Masters degree using TA in Air Force

[DrCOVID]

I have been wondering how realistic it is to get any masters in the nursing field using tuition assistance and working 36-60 hours per week in the AF. I have looked at some online programs, but there is always a clinical component, seemingly making this endeavor near impossible.

Also, for FY 2010, total loan repayment I have been told is 40k. Can anyone confirm? Also, does the military reimburse you for payments that you have already made, or is it for only the money that you have to pay? If a loan is taken out in someone else's name, on your behalf, will the loan repayment cover it?

Also what is the time limit for TA or how long can you use it for?

http://www.military.com/money-for-school/tuition-assistance/air-force-tuition-assistance

[DrCOVID, DNP]

I knew of one Capt who got a Masters in poetry...this from a guy who was a 13SC like me (space and missiles). I know the thought of ICBMs makes one wax poetic....

I'm sure the schedule to get advanced education while being a nurse is going to be quite demanding. Especially with family obligations. There were some who attended the "pay your fee, get your B" universities but that won't cut it with an advanced health care program.

I think I am going to avoid anything artsy lol... I am planning on getting my MSN/PHD before I am carrying around any of that extra baggage...

[DrCOVID, DNP]

I would like to hear from someone with experience with TA. (Please exclude AFIT or any situation in which the AF pays you to go to school, and school is your only duty) I would like to hear how you manage graduate schooling along with full time AD?

Is it possible to switch fields? Say if someone was considering going to medical school or for a PharmD (I have a BSN, and am considering both)? Is it possible to do either while on AD in the AF? Should this be done prior to commissioning?

Does the AF work with you if you want to get a higher degree? Could you get moved in the middle of your program/clinicals and basically have to transfer all your credits to another school and forfeit all of the credits of the current semester?

[wtbcrna, MSN, DNP, CRNA]

I would like to hear from someone with experience with TA. (Please exclude AFIT or any situation in which the AF pays you to go to school, and school is your ownly duty) I would like to hear how you manage graduate schooling along with full time AD?

Is it possible to switch fields? Say if someone was considering going to medical school or for a PharmD (I have a BSN, and am considering both)? Is it possible to do either while on AD in the AF? Should this be done prior to commissioning?

Does the AF work with you if you want to get a higher degree? Could you get moved in the middle of your program/clinicals and basically have to transfer all your credits to another school and forfeit all of the credits of the current semester?

AdamRN,

I took over 20hrs using TA before starting my AFIT program. It isn't that big of deal taking classes and being AD. Many of your co-workers and supervisors will be doing or have done the same thing. The AF is probably not going to release you from you obligation to pursue a PharmD. Depending on your age you may apply to Uniformed Services University of Medical School, and the nurse corps may let you switch to the medical corps at that point otherwise you will probably have to serve out your committment before doing either a PharmD or medical program.

You should pick a school that is military friendly and start your program as soon as possible in order to avoid problems with PCSing etc, but saying all that in general the AF will work with you if you are on the last stages of getting your degree. Remember the AF wants you to have an advanced degree so to some extent it will do what it can to help you out.