New Grad Interested in Becoming an Officer

Editorial Team / Moderator · Sep 17, 2015

I believe the Air Force is still taking new grads, and possibly the Navy. Army is not taking new grads as far as I know - they want a couple years of experience.

Any branch is extremely competitive, and GPA matters. A competitive candidate is well rounded, too. The process is long and arduous. Don't stop looking for a job in favor of the military because it can take a year + to accomplish. If you are looking to the military as a back-up plan and not because you're passionate about serving, I would reconsider. I have met those nurses, and they are not happy people.

Good luck with the NCLEX!

Camo-angel · Sep 17, 2015

The Air Force and Navy take new graduate nurses with little experience, however the Air Force only meets once a year to take new nurses without experience, and they just met in July and picked their selects. This is a long process, the next new grad board will meet summer 2016 so you will definitely want to find a job. However by that time you may qualify to apply for FQ, which is for nurses with more than 6 months experience. The Air Force meets twice a year to take those qualified nurses, so you'd probably end up applying for that either in March or this time next year, depending on when you find a job and how much experience you get. Meet with a healthcare recruiter now, they'll give you more direction on which board to prepare for. I can't give insight on the Navy, I'm going in as a new grad in the Air Force. Good luck to you!

babyrnhlw · Aug 10, 2016

Thanks yall. I passed my nclex and landed a job in the NICU (my dream!). So I decided against military. But thanks for the responses!

Editorial Team / Moderator · Aug 10, 2016

Thanks yall. I passed my nclex and landed a job in the NICU (my dream!). So I decided against military. But thanks for the responses!

Congrats, that is awesome!! :)