I am interesting in joining the Canadian Forces

[KeepSmiling501]

Hey everyone. I have applied to the Canadian military for ROTP RN (to be a nursing officer) and I have been scheduled to write my CFAT exam. I am currently in the RN program at Athabasca University. I am planning to sign up for a few courses this month. If you have any information or advice, that would be great. I have been going to the gym regularly for 8 months but I am not very strong or fit yet so I am still working on my physical fitness. I am also currently working full-time as an LPN.

[Rahvin1]

Hey, I was in the ROTP (RMCC) from 2010-2013. Things may have changed since then but I'll tell you what I can. Normally with ROTP you do your university courses from September-April and then different phases of military training from May-August until you finish and then complete your military training afterwards. With Athabasca and a nursing program I'm honestly not sure how that works because you may need to do courses in the summer to be able to finish your degree in time. BMOQ as it was/is called is your first military course and is really not that physically difficult at least when I did it. If you can run 5k in ~30mins and do 20-30 push-ups in a row that will pretty much cover you. You also have to pass whatever the CF has for a minimum fitness test now but that's not usually a problem for someone of even average fitness. There are other physical components like ruck marches and stuff that are hard to prepare for without the proper kit but the course itself will help prepare you for those. Basic is really about being able to deal with the mind games, learning teamwork, basic military knowledge and discipline. Just remember that the seemingly pointless and frustrating things they make you do are to really push a soldier and teamwork mentality and you just have to get through it. Have common sense, take care of your kit, do what you're told, and put the "mission" and team members before yourself.

After basic you do 2nd language training if you're not already bilingual and then do occupational specific training which I believe is in Borden ON for health professions. You can worry about that stuff when you get there.

I will say from what I know of military nursing it is a lot of paperwork, training, and professional development, so I hope you're interested in that kind of thing.