The USAF is now taking direct civilian to SRNA applicants

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I'm tagging myself in this thread because I am interested. Graduating BSN student here in December.

as1013

20 Posts

Wtbcrna,

I've attempted to contact Lt Col Todd about the direct accession program, but I have not heard a response yet so I will pose my questions to you.

My background is as follows: I have a cumulative GPA of 3.3, science GPA of 3.7, and BSN GPA of 3.81. I will take the GRE in April and biochemistry soon after. My ADSC ends Aug 18, but I'll either attempt to gain civilian ICU experience by moonlighting or leaving the USAF (palace chase Apr 17). If I get out, my plan is to apply to USUHS for direct commissioning.

1. Although one year of critical care experience is required, how many years are preferred or averaged by accepted students?

2. Can you elaborate more on a typical range of GPAs and GRE scores of accepted students?

3. Do civilians compete in the same capacity for the direct entry/commissioning programs as active duty applicants, or is it more/less competitive? Additionally, do prior service civilian applicants have more of an affinity to return in their previous branch of service if they prefer?

4. The AY15 PSDM highly recommends the CPAN, CEN, or CCRN certifications. Does one hold more merit than the other, especially due to the critical care requirements new definition?

5. Through the USAF and AFIT, I'd be looking at a minimum of 7 years before I could begin nurse anesthesia school. Do you have any additional insight or suggestions to how I can begin sooner?

By the way, I'm in the APU at JBER. I met one of your fellow co-workers and USUHS classmates. The anesthesia providers there are great and they're always willing to help.

allnurses Guide

wtbcrna, MSN, DNP, CRNA

5,125 Posts

Specializes in Anesthesia.
Wtbcrna,

I've attempted to contact Lt Col Todd about the direct accession program, but I have not heard a response yet so I will pose my questions to you.

My background is as follows: I have a cumulative GPA of 3.3, science GPA of 3.7, and BSN GPA of 3.81. I will take the GRE in April and biochemistry soon after. My ADSC ends Aug 18, but I'll either attempt to gain civilian ICU experience by moonlighting or leaving the USAF (palace chase Apr 17). If I get out, my plan is to apply to USUHS for direct commissioning.

1. Although one year of critical care experience is required, how many years are preferred or averaged by accepted students?

2. Can you elaborate more on a typical range of GPAs and GRE scores of accepted students?

3. Do civilians compete in the same capacity for the direct entry/commissioning programs as active duty applicants, or is it more/less competitive? Additionally, do prior service civilian applicants have more of an affinity to return in their previous branch of service if they prefer?

4. The AY15 PSDM highly recommends the CPAN, CEN, or CCRN certifications. Does one hold more merit than the other, especially due to the critical care requirements new definition?

5. Through the USAF and AFIT, I'd be looking at a minimum of 7 years before I could begin nurse anesthesia school. Do you have any additional insight or suggestions to how I can begin sooner?

By the way, I'm in the APU at JBER. I met one of your fellow co-workers and USUHS classmates. The anesthesia providers there are great and they're always willing to help.

1. LtCol Alan is retiring. His replacement is LtCol Katherine Alguire. She is in global and should be easy to find. You will need to contact an Health Services recruiter to get the exact details on the program, and they will have to do some research on it since it is new program.

2. Your GPA is competitive, and I wouldn't worry about that although your cumulative GPA is a little low.

3. Most applicants are going to have 3-5 years of ICU experience by the time they start NA school. I recommend applying after completing 1 year of ICU experience.

4. I don't know if you would be more or less competitive than other civilian applicants.

5. You should focus on getting your CCRN.

6. The quickest method would probably be to get out gain civilian ICU experience and do HPSP through a civilian NA program.

If any of this sounds off or crazy I am still doped up from my ankle surgery today.

afrn2014

1 Post

As1013, I am in a similar position as you are/were in this post in both career interests and base too. You mentioned palace chasing. Were you allowed to do so? Any info you have would be appreciated. I really want to get back to the civilian world and back in to an ICU. I worked in one for several months before joining, but not long enough for th AF to care. Thanks!

as1013

20 Posts

A member can apply for palace chase 6mos before DEROS with separation date equal to DEROS (if DOS and DEROS are different); apply 1 yr out if DEROS and DOS are the same (member would separate 6mos before this date).

I haven't applied yet, I'm still trying to decide on how I want to move forward. Where do you work?

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