Army vet looking to go back on AD as a nurse

[chrisferrell626]

Hi I'm new to this site, but I was curious about a few things. I just got off of active duty from the enlisted side in October of this year. I was looking to get into an ROTC program while going to nursing school. I will be using the post 9/11 gi bill at full rate. My main concern was if I would realistically even stand a chance of getting back in as an officer with no prior nursing experience. From my understanding, the Army is no longer accepting new grads for direct commission, but I'm not sure how this will affect those going the ROTC route. So if we are being honest, do I have a chance of serving on AD after graduation as a fresh out the womb RN?

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

Yes, doing ROTC gives you a chance. I had an ROTC cadet with me over the summer who just finished nursing school this month and was just selected for active duty. Not sure what the percentage of pickup was, but it is possible. Keep your grades high and all that jazz. Good luck!! :)

[Dranger]

ROTC- 50/50 chance maybe less

Direct Commission- Next to 0

[jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA]

I know that you're prior Army, but you might consider other branches. The Army was hit the hardest with force reduction goals. You will have better luck direct commissioning with the Navy or AF; I'm fairly sure both offer loan repayment as well. My ROTC-grad co-workers tell me all ROTC nurses get active duty in the Air Force.

[irfarmer]

Air Force has a nurse transition program, where they take new grads and put you through a year of AF nursing school at different locations throughout the US. The boards are in June I believe, and prior service is a big plus for possible selection. Work hard on your grades, GPA is important for selections as well.

[PulselessNine]

ROTC may require you to go non-medical be careful on the contract and talk to an Army Medical Officer Recruiter for straight scoop