Air Force HPSP & Navy NCP questions

lifeafter40 · Jul 22, 2008

Hello all! Marc here....I've been browsing the site for a while and am impressed with the network here and that everyone is so helpful to help out and answer questions.
So...thought I would throw one out for ya. I'm 28 y/o and am going back to school for Nursing (I have a B.S. and M.S. already). My question is regarding the Air Force Health Professions Scholarship Program. I'm interested in this as my school offers an accelerated MSN program for students who have a degree in another field. Does anybody know if the AF HPSP will cover this and how the process works? I attempted to contact the USAF Nursing Recruiter for North Carolina and they seemed as if they did not want to speak with me or give me much information at all as soon as I told them I've not been accepted into the program as of yet as I'm still taking some pre-req courses. I'm looking at hopeful admission for Fall '09 Nursing program.
Welcome, Mark!
I'm considering Navy or the Air Force. I grew up in a Marine family (father did 30 years, Sgt. Maj.) and have always wanted to serve. Wife and I figured that if we're gonna do, we need to get the process going now while we are some what young and our son is as well (he's 2 y/o).
On another note, I contacted the Nursing recruiter for the Navy regarding the NCP and he was very helpful. What he told me seemed to line up with what I've read on here as far as the fiscal year starting in Oct. '08 and needing to begin the package then in order to lock in a slot for the NCP for the Fall '09. Also gave me information on the "Big 3" that we would most likely go afterwards.
Anyways, after the novel that I just wrote.....feel free to give any insight you may have to either the AF HPSP or the NCP.
Thanks!
Marc

Welcome, Marc!

Sounds like you are already on top of things, there will be others along shortly, I am sure, who can answer most of your questions. One thing to look into when considering bonus programs, is that if you are looking into a loan repayment program (not sure how that works for Navy/Air Force) you may not be able to include loans for your first degree, so be sure you get the straight scoop up front.

Good luck to,

S

The Little Greek · Jul 23, 2008

Hi there!

I think part of the issue with the AF recruiter not wanting to go into too much detail is because the AF does not offer the schooling option for nurses that the Navy does. I'm not an expert on the Navy program but from what I understand once you are accepted into a BSN program, you can apply to the Navy program and it will pay for your school and provide a living stipend. The AF on the other hand does not have such a program. To get into the AF as a direct commission you must go to nursing school and apply as you near graduation. At that time you can request loan repayment and/or a bonus as part of your commission. What really stinks is that you can go all the way through school, apply, and then not be accepted. At least if you are accepted into the Navy program you know school will be paid for and that you'll be commissioned as a Navy nurse.

As for HPSP that is only for med students. I went to COT with a bunch of HPSP recipients and all of them were in med school.

CarolinaHurricaneFan · Jul 23, 2008

Welcome, Marc!
Sounds like you are already on top of things, there will be others along shortly, I am sure, who can answer most of your questions. One thing to look into when considering bonus programs, is that if you are looking into a loan repayment program (not sure how that works for Navy/Air Force) you may not be able to include loans for your first degree, so be sure you get the straight scoop up front.
Good luck to,
S

LA40 & TLG-

Thank you both for replying to my post. In doing some research and of course speaking with the Navy Nursing Recruiter, I know that the loans for my first undergrad degree will not be included for consideration to pay off by the Navy. However, the bonus money given with NCP (up to $34k I believe) can be used for whatever you wish----paying for nursing school, other debt, school loan, etc. So, that was def. good to know and thanks for pointing that out as well LA40.

TLG, thanks for shedding some light regarding the AF nursing. I do have a question for you though. Are you saying that you can go through nursing school, apply to the AF to be a nurse and then they will not give you a bonus or loan repayment as part of the package? That doesn't make any sense to me based on the nursing shortage we have in general.

I'm trying to keep an open mind here but am biased due to my father being in the Marine's and ofcourse being stationed at bases that would usually have a Naval Hospital on board. It is frustrating that run around that I'm getting though in simply trying to get some answers from the AF. Just be straight forward, your not gonna hurt my feelings, lol! Any ways, thanks again for the replies. Keep 'em coming!

lifeafter40 · Jul 23, 2008

TLG, thanks for shedding some light regarding the AF nursing. I do have a question for you though. Are you saying that you can go through nursing school, apply to the AF to be a nurse and then they will not give you a bonus or loan repayment as part of the package? That doesn't make any sense to me based on the nursing shortage we have in general.

