from Oklahoma, completing the FAFSA about two to three months prior to your enrollment will best allow SNU to process your aid for the start of your program.  SNU generally begins processing aid about one to two months before your classes begin.  In months that have several programs starting, usually July, September, January, and March, we may start a little earlier for those whose FAFSA information is clean.
• The financial aid office cannot begin processing your aid until all of your admission requirements have been completed.  Transcripts can be the most time consuming, and the least controllable portion of the admissions process, make sure and request them as soon as possible.
• Filing the FAFSA is only the first step in the process.  You will need to monitor your SNU email address once you have received it for updates and document requests.
• Once your financial aid offer has been completed, you will receive notice via your SNU email with instructions on how to log into your my.51jiyangshi.com portal to view/accept/decline your awards.
• If you plan to use Federal Student Loans:
  • If you have not borrowed in the last five years, you may need to complete a new Loan Agreement/Master Promissory Note.  This can be done by logging into studentaid.gov with your FSA (FAFSA) ID, clicking on “Complete Award Process” in the top margin and clicking on Complete a Master Promissory Note. 
  • If you have never borrowed a Federal Student Loan, you will also need to complete Loan Entrance Counseling from the same page.
  • All students who have borrowed previously will need to complete an Annual Student Loan Acknowledgement (new in 2022-2023) from the same page.

For graduate students follow these guidelines:

• Graduate students should complete the FAFSA about two to three months before your enrollment begins to best allow SNU to process your aid in time for the start of your program.  SNU generally begins processing aid about one to two months before your classes begin.  In months that have several programs starting, usually July, September, January, and March, we may start a little earlier for those whose FAFSA information is clean.
• The financial aid office cannot begin processing your financial aid until all of your admission requirements have been completed.  Since getting transcripts can be the most time consuming, and the least controllable portion of the admissions process, make sure and request them as soon as possible. 
• The financial aid office cannot begin processing your aid until all of your admission requirements have been completed.   Transcripts can be the most time consuming, and the least controllable portion of the admissions process, make sure and request them as soon as possible.
• Filing the FAFSA is only the first step in the process.  You will need to monitor your SNU email address once you have received it for updates and document requests.
• Once your financial aid offer has been completed, you will receive notice via your SNU email with instructions on how to log into your my.51jiyangshi.com portal to view/accept/decline your awards. 
• If you plan to use Federal Student Loans:
  • If you have not borrowed in the last five years, you may need to complete a new Loan Agreement/Master Promissory Note.  This can be done by logging into studentaid.gov with your FSA (FAFSA) ID, clicking on “Complete Award Process” in the top margin and clicking on Complete a Master Promissory Note. 
  • If you have never borrowed a Federal Student Loan, you will also need to complete Loan Entrance Counseling from the same page.
  • All students who have borrowed previously will need to complete an Annual Student Loan Acknowledgement (new in 2022-2023) from the same page.

This course introduces the history of the PTA Profession and common practice settings. Students will learn and perform fundamental physical therapy assessments, interventions, documentation, and procedures of patient care including transfer training, gait training, and fitting assistive devices. The scope of practice of the PTA and PT, HIPPA, and documentation will be emphasized. Delineation of professional roles and responsibility in physical therapy, development of a team approach to healthcare delivery, and the psychosocial and interpersonal skills needed to function as a healthcare team are presented. Students will have laboratory time to apply, practice, and demonstrate the technical skills taught.

This course will explore human motion specific to the musculoskeletal system through the identification of anatomical structures and their relationship to function, normal and abnormal biomechanical principles of joint patterns, and gait. Emphasis will be on the study of musculoskeletal pathologies, the determination of appropriate physical therapy assessment, and a review of related anatomical structures. Laboratory time will be utilized to master skills and techniques including goniometry, manual muscle testing, joint play assessment, and joint mobilization.

A PTA degree at SNU can be completed in 23 months in the evenings on our Bethany campus. Following completion of the degree, PTAs will sit for the national licensing examination and then begin a fulfilling career impacting patients' lives.

This course will explore human motion specific to the musculoskeletal system through the identification of anatomical structures and their relationship to function, normal and abnormal biomechanical principles of joint patterns, and gait. Emphasis will be on the study of musculoskeletal pathologies, the determination of appropriate physical therapy assessment, and a review of related anatomical structures. Laboratory time will be utilized to master skills and techniques including goniometry, manual muscle testing, joint play assessment, and joint mobilization.

This course provides exposure to simulated patients and scenarios for the student to develop clinical problem solving, and practice skills related to semester 1 course content with instructor guidance. This course is designed to demonstrate clinical readiness and will focus on simulated patient assessment and treatment scenarios to prepare students for clinical education, in which they will perform specific assessment techniques and treatment interventions in simulated patient scenarios. In addition, this course includes a weekly online assignment consisting of a class discussion or reflection on related topics. By the end of the course, the student will appropriately epitomize the role and responsibilities of the physical therapist assistant in a variety of physical therapy settings.

This course is a study of how the human body functions and the physiological effects of disease. Building a clear, foundational understanding of normal physiology aids in illuminating how abnormal physiological function leads to human disease. Physiological response to exercise, etiology, signs and symptoms, red flags, diagnosis and prognosis, pharmacological intervention, and implications for physical therapy will be discussed. Case studies will be provided for critical thinking and application of theory to practice for the physical therapist assistant.

