joining the military with an adn/asn

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Hey, everyone. I am 22 years old and graduating this year with my ADN/ASN. I have had an interest in joining the military after finishing my associates degree in nursing. I know that to practice as an RN in the military you need a BSN but I was wondering if there was a way to get into the military and complete my BSN (I am kinda broke, was hoping that by joining the military expenses for school would be covered). What options would I have when entering the service with just an ADN? Does having a ADN affect my enlistment choices/placement for MOS? what MOS would be the best choice if I wish to get my BSN while serving?

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

I would not join the military once you complete your ADN since the chances are high that you will not be able to finish your BSN in a timely manner. Your best bet would be to take out student loans, apply for grants & scholarships then once you have completed your BSN apply to the military. Its hard to say what the future holds but there might be loan repayments, sign on bonus once you get your BSN. If you go this route make sure you work at least 1/2 time while you are in school to get some experience since all the services are requiring it before they will accept you. Contact a healthcare recruiter about 1 year out from graduation for your BSN since it is a lengthy application process. Do not go to the local enlisted recruiter since they will try to get you to enlist versus getting your commission. Yes you can join and work as a LPN but you still would be enlisted and have all the duties which go along with it.

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Specializes in Adult Critical Care.

With all the cuts, you're going to be hard pressed to transition from enlisted to officer right now. If you don't mind the low starting pay of an E-3 (what you'd probably come in as), and perhaps doing a lot of CNA type duties. I don't think all the branches even use LPNs anymore, and that's why I think you might be doing the job of an EMT or CNA. Just know that once you're in, it's likely you'll be stuck on the enlisted side until you separate. The only way you could be a nurse with an associate's degree is in the reserves (National Guard I think).

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

The reserves are not taking ADN's any more except I heard that the AF will if you have a bachelor degree in another area. Not sure about the guard.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I think the AF requires a BSN. The only branch that will take ADNs is the National Guard, but you have to be enrolled in a BSN program. There is lots of info here: https://allnurses.com/government-military-nursing/military-nursing-885815.html

I was speaking to someone recently who got a BSN while in the Army, not through the Army, and they are now having difficulty switching to the officer/Nurse Corps side. This is someone with a lot of Army experience, too. I would wait if you really want to be a nurse in the military.

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