I think that what TLG is saying is that, with the AF, and Army too for that matter, if you decide to go direct commission, then you must complete your BSN on your own, without an upfront guarantee that you will be accepted into the AF (medical reasons, background check, etc.) Whereas, with the navy program, once you are accepted into a BSN program, you can be accepted into the Navy and they will pay for your school... you know ahead of time that you are going to be in the Navy.

For instance, I plan to go into the Army Nurse Corps upon attaining my BSN, but until I get all the way through school, I do not know for sure if I will be accepted in as an Officer or not... makes it hard to "count on" the loan repayment program while trying to pay for my schooling.

The Little Greek · Jul 23, 2008

I think that what TLG is saying is that, with the AF, and Army too for that matter, if you decide to go direct commission, then you must complete your BSN on your own, without an upfront guarantee that you will be accepted into the AF (medical reasons, background check, etc.) Whereas, with the navy program, once you are accepted into a BSN program, you can be accepted into the Navy and they will pay for your school... you know ahead of time that you are going to be in the Navy.

Yep you nailed it! For the AF you foot the bill up front and hope and pray that you get in and that you get money when you do. For example, when I applied, there was lots of loan repayment and bonus money to be had---that was at the beginning of the FY08. By March I was hearing that all that money was gone until the next FY. I lucked out because I got both. If you go AF and really need/want that money, it would behoove you to get your application in at the beginning of the FY!

JDCitizen · Jul 23, 2008

Yep you nailed it! For the AF you foot the bill up front and hope and pray that you get in and that you get money when you do. For example, when I applied, there was lots of loan repayment and bonus money to be had---that was at the beginning of the FY08. By March I was hearing that all that money was gone until the next FY. I lucked out because I got both. If you go AF and really need/want that money, it would behoove you to get your application in at the beginning of the FY!

She knows of what she speaks.. We have been exchanging messages for some time now... All my ducks were getting in a row and I received a call from my recruiter stating the money was out for this year but would probably be available again in October.. I was looking at the bonus no loan repayment. Difference in bonus or no bonus in my case 1 extra year on contract (4 years with, 3 years without).. I don't know how much the loan repayment adds...

All in all it has not been a fun trip... Little Greek is in; I am still waiting... and waiting..

The Little Greek · Jul 24, 2008

Hang in there JD!!!!!

To piggyback something he mentioned about commitment--I took both loan repayment and bonus and it's a 6 year commitment.

CarolinaHurricaneFan · Jul 24, 2008

Can you explain a little further about the bonus and/or loan repayment plan that the AF offers? I can't seem to find too much info about that.

The Little Greek · Jul 24, 2008

Can you explain a little further about the bonus and/or loan repayment plan that the AF offers? I can't seem to find too much info about that.

Both are pretty big dollar amounts but they change periodically. Recently they've just been getting larger and larger but I'm not sure how they amounts are determined. I don't think they publish the amounts because they do change.

You can request both loan repayment and the bonus but it will lengthen your commitment. You can also opt for one or the other depending on you situation. It's a pretty sweet deal, but remember that BOTH the loan repayment and the bonus are taxed. My loan repayment was taxed 28% so even though it was a large granted amount, it was significantly decreased after the money was taxed. Keep that in mind so that you aren't disappointed when Uncle Sam takes his share of your award! This might be something to consider when trying to decide between AF and Navy. I wouldn't think the Navy program money would be taxed since they are paying for your schooling directly. Something for you to research to say the least.

JDCitizen · Jul 24, 2008

Both are pretty big dollar amounts but they change periodically. Recently they've just been getting larger and larger but I'm not sure how they amounts are determined. I don't think they publish the amounts because they do change.
You can request both loan repayment and the bonus but it will lengthen your commitment. You can also opt for one or the other depending on you situation. It's a pretty sweet deal, but remember that BOTH the loan repayment and the bonus are taxed. My loan repayment was taxed 28% so even though it was a large granted amount, it was significantly decreased after the money was taxed. Keep that in mind so that you aren't disappointed when Uncle Sam takes his share of your award! This might be something to consider when trying to decide between AF and Navy. I wouldn't think the Navy program money would be taxed since they are paying for your schooling directly. Something for you to research to say the least.

Just a little observation:

So you join the Air Force (federal government) get a bonus and loan repayment (from the federal government) that they practically use it as bait. You get taxed a whooping 28% (by the the federal government) all the while collecting a pay check (from the federal government) which is also taxed by the federal government. There is some perverse humor in it all....

The Little Greek · Jul 24, 2008

JD, you are so right! I'm by no means in the 28% bracket but getting taxed as such nonetheless. It's sad to see such a large chunk of your loan money quickly slip through your fingers. I knew it was going to happen but it didn't make it any easier.