flight medic

jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA · Jul 26, 2014

That's definitely a great opportunity, but I want to warn you that flight nurses have the AFSC "46FX" and are commissioned officers. You must have both a bachelor's of science in nursing (BSN) and registered nurse (RN) license to even be eligible to apply; an associates in nursing won't cut it.c

Once you have those 2 things, it's very competitive whether you do ROTC or a direct commissioning program. Just remember that enlisted recruiters will not have a clue what 'direct commissioning' even is; you'll have to contact a healthcare recruiter for that info. Contact Us: Find a Recruiter - airforce.com

The AFSC you list is that of an enlisted medic, and, although it may help you with the job, medical training isn't required to enlist. I believe that job is basically being an EMT in sky; you'll be working for the flight nurses and flight docs. Once you sign, you'll go in as an E-3 (A1C). I think basic training is ~8 weeks and your 4N medical training is ~12 more weeks. There is also some flight specific training, but I'm not sure what it entails. People do wash-out of training and are forced to do other roles.

Don't enlist if your plan is to become a nurse. Even if you manage to finish a BSN while on active duty, you won't immediately commission as a nurse; 40% of the enlisted Air Force has a bachelor's degree. You have to work for several years to even be eligible to apply for the enlisted commissioning programs for nurses. Some of my staff sergeant friends (E-5) have been waiting for years to apply, so I'd steer clear of enlisting if your ultimate goal is to be a nurse.

Keep in mind that finishing your nursing degree and becoming an officer gives you more autonomy, authority, and pay. Brand new O-1s make about that same as E5s with 10 years in; O-3s with 4 years in make the same as E-8s with 28 years in.

ericarock · Jul 26, 2014

So wait I don't get it, so why I was offered to try getting that job if I don't have the qualifications yet?

And let me ask you this.

If I get a nursing bachelor's after I am 35 do I miss the Cut? Cause I am already 30...

ericarock · Jul 26, 2014

Wait nvm my last comment. Wait I just want to understand about the job I will be enlisting as. I know that it will take time and all.. But that's ok. I just wanna know about the question I asked for the med evacuation.

I need to know about the length of training and other details lie I asked on the original post. About the nursing I will worry later. But I am fretful for your insight .

ericarock · Jul 26, 2014

I am grateful*

jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA · Jul 26, 2014

I'll have to let someone else take the question about exactly what training/daily tasks the job entails; I know it's at least 20 weeks of initial training (basic training + med training) after you enlist.

As far as the application goes, I don't know some of the specifics for the flight 4Ns (4Ns in general are enlisted medics that provide direct patient care). Your run-of-the-mill 4N doesn't need anything but a high school diploma; any medical training will help them be more likely to get the AFSC of their choice. Having education will generally allow you to start as an E-3 (instead of an E-1); that means more pay. You'll have to pass a very thorough medical physical, score well on an aptitude test called the ASVAB, and be very patient (those packages can take a year to put together).

I made my point about becoming a nurse, because a lot of people mistakenly think becoming an enlisted medic is an easy way to become a nurse. That's not true at all. You'll be locked in to being a 4N for your 1st 4 years. Since it seemed that nursing was your end career goal, I wanted to make sure you knew. A BSN is only a couple years away for you, and it could nearly double your income.