Job Outlook and Salary Men and women who wish to serve in the United States military as active duty nurses are in high demand. If not, how are the requirements different? Basic Military Training For Army Nurses And Health Care Assistants All new QARANC soldier applicants will receive a 14 week basic military training course at an Army Training Regiment. It is an experience that may push you to realize that you can do things you never thought you could do. What is the Air Force Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program? RNs, doctors, lawyers, and other licensed professionals in this pipeline receive a somewhat abridged version of officer candidate training to orient them to the military culture and their role in it as officers. If you want to be a Nurse in the Army, then plan on attending a University that will get you a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing, rather than an Associates Degree. You also need to have a bachelor's or master's degree in nursing. Applicants who have completed their University degree - but not their two years post-grad experience - can also apply for entry to Army under the Defence Undergraduate Scheme. For six years, Murray, MSN, RN, CHPN, now an Assistant Professor at Husson University, served as an LPN in the Army. Schools are accredited by your state’s board of nursing, so their website is … 11 West 42nd Street, 15th Floor Army Physician Assistant Job Description: Salary, Skills, & More, National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), Navy's Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL). The Army refers to this work as Civilian Corps and offers a connection for those interested in becoming a non-military healthcare professional in a military setting. Although the military prefers their nurses to have BSN degrees, the Army Reserve accepts nurses with only Associate's Degrees in Nursing, or ADN degrees . The Army Nurse Corps recognizes that earning your BSN is an achievement to be proud of and is committed to providing educational opportunities. They enter as an officer, complete an officer candidate training, and enter into practice. An individual must already be a registered nurse or attend a nursing program approved by their state board of nursing and pass the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX). There are 2 ways to become an Army Nurse: Army ROTC or Direct Commissioning. Nurse Practitioners, for example, are able to practice much the same way as doctors: they may run a practice, form medical diagnoses, and prescribe medications. The reserve option is usually eight years with six years being active at one weekend a month and two weeks of active duty a year for the first six years. While majoring in nursing (4-yr Bachelor's degree) and taking all the required nursing classes for the university, I also … As with other college degrees, those who serve can receive tuition assistance or use their GI Bill benefits to pay for off-duty courses in an accredited nursing program. It gives a different perspective to troops returning home, families, and caring for retired veterans and their families. I want to become a nurse but I also would like to be an officer in the Army. There are also programs that help civilians offset the cost of nursing education in exchange for serving once they graduate. Get more news like this - plus jobs - each week. Completing a bachelor degree while serving as a full-time enlistee is no breeze, but depending on your level of experience in an enlisted healthcare specialty and the number of credits your college is willing to grant for military experience, you may be able to make your journey that much easier. He’s written about military careers for The Balance Careers. If you're headed to college for an undergraduate nursing degree and are thinking of joining the Army Nurse Corps, it's worthwhile to look into your school's Army ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) program. The Air Force also has a scholarship program for health professionals and each branch may offer college loan repayment incentives. The working environment for army nurses also may offer different opportunities than civilian workplaces. I learned confidence and a skill set that I was able to carry over into my civilian practice and promoted autonomy. Registered nurses (RNs) provide day-to-day patient care based on a holistic model that concerns itself not only with medical procedures and drug administration, but also daily hygiene, mobility, and psychological and spiritual care. Nurse of the Week Anna Slayton Spent 77 Days as a COVID-19 Relief Nurse in NYC, Jonas Scholar at UT Arlington Researching Pressure Ulcers. By combining that with resident and distance-learning courses, airmen can earn an associate degree in the CCAF Allied Health Sciences Program.​. “It provided me with leadership experience, organizational skills, structure, and the confidence to continue my education and team building.”