AF or Navy Nursing RN-BSN

deftonez188 · May 23, 2012

The Navy required a CCNE accredited school for me, however I was able to attend an online (nursing classes only) program. I did however, have to take the other required coursework in class (thing like organic chem, etc).

JustADream · May 23, 2012

Thank you so much for the info. If you don't mind my asking, what year in your BSN program did you join the Navy? Did they just tell you that it needed to be CCNE accredited or did you just submit the paperwork with your school's info and found out later that you were approved?

I have bookmarked so much information over the past couple of years while I was in the ADN program and am now trying to start ironing out the details. I didn't want to contact the health professions recruiter formally until I had all of the information organized in my mind and hopefully with a BSN program already selected and/or started, too.

Thanks again!

JustADream · May 24, 2012

Just in case it helps anyone, I did finally find a few pages that state that the AF requires either CCNE or NLNAC accredation for BSN programs. For those considering AF or Navy and aren't sure which yet, CCNE is probably the accreditation to go with (since both branches accept it) from what I've been finding.

From some of the AF website pages: "Minimum Education Requirement: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Nursing from a school accredited by the NLN or CCNE"

Critical Care Nurse - airforce.com

Medical Surgical Nurse - airforce.com

I still haven't been able to find out if it can be an online only program (something like WGU) or if it has to be a brick-and-mortar school(?).

Thanks so much!

Sw88tpea, BSN · May 26, 2012

here is some generalized information from the navy nurse corps facebook page, hope it helps. i didn't go through the ncp program so i don't know too much about it:

[color=#333333]the nurse candidate program (ncp)

[color=#333333]financing education is no small matter! tuition, books, and supplies all add up to a hefty financial liability that can take years to overcome. the nurse candidate program provides a monthly stipend for [color=#333333]full time students in accredited bachelor of science nursing programs. students can enroll after their sophomore year and receive an initial grant of $10,000 (paid in two installments of $5000 each), plus $1000 a month for up to 24 months.

after graduation, participants join the navy nurse corps as an officer, with the opportunity to earn a competitive salary, regular promotions, comprehensive medical and dental coverage, low cost travel opportunities, excellent retirement and educational benefits, further training, and a rewarding clinical practice. additional benefits include 30 days of paid vacation a year, use of military recreational facilities around the world, the opportunity to serve around the world in a variety of facilities, and be a part of supportive team of highly trained professionals.

requirements for selection

you must be a u.s. citizen under the age of 40

(although age limits can be waived).

you must be able to meet the navy’s physical fitness standards.

you must be enrolled in an accredited educational program resulting in a bsn within 24 months of starting the program.

active duty service obligation

one to 12 months of participation in the ncp results in an active duty service obligation of 4 years.

thirteen to 24 months of participation in the ncp results in an active duty service obligation of 5 years.

how can you apply or learn more?

you can contact a recruiter at america's navy - a global force for good: navy.com (click on "find a recruiter" at the top of the page) or use the contact botton and we will assist you.

JustADream · May 26, 2012

Thanks so much for the info! I also contacted an AF recruiter this week to ask if online programs are acceptable for an RN-BSN program or if I have to attend a brick-and-mortar school.

Thanks again!