Joining Air Force Nurse Corps

Silverdragon102, BSN · Mar 29, 2015

Moved to the Government and Military forum

AprilOdum · Mar 29, 2015

Also is there any type of test that I will have to take prior to joining like the ASVAB test? Or not because I will already have my BSN?

Camo-angel · Mar 29, 2015

Let me say first, I am not in the Air Force, I am simply applying this summer for the NTP to be a nurse. So I will answer you as best I can from the information I've gathered myself. There are tons of nurses though that are in the AF and can answer you too!

There isn't a test like ASVAB, but it's a long process just to apply. Obviously lots of paperwork, probably have to do your physical at MEPS, CV, chief nurse interview, 9 short-answer questionnaire, 3-5 letters of recommendation, etc. No guarantee you'll be selected either, it is VERY competitive with a minimum GPA of 3.5. As far as the enlisting and moving, if you're trying to come in as a Nurse, you won't enlist, you will commission as an Officer. Enlisted would make you a medic, with no nursing power. For moving and bringing family, you would go wherever the Air Force needs you. Your family can of course join you for your duty station unless it's a deployment. You do fill out a "dream sheet" of what bases you prefer, but ultimately it is up to the Air Force where you will go. You may change stations every 3-4 years, again mostly up to the Air Force and where you are needed.

Since you mentioned your experience, let me just say it won't be counted unless it's RN experience. So any CNA/LPN generally isn't counted towards rank. However, it will look great on your CV, it just won't mean much for rank. They give you half of your RN experience towards rank. For example, if you were to commission with 6 years RN experience, you commission with 3 years credit which could make you a O-2 or O-3 instead of a O-1. I hope this helps. Any other questions, feel free to ask!!

jeckrn, BSN, RN · Mar 30, 2015

Also is there any type of test that I will have to take prior to joining like the ASVAB test? Or not because I will already have my BSN?

There is no test since you will not be enlisting but commissioning. When you talk with a recruiter make sure its a healthcare recruiter not your local enlisted recruiter. If they what you to take the ASVAB do not since they are trying to get you to enlist.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Mar 30, 2015

Speaking as a military brat, we got used to moving around, but we still missed our friends. We moved from Italy to Germany when I was 14, and I was so mad at my parents! They let me and my sister stay in Italy and finish out the semester, but at Christmas break we moved. But I loved Germany, and made new friends. But you wouldn't be able to commission until you have that BSN and there are only a few selection boards each year (not sure if the Air Force is down to just one, like the Army is), so your daughter might be close to 18 by the time you would commission.

Definitely make sure you are working with a healthcare recruiter. There is no ASVAB for officers. Don't let them try to talk you into enlisting now with the promise of commissioning when you graduate, it just doesn't happen like that in this time of downsizing.

AprilOdum · Apr 1, 2015

Thanks so much everyone! I spoke with a healthcare recruiter yesterday and basicly I have to wait until I start BSN school, next month before they can get things rolling. If you have any more information or hear something new please keep me informed... :up: