Military CRNA Programs

Hi, I just separated as a active duty air force nurse 2 months ago. I was going to do the military CRNA route but it conflicted with my husbands career, so im going civilian. From my 4 years in, I gathered that they REALLY need CRNA's. They were not even able to fill all of their slots last year (25 slots). They even waived GRE scores and GPA's in certain cases to meet their quota. Get paid full (usually) Captain's pay while in. You MUST enter as an ICU nurse because it is really hard to switch areas once you are in, and then you have to be on station at that particular base for 2 years before you can apply. School is around 12 months in Bethesda, MD, then you choose your clinical site from either Keesler in Mississippi or Travis in northern Cali. There are a few others, but i only want to tell you what i know for certain. Great education, EXCELLENT autonomy as a CRNA in the Air Force. I highly recommend it. Of course there is all the other factors that go along with being in the military. Best for single people in my opinion, but they are many with families that do great. Hope this helps, good luck.

I am starting the Army program in June at Fort Sam Houston. However, I am a VA nurse and will attend program as a civilian. If you contact me in a few months I will let you know how things are going. I will do my didactic in Texas and my clinical in Augusta, GA. The program is 30 months. The VA ICU nurses have an opportunity to attend the army program in exchange for a 3 year VA hospital commitment upon graduation. There will be army and airforce students in the class.

if you are thinking about a military school try this website www.dns.amedd.army.mil/crna/

if you have further questions email me at [email protected]. i am sure that i can answer your questions or direct you to the right person as i was the asst. program director.

nma

Hi, I just separated as a active duty air force nurse 2 months ago. I was going to do the military CRNA route but it conflicted with my husbands career, so im going civilian. From my 4 years in, I gathered that they REALLY need CRNA's. They were not even able to fill all of their slots last year (25 slots). They even waived GRE scores and GPA's in certain cases to meet their quota. Get paid full (usually) Captain's pay while in. You MUST enter as an ICU nurse because it is really hard to switch areas once you are in, and then you have to be on station at that particular base for 2 years before you can apply. School is around 12 months in Bethesda, MD, then you choose your clinical site from either Keesler in Mississippi or Travis in northern Cali. There are a few others, but i only want to tell you what i know for certain. Great education, EXCELLENT autonomy as a CRNA in the Air Force. I highly recommend it. Of course there is all the other factors that go along with being in the military. Best for single people in my opinion, but they are many with families that do great. Hope this helps, good luck.

Melray, I really would like to communicate with you regarding your experience in the Air Force... I'm trying to decide whether Navy or Air Force would be best for me ... I'm interested in eventually becoming a crna, and could use some advice from someone that doesn't have a vested interest in whether or not I join their branch (read: recruiter). Can I email you privately?

Thanks, Phil

if you are thinking about a military school try this website www.dns.amedd.army.mil/crna/

if you have further questions email me at [email protected]. i am sure that i can answer your questions or direct you to the right person as i was the asst. program director.

nma

nateapatov,

thank you for sharing this web link with us. the information is very helpful.

it is my understanding that the army accepts critical care nurses up until the age of 46. i will graduate with a bsn/rn (i already have a ba & mba) and begin working in an adult icu of a large, innercity hospital (level i trauma) (i will be 41 years old). my long term goal is to become a crna.

in your opinion, assuming i met all the entry qualifications, would a 41 year old critical care nurse be considered for the army crna training or would this be a long-shot? thanks, stephanie

My friend was telling me that since the military pays for your education you will have to take a significant pay cut once you have your degree and you are working for them. Is this true? His father became a doctor in the Air Force and he (my friend) is highly discouraging me from even looking into military CRNA programs, he states "it's not worth it." I believe in keeping all of my options open.

What do you'll think?

If you only look at your military salary that you are making after you finish your education then it is not much compared to the pay you make as a civilian. Even as a captain your base pay will not be more than $50K/ year. Of course you can live on base free or get more pay if living off base and many other options to make it comparable perhaps.

hmmm really? even with bonuses and housing/food ect? $50K

he said base pay....that does not include bonuses and additional funds for housing/food/clothing

And I believe that post was from 5 yrs ago.........

My military pay is roughly equvilent to my civilian pay prior to Active duty this year. ~$70,000

I don't live on base. And my school tuition and living expenses are paid, so my CRNA ed wont cost me $180,000..... like the "other programs"

You MUST enter as an ICU nurse because it is really hard to switch areas once you are in, and then you have to be on station at that particular base for 2 years before you can apply.

Can you join Army as an CCU nurse without CCU experience? I have 2 year of experience of Med/Surg Med/Tele experience.

Can you join Army as an CCU nurse without CCU experience? I have 2 year of experience of Med/Surg Med/Tele experience.

Direct accessions to the USAGPAN program need at least one year of critical care. You can call the program directer at FT SAM Houston (on the USAGPAN website) and ask about CCU experience for admission.

Being in the program now, I would HIGHLY recommend at least a few years of ICU care. You will have a huge learning curve.

And remember, the first year is didactic, so you won't be getting your clinical experience for awhile, which if you have been an rn for sometime......this break will seem like nothing. If you are just learning critical care skills.....having a yr off is alot.

good luck

c.