commisioning for FNP

ANC_Maj · Feb 20, 2006

Rank at time of commission is not totally dictated by highest degree held. You need to talk to a health professions recruiter for your service of choice for more details. As an FNP I would expect you'd be commissioned as a CPT/O-3. I don't know about a PhD prepared nurse. Often times, I think one is better off to come on active duty at a lower grade as it gives you time to acclimate before being thrown into the bigger leadership positions that come with more rank. Just my opinion... I'm sure others have insights that they would be willing to share.

ANC_Maj

nursetim, NP · Feb 20, 2006

Thank you for your reply Maj. What is the highest rank that someone has been commisioned as to your knowledge? I think I understand your meaning, however the school I'm attending might be offering DNP by the time I finish and I would go directly into that program. Thank you again for all you do. Tim

ANC_Maj · Feb 20, 2006

Truly, I can only give you my best educated guess. Because of the military school requirements, I would expect anyone to come in no higher than a Captain perhaps with some constructive credit (i.e. shorter time to promotion). In order to be promoted in the ANC to MAJ one must complete the Captain's Career Course - not a big deal, just a hoop to jump through.

I've not know any nurse to come on active duty (with no prior service commissioned or enlisted) higher than a CPT, but I don't know everyone either! I imagine it is possible to be commissioned at a higher grade if you were highly published, held a doctoral degree, invented some life-saving device (just kidding!). I would really speak with a health care recruiter in your area (find one at http://www.goarmy.com/amedd/).

I don't know the Army's take on the DNP yet either. As of FY07 guidelines, we are still only sending officers (fully funded) to PhD (not DNS, DNP, ND or EdD) programs. More to follow on that as the civilian sector moves toward the DNP as entry to practice for the NP role.

Sorry I don't have more concrete answers for you!

ANC_Maj

Trauma Columnist · Feb 20, 2006

I spoke to a recruiter (Army Reserve) in 2005 and he said that with an MSN (adult health clinical nurse specialist) that I could come on active duty as a major. Now...the caveat to this is that I am prior enlisted (2 1/2 yrs in the Navy). Maybe that is why they offered me major. Good luck.

nursetim, NP · Feb 20, 2006

Something ANC MAJ got me to thinking, generally speaking, at what rank do you stop having hands on care? Than you for your service and sacrifices TraumaRUS. Tim

ANC_Maj · Feb 20, 2006

Something ANC MAJ got me to thinking, generally speaking, at what rank do you stop having hands on care? Than you for your service and sacrifices TraumaRUS. Tim

Well, it depends on what you do, where you are located, and the needs of the Army and facility. If you are a CRNA or FNP you are more likely to continue in clinical practice (meaning actual "hands-on") longer. If you are trained as a CNS, Admin, Informatics, Education, etc. most likely you will begin assuming adminstrative/leadership/management roles once you are a MAJ.

ANC_Maj

allnurses Guide · Feb 20, 2006

I am considering life after FNP school. For those on active duty, with a masters, what would be the highest rank I could go in as? With a doctorate? Thank you for your help, your service, and your sacrifices. Tim

I know for the Air Force with Master's Degree the lowest rank you would come in as is a 1Lt and with your Doctorate Cpt. I imagine with your RN experience plus your Master's Degree you would come in as a Cpt. The highest rank I know of a nurse coming in as is a Major. I know of Docs that have come in as LTCs and even one Col (but that was rare exception, he was a cardiac surgeon).

As far as being a nurse practitioner in the Air Force....you will probably never promote past Major unless you stop being a nurse practitioner after a few years practice and take a command/managerial position for the rest of your career.

Hope this helps....

Good Luck,