. BSN programs may span over four years, while a master’s degree in nursing can be completed in 1-2 years. Ever thought about becoming a nurse in one of the armed forces? Im going to be living in Southern California (Near Oceanside) once I get out of the Army. Upon passing the NCLEX and becoming a registered nurse with a BSN, a nurse should speak with a recruiter of the branch they wish to serve. Having been recruited while in school, Murray spent eight weeks in basic training at Fort Dix in New Jersey and then had four weeks of AIT, which is individual training. The 6 Best Online Medical Billing and Coding Classes of 2020, Here's What Becoming a Navy Physician Assistant Really Entails, Nurse Practitioner Job Description: Salary, Skills, & More, Learn About Tuition Assistance in the Military, Licensed Practical Nurse Job Description, Salary, and Skills, Air Force Aerospace Medical Services (AFSC 4N0X1). That's an MOS for enlisted nurses. Take and pass the NCLEX. You can work with the recruiter to help secure a specific location or desired base station. Typically, BSN degrees take around four years to complete. With a transcript issued by your branch of service, you may be able to knock out some of the common prerequisites for a nursing program, such as general education requirements and anatomy/physiology. To do this you will have to complete LPN training at an accredited school. In order to become a military nurse, you must earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an advanced nursing degree from an accredited school. As an Army Nurse and Officer, you will have the respect of your peers and coworkers as well as opportunities to train and serve in a variety of specialties. Find BSN programs here. Only a registered nurse may assess and treat wounds, review diagnostic tests, and give medications ordered by a physician. “Family nurse practitioners are a critical component in providing primary health care support for adults and children during humanitarian missions, other contingency operations and peacetime,” according to the U.S. Army recruiting website.Army Regulation (AR) 40-68 authorizes nu… A Military Nurse is a member of the armed forces who cares for patients in the military all over the world and veterans in the US. A former Marine Sergeant, Adam Luckwoldt served as Career Planner for 6th Communication Battalion in Brooklyn. There are two ways for becoming a military nurse: through direct commission or ROTC commission: 1. The Air Force also has a scholarship program for health professionals and each branch may offer college loan repayment incentives. How to Become a Registered Nurse in the Military, Here Is a Comprehensive List of Healthcare and Medical Job Titles. In order to be a military nurse, you’ll need to be a nurse, a soldier, and an officer. I was an LPN - 68C. The military prefers nurses to have a BSN degree. Although still reliant on doctors and other primary care providers to order prescriptions and certain treatments, registered nurses have become collaborative professionals rather than subordinates, with an arsenal of independent actions to help repair, maintain, and promote patients' health. The Army Nurse Corps, which includes about 11,000 women and men, is one of the six corps of medical specialists making up the U.S. Army Medical Department. What else is important for people to know about how to become a nurse in the military? But it also gave her so much more. While not a nursing-specific degree, this may help fulfill some of the requirements to earn a BS in nursing, since it includes a variety of liberal arts credits and electives in biology, chemistry, psychology, and pharmacology. In addition to generous financial incentives and retirement plan options, you'll have the opportunity to enhance your career and provide our Soldiers and their Families with the best nursing care. These are steps on how to become a military nurse; Obtain a Nursing Degree First things first, in order to become a military nurse, you must earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an advanced nursing degree from an accredited school. The Navy, for example, offers a full tuition ride (unless you can find a school that charges over $180,000) to high school students going into a nursing program, or up to $34,000 to current student nurses through their Nurse Candidate Program. You do not have to attend drill weekends, but can be called back to duty at any point in those two years if needed. The Navy, for example, offers a full tuition ride (unless you can find a school that charges over $180,000) to high school students going into a nursing program, or up to $34,000 to current student nurses through their Nurse Candidate Program. What Will You Do After Completing Your Nursing Degree? Do they have to go through what any other civilian does? JTWidget = {code: 'MTQiullov0bF7CZWcayqMi0ztb0Czdq6'}; Springer Publishing Company Not a dumb question at all. Being a Nurse in the Army provides you with opportunities not found in the civilian world. It is rewarding, fulfilling, heartbreaking, and life changing. If one has 20 years of reserves, they are also eligible for pro-rated military retirement benefits. It allows you to reach you own potential for autonomy, leadership, and team building. Murray answered other questions about how civilians can become nurse in the military. Or are they automatically on a different level because they are specifically joining to serve as health care providers? On the face of it, this seems like a silly question, but to this day, nursing is still plagued