Can the Army pay for the REST of my program?

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Hi there!

I'm currently a student in an RN diploma program in Pittsburgh.

I'm having a huge difficulty paying for school, regardless of how much it is. I'm starting to feel desperate -- I don't have the time in my schedule to train for a hospital job (due to the inability to miss clinicals) so I'm stuck waiting tables.

I've looked into the Army a little. I understand that with an RN degree I can be in the Reserves (versus Active Duty.) Does that mean that the Reserves can pay for the REST of my program? I just finished my second semester, and have about 17 months left until I graduate.

I also know that I would owe the Army years after I graduate, and have the chance of being deployed. I know how that part works!

Anyone with any sort of helpful answer is greatly appreciated!!!!

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Specializes in CEN, CPEN, RN-BC.

Hm... I went to nursing school in Pittsburgh. Are you at Mercy, perhaps? Anyway, check out the Army Reserve page and look into the STRAP program. There's money out there, but you have to work for it.

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Nah, I'm at Shadyside.

Also, I'm not going for my BSN, I'm going for my RN. They pay for anything AFTER RN.

Apparently it's financially impossible for me to become a nurse!! hooray!!......:banghead:

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Specializes in acute care med/surg, LTC, orthopedics.

Are you considering joining the Army JUST so they can pay for your nursing school?

If so, that seems dishonourable at best.

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If your income is low, you should qualify for grants geared towards low income students. Have you looked into these programs? Many community colleges have scholarships available just for their Nursing students, so look into those as well.

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Are you considering joining the Army JUST so they can pay for your nursing school?

If so, that seems dishonourable at best.

If I wanted your attitude, I would've ASKED for it.

Anyways, I've looked into certain grants, and loans. While I don't feel comfortable discussing financial particulars, I don't qualify for grants, and won't be approved for loans. I'm almost to a dead end, and, if kids can join the army to make their lives better for themselves, what difference is it going to be for me?

I've further looked into the Reserve Nurse Corps, etc etc.. and my original question still remains.. will they pay for the REST, since I've already started??

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I don't consider it to be dishonorable to join the army to get money for college. Many people do that. The army (or whatever branch) gets their 'pound of flesh' by the required service after the schooling is done. Just my opinion.

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Specializes in acute care med/surg, LTC, orthopedics.
If I wanted your attitude, I would've ASKED for it.

Anyways, I've looked into certain grants, and loans. While I don't feel comfortable discussing financial particulars, I don't qualify for grants, and won't be approved for loans. I'm almost to a dead end, and, if kids can join the army to make their lives better for themselves, what difference is it going to be for me?

Well, at least you answered my question.

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hi there!

i'm currently a student in an rn diploma program in pittsburgh.

i'm having a huge difficulty paying for school, regardless of how much it is. i'm starting to feel desperate -- i don't have the time in my schedule to train for a hospital job (due to the inability to miss clinicals) so i'm stuck waiting tables.

i've looked into the army a little. i understand that with an rn degree i can be in the reserves (versus active duty.) does that mean that the reserves can pay for the rest of my program? i just finished my second semester, and have about 17 months left until i graduate.

i also know that i would owe the army years after i graduate, and have the chance of being deployed. i know how that part works!

anyone with any sort of helpful answer is greatly appreciated!!!!

first....finishing your diploma program does not give you a rn "degree". it gives you a diploma stating you've completed the coursework needed to take your nclex for licensure.

second....you state that "with an rn degree i can be in the reserves"....so....to me, that means you have to have your rn license in order to be in the reserves....doesn't sound like they will pay the rest of the program if they want you to be a rn to enter.

i really have no answer for you, i worked and went to school...adn program....took out a couple to loans and paid for the education....couldn't get grants or tuition assistance.

good luck....hope you find the answers you need. :nurse:

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RESERVE NURSE CORPS BENEFITS

When you become a nurse and Officer on the U.S. Army Reserve Health Care Team, you can work in your community and serve when needed. In addition to generous financial incentives and retirement plan options, you'll have the opportunity to enhance your career and provide our Soldiers and their Families with the best nursing care.

SPECIAL PAY

Provides up to $15,000 ($5,000 per year for a maximum of three years) to nurses with a diploma or an associate degree in nursing.

Provides up to $30,000 ($10,000 per year for a maximum of three years) to nurses with a BSN, MSN, DNSc or Ph.D. in nursing.

Provides up to $37,500 ($12,500 per year for a maximum of three years) for critical care nurses with a BSN or higher.

As a certified registered nurse anesthetist, you can receive special pay up to $45,000, ($15,000 per year for a maximum of three years) paid in three yearly increments of $15,000.

HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM (HPLR)

As a nursing professional serving on the U.S. Army Reserve Health Care Team, you may be eligible for up to $50,000 to repay your nursing school loans. This program provides up to $20,000 for two consecutive years, plus $10,000 for a third year. You may be eligible to participate in one other Army Reserve incentive program.

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Specializes in Gyn/STD clinic tech.

i asked around, as i know a few people who have been in the army/reserves, and they informed me that they do not pay for education in progress. you would have to finish, or start over again once you qualified for funding.

do not forget that even reserve members must go through boot camp for the 6-8 weeks, i forget how long right off hand.

basically, they do not pay for education in progress. you would also have to quit anyway in order to go through boot camp.

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