Civilian CRNA program into Military CRNA

Specialties Government

Published

First and foremost, thank you to anyone who responds with any helpful hints or points. I have looked at many Military CRNA threads here and most seem either over 5 years old or don't quite cover the area my questions lean toward. so with that...

I am 27 years old and have been a nurse for 5 years, and have been in the SICU all 5 years. I have been accepted to a civilian CRNA DNP program and will begin school in January. My question is...is it possible at any point during my program to talk to a recruiter about tuition assistance? My program is all in all going to cost about $100K. Speaking with a recruiter became an idea only after looking at student loans and realizing I am going to be pinching pennies for the next 3 years. I was just curious if anyone has any information about whether or not any branches of the military can assist you while currently in a civilian CRNA program? I'm not married and don't have kids so the thought of the military "owning me" doesn't really bother me. Also if anyone has any opinions on which branch has the better offer for new CRNAs, i would love to hear that as well.

Again thank you for any and all responses!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Hello

Welcome to allnurses.com

Others will come along and help you with your questions. I just wanted to say hello and hope you enjoy the site.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I haven't heard of anyone commissioning as a CRNA as a direct commission, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen. The Army tends to "grow it's own" CRNAs via the USAGPAN program, which is very competitive. In this time of drawdown and belt-tightening, school loan reimbursement will be more difficult to obtain. But if you don't ask, the answer will always be no! Have you contacted a healthcare recruiter?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Adult Critical Care.

From an AF prospective, we do direct commission both experienced and new grad DNP-trained NPs and DNP-trained CRNAs. I certainly saw them during my initial training. You typically enter as an O-3 (Capt); I haven't personally heard of anybody entering the nurse corps as an O-4.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER/ICU/STICU.

Yes, there are a couple of different programs. There is the HPSP (health professional scholarship program) which will pay tuition, fees, books, and a monthly stipend of $2100/month for two years in exchange for 3 years active duty. There is also the STRAP program which gives financial assistance in exchange for a payback in the Reserve.

Both of these programs are subjected to availability and budget. I can tell you personally it will take over 6 months for the HPSP to apply and finally getting commissioned. I ended up getting just under $100k for the 2 years I was in the program.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

The STRAP mission for 2015 is greatly reduced, according to a couple of Reserves recruiters I met with in anticipation of leaving active duty this coming year. Doesn't mean it's not on the table, but the dollars are dwindling.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, ICU.
From an AF prospective, we do direct commission both experienced and new grad DNP-trained NPs and DNP-trained CRNAs. I certainly saw them during my initial training. You typically enter as an O-3 (Capt); I haven't personally heard of anybody entering the nurse corps as an O-4.

Long term nurses can enter as O4.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Adult Critical Care.

I guess they can from a hypothetical standpoint. I don't think it's very feasible though. Based on the 50% credit deal I got, one would need some combo of a masters/doctorate and roughly 12-16 years of experience. That would put you at 38 years old at least...42 is tops.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

thanks for all the feedback! i have not contacted a healthcare recruiter yet, i was hoping to get some info and research first so i would know a little bit more to ask better questions with the recruiter. would it be safe to assume that going into a recruiter office is the way to get in touch with a healthcare recruiter?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Adult Critical Care.

Your typical recruiter in a strip mall doesn't recruit officers. You need to find a healthcare recruiter; there is usually only one of these offices per region. Here is an AF link.

Contact Us: Find a Recruiter - airforce.com (choose healthcare)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment