Military Options for Pre Nurses

[ECUpirate]

Hello,

Im currently a Sophomore at East Carolina University. I applied for nursing school here for the first time and didn't get in, but with my improved grades, I have high hopes that I will get in this coming fall. I have been doing some research about the military and their options. I really like the idea of joining simply due to all the benefits the military has to offer. I'm specifically looking for a military program that I can apply to before I get in nursing school that will pay my way through nursing school and in return I have to serve my time back when I graduate... I found that the Navy offers the NCP program which is right up my alley, and I even spoke with a recruiter. He informed me that the program was very competitive, so I decided I wanted to put my eggs in more than one basket. Does anyone know of any other branches that offer something similar to the NCP program offered by the Navy? To be more specific, I'm looking for something that:

- Offers at least some tuition payment while in Nursing school

- Offers a monthly stipend that gives me some money to live on

- Open to someone who isn't yet in nursing school to apply for

Thanks!!

[windsurfer8, BSN, RN]

DO not join "simply due to all the benefits the military has to offer". You need to want to serve your country whether there is a single benefit or not. The climate for the needs varies greatly and right now the military is downsizing. ROTC students used to all go active...now many have to go reserves. Your best bet is to get through school with STELLAR grades (they DO care what your GPA is) and then get a couple years of EXCELLENT work experience under your belt. Good luck.

[Seaofclouds, BSN, RN]

I hope you understand that there is a stiff price to pay for all those benefits offered by the military. Moving where ever they say, when they say. Working as many hours as are needed to accomplish the mission. Deploying.

That being said, if you are interested in the Army, you would want to look into the Army Nurse Corps and speak with an AMEDD recruiter. They would be able to guide you toward what options you have. The Army Nurse Corps are highly competitive. I'm not sure if they have anything for nursing students or if it is only for those that already have completed their BSN and obtained their RN license.

Good luck!

[caliotter3]

Your best option for accurate information is to speak to the service recruiters. Make certain that you ask to speak to a health careers recruiter, as they are geared toward recruiting health care personnel and have the latest info.