what do I have to do?

DocMattEB · Jun 3, 2016

Hi Katlynn! First, good luck this year!

I'm a Navy Hospital Corpsman (Enlisted Navy Medic) not a Nurse but I think I can help you out.

"Do I go to college and then enlist?"

NO!!! This happened to me and it's been a struggle to become a Nurse Corps Officer ever since. If you are accepted into a BSN program out of High School stay away from Enlisted Recruiters. You need to talk to a Healthcare Recruiter.

"Enlist right away?"

If you don't want/can't go to a nursing school out of high school, enlisting in the navy isn't a bad idea. I'd recommend enlisting as a Hospital Corpsman, in about 4-6 years can apply to an enlisted to nurse corps officer program. Again, if you can go to Nursing school sooner, do that.

"NROTC?"

If your college or one near by offers NROTC, yes it can definitely help.

"Enlisted to Nurse process"

This is what I'm doing now.

-You must be a Petty Officer 2nd Class (E-5) or above (this rank takes about 4 to 6 years to make if you enlist as a Seaman (E-1) which is what almost everyone comes in as.

-You have to have at lest 30 transferable undergraduate level credits.

-Apply and be accepted to a BSN program that you can complete within 36 months.

-Apply for and be accepted into the program itself (Medical Enlisted Commissioning Program MECP), which is very competitive. Just being accepted into a BSN program will not guarantee a spot in MECP.

"BSN MSN?"

You need to spend some time as a BSN before most programs will accept you into an MSN program. You can join the Navy as a BSN and the Navy will help you get your MSN and beyond. In fact, if you want to be competitive to pick up rank past Lieutenant you need to get your MSN.

"College with Navy Nursing Program?"

I'm unaware of any civilian colleges with something like this but I would recommend schools with a NROTC or ROTC program and a strong history of being supportive to Service Members.

Good Luck!!