NAVY - Can someone help figure this out?

[dfh5075]

I'm currently a freshman in college pursuing a BSN degree. I have talked to an officer recruiter for the NCP (Nurse Candidate Program). I just got my application kit, and am starting to fill it out. Although I am worried that I will be declined because it is highly competitive.

I also thought of another idea while looking into all of these confusing programs.

My options:

Pursue the NCP and hope to be accepted while continuing my BSN degree.

Or I thought about joining the Navy Reserve as a (HM) Corpsman, while still getting my BSN and then applying for the Navy Nurse Corps.

Is that possible? I am familiar with the Medical Enlisted Commissioning Program, but am not sure if this is what I should be getting into.

I don't want to be stuck in a bad situation where I can't do what I want with my future because the military is not letting me transfer to the NNC. As I said, these programs are sometimes confusing, so I hope someone can help.

Thank you to anyone who can help.

[SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN]

I looked up the info on the Navy website, and it appears that the NCP is the same as the ANCP (Army's equivalent program). The ANCP is not open to currently enlisted soldiers. What your recruiter may have been trying to tell you is that when you're accepted into the NCP, you're technically enlisted into the reserve (at the rank of OCUI2) for the purpose of pay.

Nurse Candidate Program (Current Students)

[SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN]

For current Navy enlistees who want to go to the officer's side, you'd go through the Medical Enlisted Commissioning Program, not the NCP.

Medical Enlisted Commissioning Program

[Raider 3/1]

Just adding my two cents since I was a corpsman and this is sort of a unique situation your presenting. I had no idea that you could be pulled out of the reserves if you were accepted into the NCP. This sounds like some spin a recruiter told you just to try and get you to sign the dotted line. Like soldiernurse mentioned, all the branches are drastically downsizing (about 200,000ish per branch by 2017) but recruiters are still required to fill quotas for reserve slots. If your not aware, recruiters are known to bend or twist the truth so be diligent in making sure you receive the whole truth. Don't start that reserve obligation until you know its the real deal or a surprise obligation of an additional 2 years before you can even start the NCP.

Again, this is just my two cents so don't let this discourage your plans. Its just the part where you say you found out that you can be pulled out of the reserves and into the NCP, sounded like smoke and mirrors. Besides, it would be a waste of talents to get your BSN and try and work as a corpsman in the reserves. The NCP may be tough to get started but once you have it your guaranteed a commission once you complete your BSN. :) and pass your NCLEX haha

Best of luck to you! I hope to be done with my BSN the same time you are and just fyi I have been trying to get paperwork done for the NCP for over 6 months. Don't let it discourage you!

[dolphins421]

If you are in the reserves when you are accepted for the NCP you will have to be released by your reserve unit as you cannot do both at the same time. If you want to be a navy nurse through the NCP, just forget about enlisting in any fashion and focus on nursing programs

[Cabralie]

I know this post is EXTREMELY OLD, but this is for any new people who may visit (like me) seeking new NCP information. Yes you can apply for NCP if you are a reservist. I was active 4 years and have transitioned to reserves. Yes you can use your post 911 and still receive the bonus and monthly stipend NCP promises you. If you are a reservist, it does require A LOT more paperwork than the civilians you are competing with. I intended to apply this year but was held back because I did not receive an approval for my conditional release request in time. (Extra paperwork I was talking about) If you want to join the reserves do it! The benefits are great. But you also need to consider your "A" school timeframe and not just boot camp. Make sure both can fit into whatever break you have. This includes being on "hold" until your class starts. It's completely different from active. So, when people say you won't be a nurse if you go enlisted, they are absolutely right. However, you won't be your rate anyway when you are a reservist. I'm an IT but have never done IT work when drilling. Once a month & two weeks out the year is not bad. I'd say affiliating with the reserves puts you at a greater chance on being selected for NCP. You've already provided those officers (on the selection board) some assurance of commitment. And this provides you an opportunity of networking! If you decide to go in as an HM you will have senior leadership that may or may not know people on the selection board! NCP is actually one of the few programs reservist are able to apply for. Also, they are right when they say recruiters must meet quotas and etc... However, when a person is interested in becoming a medical officer they must seek out special medical recruiters. Not some joe shmoe BM2. These recruiters are completely different than enlisted recruiters. That is why they are Officer recruiters. To seek out future officers.