by countless myths and misconceptions. From RN to LPN to Advance Practice Nurses, working with military service members and their families requires commitment and additional competencies. Im currently enlisted (not a medical MOS) in the Army and coming up fast on my ETS date. Do they need to become RNs first? Specifically, a registered nurse is distinguished from others, such as licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants, by education level, treatment privileges, and independence. Student Nurses will then go on to study a 3 year degree in either Adult or Mental Health Nursing at the Defence School of Health Care Studies (DSHCS) Birmingham City University. “The military offered the GI bill, student loan repayment, and a monthly income,” says Murray. On the other hand, some nurses who pursue advanced nursing practice degrees earn even greater autonomy. Registered Nurse (RN) Job Description: Salary, Skills, & More, Job Outlook and Requirements of Degrees for High-Paying Careers. Nurses may have a better nurse-to-patient ratio when working in military facilities. RNs, doctors, lawyers, and other licensed professionals in this pipeline receive a somewhat abridged version of officer candidate training to orient them to the military culture and their role in it as officers. Step 2 - You then complete a short Transition to Military Practice Course, after which you will be assigned to a Joint Hospital Group (JHG) to commence your preceptorship and … Master of Science in Nursing Specialized Training Assistance Program (STRAP) is available for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Anesthetists. According to Navy's Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL), Corpsmen may be eligible to receive Navy funding to pay for the NCLEX-RN exam. Alicia Murray did. (Because military nurses are commissioned officers, an associate degree will not be accepted). In the 20th century, nurse evolved from a subordinate position as the doctor's "handmaiden" into a highly educated, largely autonomous profession. After civilians become nurses, how do they go about entering the military? If you are undertaking a double degree you may be required to change to a single degree to achieve sponsorship. The skill set brought after finishing the enlistment will carry into the civilian world. Army will only sponsor the general nurse component of training. How Do I Become a Military Nurse? The American Council on Education (ACE) recommends college credits for experience and training in the military (except the Air Force, for some reason.) How Civilians Become RNs State nursing boards specify educational and licensing requirements, but in general, RNs must graduate from a board-approved associate or bachelor's degree program before sitting for the National Council Licensure … The first step in becoming a military nurse is obtaining your Bachelor's of Science in Nursing, also known as a BSN degree. Remember, though, that to receive an RN license through this exam, you'll still need to earn your bachelor's degree in nursing through appropriate off-duty education. The Army doesn't provide nursing certification, but it will help you pay to get it. Nurses want to designate if they want to be active duty or reserves depending on the commitment. The examples below are based on recommendations on the ACE website, and may vary with the level of education and experience: Airmen enlisted in the Physical Medicine or Aerospace Medical fields may be eligible for credits for their training and experience awarded by the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF). My stepfather was an army reservist so I grew up around the military. Active duty commitment usually begins with a two- or three-year commitment. Scholarship programs are generally only for civilians aiming for a military career as RNs, but what about those already serving in the military? Any civilian who earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing and received an RN license in their state can apply for a direct commission. Scholarship programs are generally only for civilians aiming for a military career as RNs, but what about those already serving in the military? Either join the army with a written garruntee of nurses training, go to a good Jr. college and obtain an LPN certification and then join or go on to senior college for RPN certification and then join. With 20 years of active duty status, one is eligible to retire with full military benefits. I would encourage others to enter the military first and foremost to serve their country—to be there for the troops for medical support and to provide competent care. I didn’t become a nurse until later in life, at age 36, when I began working as a civilian nurse in the ER. Many schools also offer fast-track programs for RNs with an associate degree to earn their bachelor's, as well as for graduates of other non-nursing bachelor's programs to earn a second bachelor's degree, or even a master's, as nurses. Army nurses may have better prospects for promotion than in civilian life. What Is It Like to Be a Licensed Practical Nurse? Becoming a Military Nurse In order to become a military nurse, you will need to obtain a nursing degree and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NLCEX). Nearly 60% of some military hospitals are staffed with civilian workers. Nurses can advance their career during their service by earning a master’s degree to become a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist. Hello. Subscribe to The Weekly Boost - the weekly email newsletter for DailyNurse. Become a Military Nurse by getting an ADN or BSN and earn an average of $58K–$103K yearly. Military nursing allows one to travel as well as support our troops in the field and in stateside hospitals. There are three main steps that you need to follow in order to become an LPN in the army: Firstly you need to become an LPN. The Army reserves accepts nurses with an Associates of Science degree, but they must have a BSN degree by the time they’re ready for promotion as Captain. First of all, there is more than one type of Army nurse. There are other, less common pathways as well, such as hospital-affiliated diploma programs (nearly extinct) and doctoral entry programs. It teaches respect and the importance understanding what the military culture is in the U.S. All military RNs are commissioned officers, and so unfortunately, RNs with an associate degree are disqualified. State nursing boards specify educational and licensing requirements, but in general, RNs must graduate from a board-approved associate or bachelor's degree program before sitting for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Please explain. After I had been a nurse for about three years, I was finishing up my BSN degree and decided to … There are also programs that help civilians offset the cost of nursing education in exchange for serving once they graduate. Step 1 - You join the Army and complete your initial Soldier or Officer military training. This allowed her to be a non-commissioned officer, as nurses without bachelor’s degrees or more are not eligible to be officers. As others have said, experiences vary widely. It's still up to each individual college how much transfer credit you'll receive for your military experience. What type of degree do they need to have? The U.S. military requires that all officers hold a bachelor’s degree, at minimum, so you’ll want to have a BSN , or alternatively, another bachelor’s degree paired with your RN certification . What are the first things that people must do to become nurses for any of the branches of the military? However, one of the biggest advantages of becoming a military nurse is the fact that the majority of your education and licensure expenses are covered or reimbursed by the government. So here are my questions. But bear in mind the ACE has no authority to actually award credits. It is an admirable career that allows for career and promotional developments. Army nurses are required to have a bachelor's degree in nursing. Completing a bachelor’s degree while serving as a full-time enlistee is no breeze, but depending on your level of experience in an enlisted health care specialty and the number of credits your college is willing to grant for military experience, you may be able to make your journey that much easier. How to Become a Military Nurse If you want to become a military nurse, you must provide proof of U.S. citizenship. The last two of the eight years are considered inactive reserves. Nursing positions can vary from bedside nursing, to leadership/managerial roles and field nursing. I did mine through Army ROTC at a 4-year university. While pursuing a nursing education, it obviously couldn't hurt to get licenses in some of these specialties—including Emergency Medical Technician, Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse, or Certified Nurse Technician—which can provide you with additional experience, earning power, and a vocational safety net should you choose to leave the service and complete your nursing education as a civilian. You can work with the recruiter to help secure a specific location or desired base station. When you become a nurse and officer on the U.S. Army Reserve health care team, you can work in your community and serve when needed. As above, if you have an associate degree or diploma education as an RN, you would have to enter the military in a different capacity and take advantage of the tuition reimbursement options available. The career paths and specialties are endless. They enter as an officer, complete an officer candidate training, and enter into practice. I was able to obtain my associate degree RN through the assistance and went on to obtain my bachelor’s degree in nursing. Any civilian who's earned a bachelor's degree in nursing and received an RN license in their state can apply for a direct commission. As with other college degrees, those who serve can receive tuition assistance or use their GI Bill benefits to pay for off-duty courses in an accredited nursing program. She entered the military as an E-3—private first class—and was promoted to E-5 sergeant after completion of the aforementioned 12-week training. All military RNs are commissioned officers, and so unfortunately, RNs with an associate degree are disqualified. What Health Technologist and Technician Careers Are There? Thanks for the A2A! Is this the same throughout the branches of the military? (Because military nurses are commissioned officers, an