Army Nurse Candidate Program??

Trey749 · May 1, 2008

I'm doing the ancp program as well, ive also been through all the branches and the army definately has the most to offer, especially if you plan on going to grad school like i am(anesthesia) and they will pay your salary as a nurse while youre in school + plus pay for grad school ...didnt know if you knew that already but wanted to throw it out there. my friend just finished nursing school and is leaving for officer training and working at walter reed in DC, he says hes never been screwed over..sooo let me know how you progress!!

Renee4christ · May 1, 2008

hey, i messaged you!!

lifeafter40 · Jun 21, 2008

hi everyone, i'm renee and i am almost 98% sure that i will be starting the process to join the ancp within the next couple of weeks. i spoke with a healthcare recruiter and even had the greatest opportunity to speak to the "nurse" in person that is in charge of the nursing dept in my area who has served for almost 20 years. i was really blown away when i first spoke to the recruiter about all the incentives in joining ancp, but was really impressed when i spoke to the nurse and got to hear her experiences in the army and how she felt about my decisions. she even went into the good and bad and didn't seem to sugarcoat anything. i wanted to talk to the navy and see what they had to offer, and they seem to have a great branch, but their program does not offer as much as the army. i was even told by them today that there is no loan repayment with the program (even with active duty), whereas the army will pay up to $114k for active duty, plus the sign on bonus, along with the stipend.. so my decision was pretty much made there. i'm still waiting on hearing from the air force recruiter to hear what they have going on.. with all that being said, i just wanted to meet and talk with anyone else who is considering the army nurse candidate program and maybe we can keep in touch on our decisions... i'm a little nervous and scared about the whole army thing, but i have a nudge that's telling me to do it.... talk to you all soon... let me know what's going on with you and your process:d

hi, i just wanted to see if i could get some clarification on this... i was under the impression from my recruiter that if you entered the ancp and received the stipend, that you would not be eligible to also receive the loan repayment option... is this true?

s

Rme4life · Jun 22, 2008

you are correct. if you sign the ancp you will be excluded from the loan replayment program. and trust me, the army will hold you to this little clause. i did the ancp from 05-07 and came on active duty. as soon as i started at oblc i started asking about this because i was given conflicting information. this is when i found out that i was not eligible for loan repayment, even though direct commission can get it.

lifeafter40 · Jun 23, 2008

you are correct. if you sign the ancp you will be excluded from the loan replayment program. and trust me, the army will hold you to this little clause. i did the ancp from 05-07 and came on active duty. as soon as i started at oblc i started asking about this because i was given conflicting information. this is when i found out that i was not eligible for loan repayment, even though direct commission can get it.

Thanks for your response! The ANCP money would help a lot while I am in school, but I will still end up with quite a lump of loans... I will probably wait and take the LRP. (although I guess I will still have to come up with 33% of that amount too) :no:

Will the LRP pay for any of my private loans also?

So many decisions!

Thanks

S

Renee4christ · Jun 23, 2008

i'm so glad that you are have gotten clarification on the ancp.. my recruiter failed to inform me of what i eventually found out after posting this. you guys are awesome!

lifeafter40 · Aug 10, 2009

Due to recent changes in my spouse's working situation, I am now thinking that i may end up needing to go with the Nurse Candidate Program for the added cash flow while I finish my BSN... But I have a few questions perhaps some of you can answer...

I understand that I can receive up to 24 months of stipend with the NCP, and would like to make maximum use of the benefit.... SO:

1: Is the application process as long and drawn out as it seems the commissioning process is? Does it entail the full packet as if I were commissioning (ie. security Background check, physical) How early can I start the application process for the NCP?

2: I am starting my Sophomore year this month and graduate May, 2012, so should I apply soon in order to be accepted into the program by the beginning of my Junior year (Aug 2010)?

3: it is my understanding that, while in the NCP, I will be entered "in the system" as an E-4 for tracking purposes (I will be contracted, and should I not pass my boards, would be enlisted into the Army as an E-4)...I am sure this time will not count toward retirement, but what about TIS for pay purposes (like IRR time)?

