Navy Nurse Candidate Program Question

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ok guys, so i found an old post on a thread about the ncp. i was wondering what the advantages are for doing ncp as opposed to just applying to the navy after graduating with your bsn. according to the thread the process for ncp takes a few months at best and you will not be able to take advantage of the full 24 month stipend if you are already deep into your nursing program. would it be better to just get commissioned as a new grad with the $30,000 bonus for 4 years or $20,000 for 3 years bonus? in that way you do not have to fully commit to the navy while in nursing school as well as getting more money for less obligation time? don't get me wrong i want to serve, but i would also like to receive as much as i can for outstanding student loans while at it!

here is the post from the old thread i found:

i have a friend in the navy nurse candidate program and she got 5k up front (plus she'll get 5k when she commissions) plus she gets 1k every month. remember all of this money is taxed! also the application process is long, so she won't get the full 2 years of benefits, because it took so long to get the application sent and approved. the navy also offers a 30,000 bonus for 4 years or a 20,000 bonus for 3 years (again this is also taxed) for current rns. i would talk with a healthcare recruiter to get all the current details, they seem to make small changes every now and then. good luck with what ever you decide.

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miguelli1989 - what you post is correct and many ask the same question. But it depends on your priorities. For me, it is getting into the Navy and so I opted to apply for the NCP knowing that I would have a place in the Navy when I finish my BSN. But I also work and so getting as much money from the Navy is not a priority. I know the Army is now requiring 2 years of experience (unless you do their NCP) and I believe the Air Force is only taking a very small number for their NTP (which includes people with up to one year of experience) so the opportunities for new grads are becoming harder to come by. You don't know what the situation will be like when you graduate. Again, it just depends on what your priority is

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Thank you for your response I really appreciate it. What about the reserves for any of the branches? I would like to go Active Duty, but am also open to the reserves. Is it just as competitive?

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I have been focused on AD, so I don't know much about the reserves. But I believe that you do have to have experience before they take you in the reserves. If you search on here for threads on reserves you can probably find an answer.

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Ok. Where are you in the process? Did you hear back from the boards yet?

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Yes, I have heard from my recruiter that I was selected for NCP but I am waiting for my final select letter.

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Congrats! That must feel great! Any tips on making the application package as strong as possible?

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Thanks! I am very much looking forward to being part of the Navy Nurse Corps. Keep your GPA as high as you can, get good recommendations and be honest in your personal statement. But I certainly don't claim to know of a sure fire way. Just keep the process going. Good luck!

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GuelnRn Good Luck with whatever process you decide to take. Also Congrats oaktown2 on your acceptance.

I have question for yall.. Are there any physical requirements for this program??

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Taneka05, there are physical requirements for this program. You must be within a certain height and weight. If you do a search online for Navy physical requirements, then you will likely find the guidelines. You will also have to do a medical exam where they go over EVERYTHING in order to make sure you are healthy.

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So I just submitted my kit for the next board. Super excited. I think I stand a pretty good chance of getting picked up. GPA 3.99. Character references from a Navy Nurse Corps officer (O-6), an Army Nurse Corps officer (O-3), a Navy Senior Chief, a DNP, and an ARNP. My interview was done by two retired Nurse Corps officers (O-6's)...and I received all 10's! Plus, I listed my 7+ years of active duty service as a Hospital Corpsman. I think that makes for a strong package...now to wait and see! :)

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It takes a lot longer to be a direct accession such as applying to be a navy nurse after graduation. It is not guaranteed and it may take as long as 2 years. With the NCP you are guaranteed a nurse position no matter what. It really is an awesome deal.

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