Nurse Candidate Program vs. Joining after college

just_cause, BSN, RN · Jan 8, 2011

at this time all branches have more of a surplus of applicants and this makes it very competitive for the new nurse or the soon to be graduating nurse... this might change as economy changes. That being said there is a huge benefit to having a job... by joining the NCP you essentially have a slot reserved for yourself and can focus on school while having a monthly $ buffer.... i see no disadvantage to this except if you compare the total reimbursement to the flat bonus of the direct accession its a bit less.

I would personally would apply to NCP soph year in order to be in NCP program through junior and senior year and have my slot secured so i could focus on school, physical fitness, etc. If not accepted i would apply again junior year... if not I would enter the field of nursing and work to gain experience and then apply as a direct accession.

HM2Doc · Mar 15, 2011

I would do the NCP. If you wait to apply until after you graduate you could end up sitting around for a year or so doing nothing before a spot opens up for you. The NCP kind of reserves you a seat so that right after you pass your NCLEX you go into the military.

littleluvbugnavy · Mar 16, 2011

I agree, go NCP, that way you have a guaranteed spot.

HM2Doc · Mar 16, 2011

lol, actually i called the officer recruiter today and he said NCP is full all the way through the end of 2012. So, unless you are a specialized nurse in ICU or something, then our chances of getting in are slim.