4: Does acceptance into the NCP guarontee a comissioning into the ANC (assuming I pass the Boards)? It would be nice for some peace of mind in that respect, knowing I have a job waiting on me when i graduate.

I am still hoping to be able to hold out for the Student Loan Repayment, but I need to really revisit this possibility. Any and all advice/information will be greatly appreciated.

LA40

P.S. yes... I am still here...lol

lifeafter40 · Aug 14, 2009

Bump...

superkool · May 7, 2010

Hey lifeafter40, did you ever get answers to your questions and did you decide on the Nurse candidate program. I am looking into but I seem to get the run around from my local recruiting office.

just_cause, BSN, RN · May 7, 2010

LA40 - the submission for NCP will essentially be everything - think of it as an advance contract on commissioning. Yes on physical, security, etc. As graduation comes closer its likely you have another physical, not 100% on this particular but you will need one to go up with packet - physical is one of the biggest disqualifiers so they are going to make sure you are good to go for your sake and the Army's.

I would start applying soon so you can partake in both junior and senior year.... worst case scenario you don't get accepted until x months into junior year.. overall small in the scheme of things but key is to get 'in the program' and you are right to maximize it by starting it at beginning of junior year. Yes acceptance will provide you a commissioned slot assuming you pass nclex, no criminal changes, physical status changes etc.. essentially a guarantee provided you uphold your side of the bargain - be a good health student and pass that nclex after graduation.

Your time in candidate program should count toward IRR but not towards retirement as you stated below. I'm not sure on this programs obligation should you fail nclex.. my 'guess' is you pay back money... but not obligated to serve as specialist... that will be within the gobs of paperwork you get When you talk to recruiter the NCP contract should have that inside of it.

Due to recent changes in my spouse's working situation, I am now thinking that i may end up needing to go with the Nurse Candidate Program for the added cash flow while I finish my BSN... But I have a few questions perhaps some of you can answer...
I understand that I can receive up to 24 months of stipend with the NCP, and would like to make maximum use of the benefit.... SO:
1: Is the application process as long and drawn out as it seems the commissioning process is? Does it entail the full packet as if I were commissioning (ie. security Background check, physical) How early can I start the application process for the NCP?

2: I am starting my Sophomore year this month and graduate May, 2012, so should I apply soon in order to be accepted into the program by the beginning of my Junior year (Aug 2010)?

3: it is my understanding that, while in the NCP, I will be entered "in the system" as an E-4 for tracking purposes (I will be contracted, and should I not pass my boards, would be enlisted into the Army as an E-4)...I am sure this time will not count toward retirement, but what about TIS for pay purposes (like IRR time)?

4: Does acceptance into the NCP guarontee a comissioning into the ANC (assuming I pass the Boards)? It would be nice for some peace of mind in that respect, knowing I have a job waiting on me when i graduate.
I am still hoping to be able to hold out for the Student Loan Repayment, but I need to really revisit this possibility. Any and all advice/information will be greatly appreciated.
LA40
P.S. yes... I am still here...lol

lifeafter40 · May 9, 2010

Thanks for the response, and sorry for taking so long to update.

Basically, everything that Justcause stated is what i found out (finally) from my recruiter. I am still planning on going NCP, and have everything in my packet ready to go before the board. Problem: All inexperienced Rn positions have been filled for 2010 fiscal year. Due to this, my recruiter has not been too forthcoming as to the state of things, I am assuming because she does not know any more herself. I have been told that my packet will not be sent before the board now until October for entrance into NCP for next year. I will miss about two months of benefits for this reason, but I can handle that (assuming I get accepted at that time).

What bothers me is the fact that since 2010 slots were filled basically by the end of November 2009, an entire year worth of applicants are going to be trying for the few slots that open up in October. I am hoping that my prior service and solid GPA carry some weight in the selection process, but until then all I can do is cross my fingers and wait.

LA40