I'm Sergeant Josh Hopper and I work with the Air Force Nursing Corps for Ohio and Indiana. If any of you have ever had any questions feel free to post them. One question I get alot is about our MSN scholarships. We pay 100% of school for you to become an CRNA, Mid Wife, or most Practitioners. You continue to recieve your full time pay check while going to school. If you have more questions about this or any other Air Force Nurse Corps Questions feel free to ask.
I am considering applying to join the USAF Nurse Corps as a masters-prepared AGACNP. I am prior service enlisted (non-medical field). I haven't spoken with a recruiter yet, but I noticed that ACNP is no longer listed on the USAF website.
1) Are ACNP's still being utilized in the USAF?
2) In what capacity are ACNP's typically utilized?
3) What is the typical starting grade?
4) What is the typical time-frame (start to finish) from start of application to leaving for COTS?
1. Yes.
2. Inpatient areas mostly ICUs. The role of ACNPs is currently trying to be expanded for a more expanded role for deployments.
3. Starting rank/grade will depend on your highest degree and your time as an RN/ACNP. Unless you have a doctorate I would guess you would start as a 1lt with around 1yr or less until you make Captain assuming you have 6 years RN experience by the time you commission.
4. I would search through the threads to find out, but your situation is going to be different than most having been prior enlisted and an ACNP. I would guess 6-12 months depending on current shortages.
Thank you for the rapid response. I have close to 6 years RN experience presently (1 year as an ACNP). Is obtaining a DNP becoming a necessary step for advancement and, if so, is it feasible to complete a DNP program in a timely manner while active? What has been your experience with regard to the APRN-physician relationship? Do you feel you are given an appropriate level of autonomy and respect? Does everyone collaborate and play nice together? I come from an operations background so I am unfamiliar with the politics/ relationship dynamics within the military medical field.
Thank you for the rapid response. I have close to 6 years RN experience presently (1 year as an ACNP). Is obtaining a DNP becoming a necessary step for advancement and, if so, is it feasible to complete a DNP program in a timely manner while active? What has been your experience with regard to the APRN-physician relationship? Do you feel you are given an appropriate level of autonomy and respect? Does everyone collaborate and play nice together? I come from an operations background so I am unfamiliar with the politics/ relationship dynamics within the military medical field.
All USAF APRNs are independent. The relationships will vary, but at least the scope of practice is independent and you should be able to do whatever you have been taught to do and credentialed to do.
A DNP is not necessary. You can use AFIT, MGIB, or your own money to get a DNP if you want.
hi , i am in alabama an grad next spring , have talk to the recruiter in nashville a lil , i have 4 years prior in navy an will be 47 at graduation , i have 4 years of med surg as lpn and 9 years of being over all the wound care in our facility , i dont really care what or where i work all i want is in , he told me i could jus grad an go back hosp an get 6 months and go back in as fully qualified , my biggest concern is being selected i want to do or apply for which ever will get me gone on the first round , be it med surg or what ever which nursing positions usually get picked up the most ? thats my question what will get me picked up on the first time and get me in
hi , i am in alabama an grad next spring , have talk to the recruiter in nashville a lil , i have 4 years prior in navy an will be 47 at graduation , i have 4 years of med surg as lpn and 9 years of being over all the wound care in our facility , i dont really care what or where i work all i want is in , he told me i could jus grad an go back hosp an get 6 months and go back in as fully qualified , my biggest concern is being selected i want to do or apply for which ever will get me gone on the first round , be it med surg or what ever which nursing positions usually get picked up the most ? thats my question what will get me picked up on the first time and get me in
You might need a waiver for age - even with the four years of prior service, I believe the age limit is 42 and your equivalent is 43. Did they increase the age limit?
yes they did , its 47 now and thats with out prior , im just looking for the quickest way to get accepted the first selection board , like whats the nursing job that take the quickest if anyone knows , because i dont care where i work
If you do 2 years or more of AFROTC in college, graduate with a BSN, and pass the NCLEX-RN, then you are guaranteed a commission in either the reserves or active duty nurse corps. My understanding, from recent ROTC grads I work with, is that all AFROTC nursing cadets right now are getting active duty if they want it (or reserves if they want that); obviously that can change.
Only line officers (pilots, maintenance officers) take the AFOQT. Nurses, doctors, lawyers and other non line officers do not take the AFOQT right now. That's been the case since I've been in the AF (since 2013).
wtbcrna, MSN, DNP, CRNA
5,128 Posts
1. Yes.
2. Inpatient areas mostly ICUs. The role of ACNPs is currently trying to be expanded for a more expanded role for deployments.
3. Starting rank/grade will depend on your highest degree and your time as an RN/ACNP. Unless you have a doctorate I would guess you would start as a 1lt with around 1yr or less until you make Captain assuming you have 6 years RN experience by the time you commission.
4. I would search through the threads to find out, but your situation is going to be different than most having been prior enlisted and an ACNP. I would guess 6-12 months depending on current shortages.