Considering a career as a RN in the military?

Specialties Government

Published

I have considered going to school to get my BSN to become a RN. I am in JROTC at my high school and I will probably also want to serve time in the military. I was wondering what would be the best way to become a RN in the military? (Fyi I will probably join the Air Force)

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

You will need a baccalaureate (BSN) degree to be accepted by any branch of the US military, whether it is active duty or reserves.

I will move this post to the Govt/Military forum and allow our wonderful nurses from the Army, Navy and Air Force chime in with the rest of the details.

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

By the way, click on the link below to read some informative responses from current active duty nurses who are serving in various branches of the US military:

https://allnurses.com/government-military-nursing/joining-military-nurse-909549.html

When it comes time to look at colleges, think about applying to a school that has an ROTC program. I don't know how difficult it is to get an ROTC scholarship these days, but if it is anything like applying for active duty, it is probably pretty competitive. Don't let that discourage you. Being an military nurse is an incredible experience, one like no other in the world and it's worth the effort. Good luck!

I agree with ArmyRN, try to find an ROTC scholarship to increase your chances of being selected. If you can't, you would just get your BSN and then apply for the NTP (Nurse Transition Program) for the Air Force. If you want to be an RN, not a medic, you'll want to get your degree ASAP. If you'd rather serve first you can enlist as a medic, but then you may or may not be able to get your degree as quickly, since you'll be enlisted for that first contract of 3-4 years.

For the NTP, it's very competitive currently because the military is downsizing. It may change in 3-4 years but who knows. I'm applying this summer and there are only 35 med-surg slots and 5-10 OB slots. That's for the US, not just a state. If you really want to be an RN one day with the Air Force you'll definitely need to build a strong resume over time (volunteer work, leadership opportunities, work if you can, community involvement, etc.). The NTP board looks at your resume, some short-answer questions about yourself, letters of recommendation (from professors/nurses), your GPA/transcripts, and an interview with a chief nurse. Also, they've just changed the GPA requirement. In order to apply this year for NTP all applicants must have a 3.4 GPA, so you'll want to keep that GPA up in college.

You're looking pretty far ahead, which is good if you're serious about this. There are a lot of good discussions on this site about Air Force nursing and applying. Look around if you're still curious!

I've recently spoken with a ROTC commander, and he was saying that the vast majority of their ROTC nurses aren't getting active duty. It is very, very competitive. The number of those even eligible for ROTC are greatly reduced nowadays as well.

It will be fiercely competitive any way you cut it, but ROTC is probably your best bet to get your foot in the door. Otherwise, you'll probably need several years of experience in a desirable specialty (ICU/ER/OR/etc) before you're even eligible to apply as a direct commission.

Also, as a side note, if you go enlisted first, you have absolutely no guarantee that you'll be slotted into a medical MOS, no matter what you're in college for. If you want to enlist, enlist because you want to be in the military, not because you want to be a nurse!

Also, think about not limiting yourself to just the Air Force. The Army may have more opportunities and if you apply for both, you double your chances!

+ Add a Comment