Army Direct Commission with a entry level MSN. . . Is it possible

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Hello all,

I am prior enlisted having served 6.5 yrs active duty as a LPN (68C) , I currently serve in the reserves. I am enrolled in an accelerated MSN, CNL program and have been told by a recruiter that I am unable to commission as a 66H(general med-surg) as I have to have a BSN. . . My school will only confer a MSN as that will cover both generalist BSN and MSN requirements. I am baffled that I am facing this obstacle as I have read the regulation and see nothing stating that direct MSN degrees are ineligible for commission. Could someone please provide clarification on this? Thank you in advance.

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Specializes in Adult Critical Care.

As you would do in any military situation, you need to kick this up the chain. This recruiter has a supervisor (some E7 probably), and this question needs to be asked of that person. I have never heard of a direct commission MSN-only nurse, but that doesn't mean that they don't exist.

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Specializes in Critical Care Transport.

You need to contact an AMEDD recruiter specifically, if that is not who you are in contact with already. Like the previous poster, I have not ever heard of a direct commission MSN without a BSN, but the question must be asked to the right person. It doesn't mean they don't exist, just that they are likely rare in the uniformed services as many RN's utilize the education benefits to complete an MSN after commissioning with a BSN.

It might be a little confusing where you have an MSN without a BSN already completed. I would think as long as you have at least a BSN and a nursing license you should be good to go, but we all know that the military never does anything straight forward. That would be too easy!! Good luck.

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Thank you for your response. I have been in contact with several AMEDD recruiters but i'm sure the answer is such due to the unfamiliarity with the program. There are several accelerated direct MSN-CNL programs but it's fairly new. I have a Bachelors and Masters degree in something else, so it's not like I just went to get a MSN. . . I will keep trying though.

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Thank you for your response. I will continue to push it up the chain. There are several direct entry MSN-CNL programs throughout the US (though not common and hard to get into). Seton Hall, UVA, Rush are a few. Gotta love the ever changing world of nursing education.

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

The question that you need to find out is not just about having a MSN vs BSN but also do they need/take CNL direct commission. If they do what is the amount of experience required.

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I'm not looking to ork in a CNL role i'm only trying to commission as a med-surg general nurse no specialition.

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Specializes in Adult Critical Care.

The military doesn't really use CNL's anyway---just CNS's.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
I'm not looking to ork in a CNL role i'm only trying to commission as a med-surg general nurse no specialition.

That will probably put you on the same footing as a new grad with a BSN. The Army will likely want to see you have two years of RN experience before considering you.

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