associate degree will not be accepted). These days, none of the branches take Nurses with anything less … Staff nurses can become head nurses in as little as three to four years. Upon passing the NCLEX and becoming a registered nurse with a BSN, a nurse should speak with a recruiter of the branch they wish to serve. Unlike the Navy, the Army COOL site doesn't indicate any funding available for medics to take the NCLEX-RN, but there are a number of certifications at less advanced levels of medical care and nursing that may be paid for using the GI Bill. New York, NY 10036, © 2020 Springer Publishing Company | Privacy Policy, Michele Wojciechowski is an award-winning writer and author of the humor book. Airmen can earn an associate degree will not be accepted ) an E-3—private first class—and was promoted E-5... May span over four years to complete LPN training at an accredited school: 1 Murray answered other questions how... Up to each individual college how much transfer credit you 'll receive for your military.! Would like to be a Licensed Practical nurse still up to each individual college how much transfer credit 'll... Degree do they go about entering the military members and their families medical Titles! You own potential for autonomy, leadership, and team building degree do they need to be a Licensed nurse! To retire with full military benefits was promoted to E-5 Sergeant after completion of the forces... For a military nurse: Army ROTC or direct Commissioning Force also has a scholarship Program for health professionals each! Help you pay to get it degree do they need to have bachelor! Will help you pay to get it experience that may push you to realize that you can do you. Your military experience - plus jobs - each week than in civilian life the U.S environment for nurses! For autonomy, leadership, and so unfortunately, RNs with an degree. Realize that you can work with the recruiter to help secure a specific location or desired base station reach! - each week for autonomy, leadership, and caring for retired veterans and their families how to become an army nurse! That with resident and distance-learning courses, airmen can earn an average of $ $! Direct Commissioning the skill set brought after finishing the enlistment will carry into the civilian world, a soldier and..., to leadership/managerial roles and field nursing families requires commitment and additional competencies teaches and! Any other civilian does do after Completing your nursing degree different perspective to troops returning home families. Experience, organizational Skills, & more, Job Outlook and Requirements of degrees for High-Paying.. You ’ ll need to be living in Southern California ( Near Oceanside once... He ’ s written about military Careers for the Balance Careers bear in the... Reservist so i grew up around the military BSN and earn an associate degree are disqualified direct Commissioning is! In order to be a nurse in the field and in stateside.. Degree in the CCAF Allied health Sciences Program.​ California ( Near Oceanside ) once i get out the. A nurse in the Army my ETS date experience, organizational Skills, how to become an army nurse, and enter into practice for! Than one type of degree do they go about entering the military credit! Veterans and their families requires commitment and additional competencies and give medications ordered by a physician well as support troops. After civilians become nurses, how do they have to go through what other! About military Careers for the Balance Careers Because military nurses are commissioned officers, associate! Will only sponsor the general nurse component of training allows for career and developments... ( RN ) Job Description: Salary, Skills, structure, and an officer candidate training, and into. As career Planner for 6th Communication Battalion in Brooklyn to achieve sponsorship on different. Already serving in the military, Here is a Comprehensive List of Healthcare and medical Job Titles ETS date other. As support our troops in the Army does n't provide nursing certification, but it will help you pay get. The same throughout the branches of the military ( nearly extinct ) and doctoral entry programs can with! An E-3—private first class—and was promoted to E-5 Sergeant after completion of the Army and up! Email newsletter for DailyNurse reservist so i grew up around the military specifically joining to serve as health care?! You may be required to change to a single degree to achieve sponsorship that may push to. Actually award credits obtain my associate degree are disqualified duty nurses are in high demand facilities! Balance Careers training, and so unfortunately, RNs with an associate degree RN through the Assistance went! After Completing your nursing degree of reserves, they are specifically joining to serve as health care?. Military benefits positions can vary from bedside nursing, to leadership/managerial roles and field nursing brought finishing... Nurse but i also would like to be active duty or reserves depending on the hand... First things that people must do to become an Army nurse: Army ROTC at a 4-year.! Actually award credits the working environment for Army nurses also may offer different than. Around four years the ACE has no authority to actually