Help please! Nursing School or Join US Air Force

WanderingWilder, ASN · Oct 10, 2015

Have you talked to an air force requiter? If you haven't I would suggest that. They can give a better idea about the process and if there are any benefits to having the RN degree before joining.

jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA · Oct 10, 2015

If your goal is to become an AF RN as quickly as possible, then you need to take out loans and finish a BSN first. The AF will currently (although this may change) pick up the tab for $40,000 in student loan debt; essentially take the debt and get it paid off retroactively. If you get accepted this way without any nursing experience (called direct accession or direct commission), you will enter an O-1 (second lieutenant). You will have to do at least 2 years of OB or inpatient med-surg at your 1st assignment.

It is extremely competitive to join via direct commission. I would encourage you to hedge your bets and consider ROTC scholarships; you generally only need to do 2 years of ROTC to qualify for a commission upon graduation if your major is Nursing.

If you enlist with a few years of pre-reqs, you'll be an E-3 (airman 1st class) medical technician. There is a nursing enlisted commissioning (NEC) program; you would get to go to school full time while still getting your old salary. It typically takes at least 4-6 years before your record is competitive enough as to compete for that program.

dingus · Oct 10, 2015

I asked similar questions before. Upon learning more you'll find nursing is a very competitive field to enter. So overall, if your ultimate goal is the become a nurse in the military be prepared to work for it, school/ personal lifewise, socially, mentally, and physically.

I was worried about being too old to join by the time I obtain a BSN since I am currently in my mid-20s (after a career change and other life events.) So I thought about the options of enlisting in active duty and rotc. I decided against both, and to stay on course of graduating as a BSN then commissioning because it's the best option for me. Some of my thoughts are listed below, but remember in the end it's your personal choice so do what is best for you.

Enlisting is a risky move if the ultimate purpose is to be a nurse. If lucky and scores are well on the ASVAB a job in medical services maybe be possible, but other wise the military can put enlistees anywhere they need them. As an active duty member, the military is a full time job, school is on the back burner, X amount of years are needed before gaining access to GI Bill benefits. Overall as an enlisted the time of earning a BSN will be prolonged. I decided against ROTC because I feel I am too old of a selection, and because I want to focus on my GPA with out the additional stress of ROTC classes. The minimum standard on top of having your BSN is having AT LEAST a 3.5 (maybe higher) overall GPA by the time of graduation.

Aside from time and dedication to grades, prepare to be physically fit to pass PT tests, emotionally ready to be separated from loved ones, and mentally ready for deployments.

A better way to look at this would be being a nurse of the armed services is an honour earned through dedication and a reward within it self, all other incentives are bonuses. The military is not the best nor quickest way to earning a BSN, but only the best BSN RNs will be considered as possible candidates for commission as entry level nurse officers.

Hope that helps a little.

Side note, look into ROTC opportunities, and if you find yourself a good fit, that's probably one of the best scenarios fitting your needs stated above.

ejcwalker · Oct 13, 2015

I am not sure if this helps at all but I wanted to offer my experience. I am currently in my mid 20s - I completed my BSN from a high ranked university in the top 10 of my class in December 2012. When I got out of school, I wanted to apply for the new grad program with the USAF. However, there were no upcoming boards. I did not want to be out of the field for a year waiting for the next boards so I obtained a job in a local hospital. When it came time to start my application process I had too much experience (6months) for the new grad program but not enough for the fully qualified program. So I waited and applied for the fully qualified program a year later for FY15 (Boards met September 2014). I got an alternate slot for that board. I have spent the past year working, getting certifications and volunteering to make myself a better candidate for this years boards. I am currently waiting to hear from my recruiter if I got selected this year (hopefully I will hear this week!). My advice would be if you would to obtain your degree first, apply for the new grad program. Be sure you have volunteering experience and a workout plan that you can discuss in your interview. Furthermore, if you have time (I know a joke, right? lol) try to get a tech job (PCT/LNA) which will allow you to have more hands on experience.

Unfortunately, due to the competitive nature of nursing in the AF - it may be unlikely that they will pay for your education. For example, this year for the FY16 NSG boards, there is no school loan repayment option or sign on bonus option. I do not know a lot about the enlisted route so I apologize I do not have any advice on that path. I do know with ROTC it can go a few ways. My brother did ROTC and graduated with a mechanical engineering degree. However, due to extenuating circumstances, he is currently a cyberspace operations officer, a role in which he is not using his degree and which is not what he really wanted to do. However, I do also know a nurse who did ROTC and got an assignment as a med-surg RN right away and had her school paid for.

I hope this helps a little - Good Luck!

Ahnge · Oct 14, 2015

Ahnge

Blue Robin · Oct 23, 2015

I appreciate the comments and will definitely still take more advice if you guys are willing to offer. My mind is always open to your advice and comments. I think I will go for the enlistment route, yes I won't be an officer and but they are not as picky when you are enlisting, then via Direct Commission. I also have nothing to lose enlisting, no dependents, spouse and hopefully by enlisting one will be eligible for both the ASCP ,NCEP and also the GI Bill. I still want to become an officer but I think it is risky going to Nursing school as a civilan first and taking out possible loans. The Air Force is the most stingy with the loan forgiveness out of all the branches and I don't know if I will be guranteed any loan forgiveness.

I believe for NCEP and AScp you need to has served as active duyty for 90 days to a year to try to apply for the program. I must get the pre-requisites out the way.

jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA · Oct 23, 2015

Something else you need to keep in mind is your expected income in each scenario in the event your loans aren't paid off. Say you get a BSN a public school; you will probably spend roughly $90,000 over 4 years these days. Honestly your real debt will be half or less with grants and scholarships. Let's take it worst case... you have $1,000 per month in loan payments for 10 years (roughly $90,000 with 6% APR). An E-3 makes $1823 per month in base pay with no experience, while an O-1 makes $2934 per month. Right off the bat, you're ahead $100 per month. The pay gap gets even wider as you advance. At 5 years that E-3 is an E-5 making $2581 per month, while that O-1 is an O-3 making $5219 per month. The nurse is making $2638 more each month (coming out ahead $1638 per month after loan payments).

Go to school.

jeckrn, BSN, RN · Oct 24, 2015

I completed my BSN in the same route that you are taking. Before you even complete your ASN start looking at other ASN to BSN programs out their. The program you are in might be the best for you but it also might not be the best for your goals. The RN to BSN will not be as difficult as getting your ASN which can allow you to work and pay as you go.

Blue Robin · Oct 25, 2015

So thr RN to BSN is not as difficult as an non RN pursing a BSN.

sailornurse · Oct 25, 2015

Since you are leaning towards enlisting, be sure you understand your commitment. I was a "3 by 4" as a Navy nurse, meaning I had 3 years active duty with 4 years obligation either inactive or reserves after the 3 years. During the 4 years, they could re-call me. This inactive/reserve time is often not clear when talking to the recruiter. Be sure you understand how many years TOTAL you will be obligated to serve. For example, it might be 5 or 6 years active duty with 4 years inactive/reserves for a total of 9 or 10 years.

Blue Robin · Oct 25, 2015

Thank you, I am really looking at all options since I have a college degree from a previous major, my ranking if enlisted will be E3 or E4. My recruiter said that can possibly make a difference and my college degree would be counted as work/experience.