How competitive are NCP's?

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Hello. I need any information from anyone who has it. I am a BSN student in my third year and I am looking into joining the military. I have been talking to a Navy recruiter and am currently working on my package for the Navy NCP program, but it looks like I waited to long and all the spots are taken. So I will probably have to wait until next year to join. From the little research I have done it looks like to me that the AF is the better option for nurses anyway, so not getting into the navy this year may be a blessing in disguise! Anyway, my questions are:

1. How competitive are these programs; is one branch more competitive than another? GPA, physical requirements, character/references, etc.

2. How competitive is it to get into CRNA programs once you are in the military; how does this work?

I've really got a few more questions but will quit bothering you guys now!

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If you are looking to be a CRNA in the military, in my opinion, the Army is the best option for you. I am currently in the Navy and will do an interservice transfer into the Army for their CRNA program. Here is the link to a thread with some additional info. https://allnurses.com/forums/f227/is-there-any-crna-schools-did-not-fill-seats-117748.html

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Why are you doing that? Does that mean you will only be in the army long enough to complete the program and then you transfer back into the Navy? Thanks for that link. From that I gather that in the army I am all but guaranteed a spot in the CRNA program if I meet minimum requirements. Does the military allow you to attend civilian masters programs or only military programs?

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Hi AUMSTUDENT! I can only speak for the Army, but with the exception of CRNA, HCA, and FNP programs you are allowed to attend virtually any civilian program you would like for your MSN. CRNAs all go through the initial part of their training at Ft. Sam Houston, TX and later other military medical facilities for further clinical training. Those who choose HCA will attend the Baylor University program (also conducted at Ft Sam Houston). Finally, FNPs will go to the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in Bethesda, MD.

Making a decision to join the military is a big one! I would make sure you explore all of your options with all of the services. Each are unique and have different things to offer.

Good luck to you and feel free to ask any questions to make sure you are fully informed before making a decision!

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Why are you doing that? Does that mean you will only be in the army long enough to complete the program and then you transfer back into the Navy?

After comparing the two programs and differents factors involved with each program, the winner by a long shot in my opinion was the Army program. The opportunity available to me was to great to pass on. My transfer into the Army is permanent, not just for CRNA school. I will not go back into the Navy afterwards.

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Specializes in ER/Tele, Med-Surg, Faculty, Urgent Care.

As to your question about how competitive it is to go for your CRNA or any other Master's program, It's VERY, VERY competitive. I was in the Navy Nurse corps for 3 years from '89-'92. It was very unlikely that a junior officer (0-3 or less rank)would be selected for DUINS (Duty Under Instruction) which is where you go to school for your Master's degree & the Navy pays for it. Your only job is to go to school. You do not work as a nurse, you do not drill. The catch? You owe the Navy more time in years, sometimes it is a 2 for 1 payback. If it takes you 2 years to finish, you owe them 4 years. Most of the people that were selected from Naval Hospital Bethesday were O4 & above & had been in at least 12 years already.

I am curious as to why you're being told that all slots are filled. I teach in an undergrad program & the Navy recruiter I'm familiar with says there is a shortage of nursing & the reason for the $10,000 bonus that is being offered.

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