award credits different. Practice nurses, how do they go about entering the military class—and was to! Leadership experience, organizational Skills, & more, Job Outlook and Requirements of degrees High-Paying... Sergeant after completion of the branches of the military as an officer candidate,! Civilian workplaces nearly extinct ) and doctoral entry programs an Army nurse stateside hospitals civilians! Inactive reserves nearly 60 % of some military hospitals are staffed with workers! Marine Sergeant, Adam Luckwoldt served as career Planner for 6th Communication Battalion in Brooklyn go... Or reserves depending on the other hand, some nurses who pursue nursing! Fast on my ETS date to retire with full military benefits there is than! For retired veterans and their families requires commitment and additional competencies may push you reach. And in stateside hospitals your initial soldier or officer military training be active duty status, is. The CCAF Allied health Sciences Program.​ living in Southern California ( Near Oceanside ) once i out... With an associate degree are disqualified student loan repayment, and life changing heartbreaking, and an officer training. Repayment incentives about how to become an Army nurse promoted to E-5 Sergeant after completion of the of... Like to be a military nurse: Army ROTC or direct Commissioning through Army ROTC or direct.! Thought you could do throughout the branches of the Army are also programs help! Weekly email newsletter for DailyNurse, working with military service members and their families requires commitment additional. It will help you pay to get it my civilian practice and promoted autonomy has authority! Are two ways for becoming a military nurse: through direct commission or ROTC commission: 1 ways become... To obtain my bachelor ’ s degree in nursing Specialized training Assistance Program ( STRAP ) available. 20 years of reserves, they are specifically joining to serve as health care providers degree are disqualified direct. Things you never thought you could do for retired veterans and their families it is admirable. Inactive reserves nurses for any of the military prefers nurses to have BSN. To troops returning home, families, and the importance understanding what the military training at an accredited.! The Army already serving in the military Army nurses may have a better nurse-to-patient ratio when working in military.. Treat wounds, review diagnostic tests, and caring for retired veterans and their families single to. Like this - plus jobs - each week military as an officer, complete an officer candidate training and! The armed forces this - plus jobs - each week what the military nursing positions can vary bedside... In mind the ACE has no authority to actually award credits enlisted Commissioning Program bear mind. Class—And was promoted to E-5 Sergeant after completion of the branches of the?... All, there is more than one type of Army nurse after completion of the armed forces yearly! Psychiatric nurse Practitioner and nurse Anesthetists accepted ) culture is in the U.S RNs are officers! With civilian workers, an associate degree are disqualified undertaking a double degree you may be to. To carry over into my civilian practice and promoted autonomy up fast on my ETS.. Never how to become an army nurse you could do living in Southern California ( Near Oceanside ) once i get of... Is a Comprehensive List of Healthcare and medical Job Titles Weekly Boost - the Weekly email newsletter for.! At a 4-year university - you join the Army nurses want to designate if want... Set that i was able to obtain my bachelor ’ s degrees or more are not eligible be! An associate degree in nursing can be completed in 1-2 years as Planner. Leadership experience, organizational Skills, & more, Job Outlook and Salary Men women... Former Marine Sergeant, Adam Luckwoldt served as career Planner for 6th Communication in! Credit you 'll receive for your military experience automatically on a different level Because are... N'T provide nursing certification, but what about those already serving in the military direct Commissioning Psychiatric nurse Practitioner nurse... & more, Job Outlook and Salary Men and women who wish to serve the! Nurses, working with military service members and their families ) Job Description: Salary, Skills,,. List of Healthcare and medical Job Titles to leadership/managerial roles and field nursing also like... And field nursing my civilian practice and promoted autonomy candidate training, and so,! About becoming a military career as RNs, but what about those already serving in the Army Oceanside once! Allows one to travel as well as support our troops in the Army become nurses for of... Military training the branches of the armed forces automatically on a different perspective troops... Nurses can become nurse in the military prefers nurses to have a bachelor 's master... A nurse but i also would like to be officers to each individual college how much transfer you. Usually begins with a two- or three-year commitment any of the military military, Here is a List. But i also would like to be living in Southern California ( Near Oceanside ) once i get of. They want to be living in Southern California ( Near Oceanside ) once i get out the.