Active Duty Military Seeking Career Advice

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I'm in need of future career counseling. Currently I am an active duty Coastguardsmen; deployed 8-10 months out of the year. So far I've found it confusing researching on the best path to choose.

My Goal-To become elligible for a BSN program in 2 years

My Problem-The next 2 years I will be deployed 8-10 months per year

I've looked into online schooling and it seems impossible to receive an Associates in Nursing 100% online. Due to the hands on schooling procedures. Which I understand. So my thought process was looking into Associates in Applied Sciences degrees. I found one on AMU (American Militray University). It is 100% online and it is an Associates in Applied Sciences in Health Sciences. Which I imagine correlates well to nursing.

The issue I keep coming across is I'm finding RN-BSN programs. Does this mean I have to become a registered nurse before I can apply to a Bachelor's in Nursing program? Or would an Associates in Applied Science degree hold enough weight to apply? Or is it possible to to apply for a BSN with 0 schooling?

Any useful information would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

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Specializes in Adult Critical Care.

That's not a realistic goal.

It is impossible to become an RN totally online. You can earn a BSN online after completing a lower program that qualifies you to sit for the NCLEX-RN (like a diploma or ADN); all those lower programs still require clinical rotations.

You can't become an RN while deployed. Any accredited nursing program (BSN or ADN or diploma) will require over 1000 in-person, structured (qualified nursing instructor) clinical hours (hundreds per semester). I know the AF has (I think the navy does too) a commissioning program that enables enlisted members to go back to school full-time with pay. You might look into that program or separate and use the GI bill.

The best you can hope for during your deployment is finishing the pre-req classes.

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Coast2coast,

Is getting an "early out" an option for you? I was able to separate early, earn my ADN, and I'm now in an online BSN program waiting to commission into the Navy Nurse Corps through the NCP.

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Specializes in ER, ICU.
That's not a realistic goal.

It is impossible to become an RN totally online.

Not entirely true! I hope you work in medical because this might give you a chance. See page 20...

https://my.excelsior.edu/documents/36244/250914/Nursing_Catalog_09_14/9c12d9a6-1fea-473a-a4c9-0e8c66f2b547

It is ALMOST impossible. Excelsior College has a program for select medical professionals like paramedics and others (this was my route). It is not 100% online, you need to do some testing in person at the end.

If you don't work in medical, you will need to go to a brick and mortar nursing school. Many schools have prerequisites which you can complete online. You could plan to separate and the end of your enlistment, then go back in after nursing school if you want. Good luck and thanks for your service.

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It is possible to apply to BSN schools with zero previous education. That's how I (and many traditional college students) did it.

However, as the first PP indicated, you will need to be in the US in a stable living environment (see: not deployed) for several years in order to obtain your nursing degree, especially as any accredited/reputable education must include clinical time.

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You can start taking your prerequisite courses, which usually takes 2 years. Most of the courses you can take online, ie, English, art, math, communication, political science, etc. I would suggest you receive an associate in arts or science at a community college or you can go to a university of your choice and complete the first two years and apply to their nursing program for the next two years. But you have to take 2 Chemistry, 2 Anatomy and 1 microbiology in a class room settings due to the lab class required for the course. You can take those over summer or take those in 8 weeks, if the college you choose, offers it during those times. Then when you're finish with those course apply to a BSN nursing program, which is completed in 2 years. I did it this way and I'm currently in an ADN program. I chose this route because it's cheaper. It is possible, but only with hard work and dedication. Good luck with your future endeavors.

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Specializes in ER, ICU.
...as any accredited/reputable education must include clinical time.

As I already noted, this is not true. Excelsior is accredited and reputable. If your service job is corpsman, for example, you might qualify for the Excelsior program, with no clinical time. There is a clinical exam at the end (which is very hard BTW), but the program recognizes patient care time in your job. I agree that trying to study and take exams while deployed will be challenging. I think it depends on your desire and ambition.

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Specializes in Adult Critical Care.

Interesting solution/take, but he's Coast Guard. His primary job can't be medical. The Navy provides all the medical care for the marines and Coast Guard.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
Interesting solution/take, but he's Coast Guard. His primary job can't be medical. The Navy provides all the medical care for the marines and Coast Guard.

False. HS | United States Coast Guard

Also, the USPHS provides many health services to the USCG.

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Specializes in Adult Critical Care.

Ok, I stand corrected.

Anyway, I think the take home point here is that becoming an RN within 2 years while deployed might as well be impossible for how feasible it is. Find a plan B.

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Specializes in ER, ICU.
Interesting solution/take, but he's Coast Guard. His primary job can't be medical. The Navy provides all the medical care for the marines and Coast Guard.

I did not know that. I does narrow his options, thanks.

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

I just check the Coast Guard web site and they have enlisted HN's which is like the Navy's HM's. Officer medical is provided by the USPHS.

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