Navy BEFORE or AFTER bsn???

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Hey all...I've been reading posts forever and finally decided to ask you guys a question since you're all so helpful.

I already have a BA and I'm currently applying to accelerated BSN programs. I've spoken to a medical recruiter who told me I'd get a sign on bonus of 10k, a 10k scholarship to whichever school I go to, and 1k monthly stipend. I thought that was a pretty decent deal, but is it really??? :confused: Or would I benefit more doing the BSN on my own and joining the Navy AFTER I've already completed the program since I'd get Officer pay?

Take into consideration that these accelerated programs don't allow you to work and I'd have no source of income :o

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Specializes in ER, Trauma, US Navy.

You need to find out what program they are offering you, the actual name. If they want you to come on active duty and then get your BSN while active, don't do that it'll never happen. If they are offering you the NCP program where they help pay for your last year or two of school, then I'd do that. I did the NCP program and I worked as a nursing assistant on the weekends, so you can work, it'll just kill you like it did me. I survived mind you. I'd get clarification on what they are actually offering you.

LCDR Dan

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Thx for responding LCDR Dan!

yes i believe it's the NCP because that's the only one on the site I see which gives the monthly stipend and money for school. the recruiter told me my only job would be being a student and then after that I'd go to OIS for 5 weeks, then off to one of three hospitals.

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Specializes in ER, Trauma, US Navy.

Yup, then with the NCP you will get your BSN before you actually get commissioned. By getting accepted for the NCP does not put you on active duty. It just obligates you to go active once you finish your degree for specified amount of time. If you don't finish the degree, you have to pay the money back with interest, did he/she tell you that? I asked that question when I was applying, recruiter laughed when he answered me. So if you're doing the NCP, you better get other loans to live off of or work on the weekends as the stipend won't cover it all. I bought a used dirtbike for $650 with part of my stipend, the majority went to school. good luck, let us know how we can help.

LCDR Dan

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wow! no she didn't tell me that if I didn't finish I'd have to pay anything back. I thought recruiters were supposed to tell you EVERYTHING upfront! well i plan on finishing anyways so I guess that minor detail being left out wasn't too bad.

i doubt I'm going to work because for some schools they actually forbid it. they want you to focus since the program is accelerated and so intense. I'll definitely take out some loans. oh yea, that brings me to another question. she said something about not being eligible for loan repayments until after two years...is this true? and how does the G.I bill work?

sorry for so many questions...I just want to make sure I know all the things I need to know before signing anything since clearly my recruiter is being selective hmph! (that was a mini fit LOL) but I'm very appreciative of all the help you're giving me! :o)

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that's supposed to be a smiley face!

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Specializes in ER, Trauma, US Navy.

Yes, you will be "eligible," but that doesn't mean you'll receive it. For the loan repayment program you have to apply for it like a scholarship. The Navy will evaluate your record and determine whether you are a likely candidate to receive more money. There is another obligation that accompanies the loan repayment program and not everyone that applies gets it. As for the GI Bill, you put in $1200 ($100/month) during your first tour of duty. once you have paid into the fund then you can use it for added education. For instance, my wife who is active duty used hers for her Master's degree that she's working on, I have yet to use mine. The Navy paid for my Master's degree. You will have up to 10 years from the time you leave active duty service to use you GI Bill. That's the basics of it, the actual amount you get per month through the GI bill varies depending on what you're using it for and if you're full/ part-time.

LCDR Dan

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Just as more confirmation - the NCP is the best bet that I've found. My recruiter joined the navy to become a nurse, and she never did (though she is perfectly happy as a corpsman), because it is difficult to attend school and do your everyday job. I am also a second-degree-er looking at an ABSN - I do plan on financial aid and loans, but I think if accepted to the NCP, it would take a huge burden off (esp. since I moved back home to start this venture!). Have you gone through the paperwork yet? I'm currently working on mine. There's quite a pile!

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What is the age cut off for this program? Thanks in advance to anyone who knows. Couldn't find it on their website..

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no i haven't gone thru the paperwork yet but my recruiter has emailed everything to me. I guess I was jus focusing on gettin accepted into a school first, and then I was going to transfer all my energy into the NCP paperwork.

p.s. thx LCDR Dan for all your information!

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Specializes in ER, Trauma, US Navy.

No problem, happy to help.

LCDR Dan

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Hey I have a question for ya.....

Do you know if the Navy will accept anyone with a G.P.A less than a 3.0? I am in the process of applying and my G.P.A is like a 2.9. I have another semester to go until I graduate.

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