Desire to be a Nurse in the Navy. Questions ...

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Hello everyone,

I have been following this forum a bit now and doing research on my own. I have the desire to become a nurse in the navy but have a few questions about it first. I only just sent a request for a recruiter a few days ago, so I have not yet been able to get the answer to these questions. But want to be prepared.

A) I am slated to graduate in December 2010 with an ADN after just having completed my B.S. in Molecular and Cellular Biology in May 2009. I was wondering if that was enough of a related field to enter as an Officer? And if so how can I separate myself from other candidates to increase my chances of being commissioned?

B) If that does qualify me, I will giving a five year commitment. I understand that one receives $40,000 for loans. Will those just go towards my nursing loans (16,000) or also towards my Bachelors loans (still have another 10,000 to pay off).

C) I ultimately plan on becoming a nurse practitioner (ER) if accepted. Do we have enough time to pursue those dreams while still serving for our country (especially if stationed at sea or overseas)?

D) If my fears are validated and I do not qualify for commission, I will apply after I have received my MSN/FNP (in approximately 2 years), but then would only commit for a three year period. So I have a few questions regarding that as well.

  • 1) Will entering with an MSN provide any added benefits?
  • 2) Can I apply for the NCP program even though it is post-grad nursing education?

Thank you all in advance for your time in answering these questions.

Sincerely,

Robert

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Hello Robert,

You may apply to the NCP program if you participate in a BSN program - ADN and MSN programs do not count.

Regards,

Bleemme

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Specializes in Emergency.
Hello Robert,

You may apply to the NCP program if you participate in a BSN program - ADN and MSN programs do not count.

Regards,

Bleemme

In addition, to be on Active Duty in any branch, I think the BSN is the minimum. If the Reserves are an option for you, you can consider the Army Reserve. They will accept applicants with an ADN. Then you can use TA (Tuition Assistance) to pay for your MSN/FNP. There are other posts on this board where this has been discussed. This is just 1 link. I hope it helps.

Navy Nurse Corps - Questions - Page 2- Nursing for Nurses

If I am not mistaken, Health Profession Loan Repayment is only for the loans that supported your health profession education (the ADN loans). You will want to ask your recruiter this to be sure. Ask him/her for the forms to review, or to show you the Navy Regulation that covers

Loan Repayment.

Good Luck

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