CRNA army/airforce

[KAE01]

I am a civilian critical care nurse and have been working for 1.5 years. I am interested in both army and air force nursing and I am leaning towards the air force at this time. I was wondering if anyone knows anything about CRNA school and the air force? I know they don't have there own programs any longer and that the air force nurses attend army and navy programs however, does anyone know if they allow you to attend a civilian CRNA program? In addition, I am looking to go into the program in 2010. Does the air force make you serve a specific number or years or time prior to attending school? I keep reading that it is two years, however I spoke with some army nurses and they know nurses who entered the CRNA program immediatly upon signing up for the army. I still need to speak with a recruitor in healthcare because most of my information has come from nurses currently in the military but if anyone can provide me with a little info it would be appreciated. Thanks

[just_cause, BSN, RN]

I know with the Army you can enter with no prior CRNA or Army experience... they would be happy to have you

[KAE01]

Thanks for replying. Does the airforce allow nurses to attend civilian crna school after I have already joined? How many years do you owe the air force after crna school? Also, how soon can I attend crna school once I join the air force?

[just_cause, BSN, RN]

KAE01,

I did a google search of: airforce crna programs

and it gave quite a few 'all nurse' thread links.

Here is one that answered some of your questions - and it provided a good recommendation to someone else of using the AF online live chat link,

https://allnurses.com/forums/f227/entering-air-force-crna-program-327751.html

Army is the same in some respects: you can apply to army & army CRNA school (provided you meet prereqs and ICU exp) and join that route, you can join after or during CRNA school to have loan payback, or you can work as an RN and put in packet (after 3 years) to attend the Army's CRNA school in itself.

v/r

[futrarmyCRNA]

Thanks for replying. Does the airforce allow nurses to attend civilian crna school after I have already joined? How many years do you owe the air force after crna school? Also, how soon can I attend crna school once I join the air force?

The air force is much more competitive for active aCRNA slots than the army. I think there are only around 4 AF slots to over 30 for the army at USAGPAN. The AF can help pay for CRNA school with a stipend and tuition with a 3 or 4 year payback active duty afterwards I think. The air force is not short of CRNA's and are at 100% last time I read, and the Army was around 80%. The numbers will tell you who is more actively assisting those wanting to go to school. Check with an AF medical recruiter for specifics.