This course investigates the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system, with emphasis on the functional relationship between the nervous system and the presentation of pain in the musculoskeletal system. This course prepares the student for safe and effective application of a variety of rehabilitative agents and techniques for patient treatment. Procedures, mechanisms of action, theory, indications, precautions, and contraindications are discussed for the following: electrical stimulation, EMG, biofeedback, diathermy, aquatic therapy, laser, superficial heat, cryotherapy, traction, therapeutic ultrasound, therapeutic massage, mechanical compression, and soft tissue mobilization. The basic physics of electromagnetic radiation and electricity are presented along with skin assessment and wound care using electrotherapy.

This course is a study of general and specific exercises for conditions commonly treated in physical therapy. Principles will be discussed involving the theory and practical applications of specific therapeutic exercise as preventative treatment and for pathological conditions influencing strength, endurance, neuromuscular control, and flexibility of the human body. Emphasis is placed upon the body’s physiological response to exercise, design and application of exercise, the developmental sequence of exercise, types of exercise, and the use of exercise equipment.

This course provides exposure to simulated patients and scenarios for the student to demonstrate competent performance of physical therapy procedures and behaviors for the semester level. This course is designed to show clinical readiness by performing skills listed below through the use of simulated patient scenarios. In addition, a weekly online assignment of a group discussion board or reflection on selected topics, emphasizing principles and techniques of basic physical therapy interventions, with emphasis on assessment skills including: identifying red flags, performing joint mobilizations, identifying fundamental physical therapy interventions, and demonstrating values based and professional behaviors. This course will also include several guest lectures, in which the students will reflect upon the information using research. The student will appropriately epitomize the role and responsibilities of the PTA in all physical therapy settings. This course is intended to strengthen clinical problem-solving and provide an opportunity for students to practice skills with instructor guidance and feedback through patient scenarios. Laboratory practice with emphasis on positioning, patient safety, and manual skills. The course included a comprehensive written examination.

This course is a study of physical therapy ethics, physical therapist assistant roles and responsibilities, and diversity. Delineation of professional roles in physical therapy and the health care team, as well as psychosocial and interpersonal skills needed to function as a health care provider and team member will be discussed. Principles and ethics of patient care, medical documentation, and HIPPA are covered. Activities associated with preparing students for future clinical education will be included.

This course provides the student with experiences to apply, integrate, and perform learned clinical skills on patients under continuous supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist in a physical therapy clinical environment. Skills, knowledge, and attitudes learned in all first-year Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) courses will be applied to direct patient care in selected clinical settings over a full-time five-week period. Emphasis is placed on the clinical application and integration of the knowledge and skills learned during the first year of the PTA program, with the objective of students providing quality care with uncomplicated to moderately complex patients, and a moderate degree of supervision and guidance that will vary with the complexity of the patient or the environment. In addition, a weekly group discussion of selected topics, an individual weekly journal, and an in-service. This course is graded on a pass/fail basis.

Treatment of pediatric, pelvic health, and geriatric populations will be covered in this course. Theory and clinical application of normal and abnormal physical and cognitive development in the aging process as well as concepts of human growth and development will be covered in this course. Dysfunctions, interventions, common physical therapy treatments, and treatment progression will be the emphasis of content. Cultural diversity of older and younger populations and psychosocial impacts of aging will be discussed through a global perspective.

This course provides introduction to physical therapy interventions used in the management and prevention of cardiopulmonary conditions. Students will apply knowledge from this course and prior courses to both inpatient and outpatient care settings. Course content will include pulmonary hygiene, breathing techniques, cardiac rehabilitation, and principles of aerobic exercise. Information will be presented in lecture and laboratory settings.

This course provides information necessary for the physical therapist assistant to safely and competently treat patients with neurological diagnoses. This course will present the neuroanatomy of the CNS and PNS as it relates to physical therapy treatment, motor control, and motor learning. Neurological dysfunctions, neurological assessments, and the impact of neurological conditions on culturally relevant topics, such as gender, sexuality, communication, and socioeconomic factors will be explored.

This course is a continuation of Neuroscience I with emphasis on the application of exercise techniques, assessment, and the treatment of long-term disabilities and neurological conditions. This course will introduce common interventions and progressions used in neurological settings. The information, discussion, and treatment considerations for neurologically-based and other debilitating conditions will be applied in lab scenarios, in which the students will monitor the effectiveness of the exercise program.

This course focuses on the utilization of advanced physical therapy assessments and interventions. Topics covered include prosthetics and orthotic devices, rehabilitation techniques for amputations, wound care, and work hardening. Expected administration functions and activities of the physical therapist assistant will also be included.

This course provides the student with experiences to apply, integrate, and perform learned clinical skills on patients under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist in a physical therapy clinical environment. Skills, knowledge and attitudes learned in semesters 1, 2, and 3 Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) courses will be applied to direct patient care in selected clinical settings over a full-time five week period. Emphasis is placed on the clinical application and integration of the knowledge and skills learned during semesters 1, 2, and 3 of the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program, with the objective of students providing quality care with uncomplicated to complex patients, and a degree of supervision and guidance that will vary with the complexity of the patient or the environment. This course is graded on a pass/fail basis.

This course provides the student with experiences to apply, integrate, and perform learned clinical skills on patients under minimal to no supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist in a physical therapy clinical environment. Skills, knowledge, and attitudes learned in all Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) courses will be applied to direct patient care in selected clinical settings over a full-time eight-week period. Emphasis is placed on the clinical application and integration of the knowledge and skills learned during the entire PTA program, with the objective of students providing quality care with uncomplicated to highly complex patients, and minimal to no degree of supervision and guidance that will vary with the complexity of the patient or the environment. In addition, a weekly group discussion of selected topics, an individual weekly journal, and an in-service are required. This course is graded on a pass/fail basis.