Military or USPHS Corps?

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Hi Everyone,

I have a B.S. in Health and Exercise Science. I am graduating August 2018 with my BSN from an accelerated program. I am trying to figure out what to do with my life after graduation. I want to eventually become a nurse practitioner (acute care or FNP). I have $30k in student loans from my first degree (not nursing, so I don't think the loan repayment programs would help me).

I am considering Air Force and Army Nursing Corps, US Public Health Service Corps, and just getting a job in the private sector.

I am leaning towards the USPHS Corps, but the application process take up to a year to process, so I would need to be working as a new-grad nurse somewhere for that year. I like the benefits and retirement of military/USPHS.

I would like to have my NP education paid for to limit my debt.

Which option is best for me? What are the pros and cons of each option I could take?

Thank you very much for your time!

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Also, I would like to go to NP school or PA school ASAP after my nursing career starts. I would ideally have this paid for.

Would military, USPHS, or doing something like the NHSC Nurse Corps Scholarship be a better option?

Thanks your your time and replies!

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.
Hi Everyone,

Which option is best for me? What are the pros and cons of each option I could take?

Thank you very much for your time!

I am always puzzled with questions like these. How can a group of strangers on the internet possibly know which option is best for you? Or what the pros and cons of each option are?

What research have you done? Other than finding an employer willing to pay for your additional education ASAP, what is important to you: Pay, benefits, orientation program, mentoring, shift availability, size of hospital, distance of commute, proximity to family & friends, geographic location, availability of Master's level programs in the area, etc.....

What clinical area do you plan to practice, and what are the opportunities for this specialty in each of the agencies you list?

These are questions that you will benefit from answering for yourself. Good luck in your search.

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

The Army won't take you without experience. Continuing for an NP education is competitive, but if you serve you would likely qualify for the GI Bill after some time.

You should contact recruiters. The military is very competitive at this time; you need to stand out and have a good GPA (3.5 is usually the minimum, but higher is obviously more competitive).

I will move this post to the government/military forum to encourage responses. :)

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