[MaleRNstudent21]

Any of you guys went through the navy and work as a Hospital Corpsman while going to school for nursing? I was just wondering if it was possible? Or would it be best to get your BSN before joining the Navy or any service?

[guerrierdelion]

Hypothetically, if one were to join the Navy as a Hospital Corpsman, one has many options to exercise. You could conceivably challenge the LVN/LPN NCLEX depending on if you have already fulfilled your Hospital time working on the Nursing Ward/Floors-hopefully it hasn't changed-it was 1 year, it could be as little as 6 months now. (If that is how they still allow you to fulfill that prerequisite). If you passed the LVN/LPN NCLEX, you have the option of either 1) staying in as a Hospital Corpsman, taking as many classes as possible until your enlistment is up & then getting out 2) with your valuable Montgomery G.I. Bill in your possession, having the option to work as an LVN/LPN while taking classes, &/or 3) depending upon whether you have been accepted into a BSN program, do that full-time (BSN program), depending upon what your financial situation is and how your grades are holding up (Whether to work part-time or not). You could then come back to the Navy, Air Force, or Army after you finish your BSN and pass the NCLEX-If that is your heart's desire-to become a Navy Nurse Corps Officer.
Another consideration is the roll of the dice of where you will be stationed as an enlisted military member. Specifically, will your assigned duty station have the schools or the ability for you to take the necessary classes you need to satisfy your Nursing education requirements?(be they prerequisite or actual BSN program) Keep in mind Hospital Corps Personnel can be either blue side (stationed on big gray metal things that float on the ocean or shore/land based) or green side (stationed with highly motivated, testosterone pumped Marines). You could be haze gray away on the 7 seas or with your squad in EAR RAQ (not EYE RAQ). It is a big decision on whether to enlist or not.
Another option is to go reserves instead of active duty.
Best wishes on whatever you decide to do. The G.I. Bill is a factor and can help out immeasurably in terms of the financial picture. Cruising the web I found these numbers:The maximum monthly rate for full-time students at approved schools is $1,034, for a total benefit of $37,224.
Buy Up program, increases the monthly full-time rate you are eligible to receive by $150 if you contribute the maximum $600worth an additional $5,400 in benefits.
37,224 + 5,400 = $42,624
For college students and graduates who qualify for the Loan Repayment Program (LRP), the Navy will pay for up to $65,000 of loans acquired from a post–secondary education.