Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program USAF

airforceguy · May 29, 2010

Hey all! I am trying to decide what classes to take for Fall semester and I was looking at the AECP Newsletter for the 2010 year and I was sure that Microbiology was a requirement to apply, however I can't find it listed as one only A&P 1&2 and Chem. 1 with labs of course. I'll post my link to where I am seeing this I'll feel so dumb if I am overlooking it because I am sure that Micro was a requirement. I'll be taking it anyways because of course I will eventually need it but I know a lot of you applied to AECP this year and you all of course know if you needed it by the time you applied. Thanks in advance, here's the link of which I speak lol http://www.afoats.af.mil/afrotc/enlistedcomm/AECP.asp the info. I'm looking at is in #7 Nursing Major letter B of the Newsletter.
-Brooke-

You need a letter of acceptance into a nursing school to qualify for AECP. Every BSN program is going to require micro in the prereqs. The AECP guidelines are a bit vague as to what qualifies as a letter of admission, but I don't think you will get accepted into AECP for nursing unless it's for the upper-division nursing classes (typically the class code is NUR xxx). Most 4-year programs admit many students into the lower-division prerequisite classes, but you still have to compete to get into the upper-divison program. They might admit 300 students/semester into the lower-division program knowing they only have room for 80 students/semester in the upper-division program. I'm pretty sure the people sitting on the AECP boards know this and wouldn't accept anyone who only has an acceptance letter to take prereq courses. So, having the minimum 30 credits required by AECP isn't good enough. If you don't mind sharing, what classes have you taken, and what grades did you receive? What classes do you have left to take?

newnrse2013 · May 29, 2010

Hey all! I am trying to decide what classes to take for Fall semester and I was looking at the AECP Newsletter for the 2010 year and I was sure that Microbiology was a requirement to apply, however I can't find it listed as one only A&P 1&2 and Chem. 1 with labs of course. I'll post my link to where I am seeing this I'll feel so dumb if I am overlooking it because I am sure that Micro was a requirement. I'll be taking it anyways because of course I will eventually need it but I know a lot of you applied to AECP this year and you all of course know if you needed it by the time you applied. Thanks in advance, here's the link of which I speak lol http://www.afoats.af.mil/afrotc/enlistedcomm/AECP.asp the info. I'm looking at is in #7 Nursing Major letter B of the Newsletter.
-Brooke-

Brooke...

As "airforceguy" pointed out, micro will probably be a requirement for any nursing program you apply for even though it is not an AECP requirement. I was just accepted for AECP this year and will begin school in a August. Feel free to get in touch with me if you have questions.

brookeND · May 29, 2010

Brooke...
As "airforceguy" pointed out, micro will probably be a requirement for any nursing program you apply for even though it is not an AECP requirement. I was just accepted for AECP this year and will begin school in a August. Feel free to get in touch with me if you have questions.

Newnurse,

Congrats on getting picked up, and thank you for offering your help :) do you care to pm me an email address for future contact? I promise not to bother you with too many questions, especially because you will be very busy :) . I won't be applying until the 2012 cycle, hubby and I are PCSing to Elmendorf in September so I will be considered overseas then and there will be a waiver I will have to obtain if possible. The college I am interested in is Clarkson College in Omaha, NE http://www.clarksoncollege.edu/ the best part about that school is the only Prereq. they require for their BSN program is active status on a nurse aide registry and I got my CNA license in high school!!!! I have always had a passion for the medical field and one day I hope to accomplish what all of you here have and be part of that field again. Ok back on subject :) this is the only Nursing school I have come across with such a minimum entry requirement but of course they eventually require Micro in their curriculum so I will take it before applying. I just thought that AECP required it before applying.

newnrse2013 · May 29, 2010

BrookeND...

I do not have "permissions" to send PMs...I am new to this forum and do not have enough posts..lol I have put my yahoo address on the last line. Feel free to send me a message when you get this. I will be glad to help in any way I can. Here it is....tmitchell40

brookeND · May 30, 2010

You need a letter of acceptance into a nursing school to qualify for AECP. Every BSN program is going to require micro in the prereqs. The AECP guidelines are a bit vague as to what qualifies as a letter of admission, but I don't think you will get accepted into AECP for nursing unless it's for the upper-division nursing classes (typically the class code is NUR xxx). Most 4-year programs admit many students into the lower-division prerequisite classes, but you still have to compete to get into the upper-divison program. They might admit 300 students/semester into the lower-division program knowing they only have room for 80 students/semester in the upper-division program. I'm pretty sure the people sitting on the AECP boards know this and wouldn't accept anyone who only has an acceptance letter to take prereq courses. So, having the minimum 30 credits required by AECP isn't good enough. If you don't mind sharing, what classes have you taken, and what grades did you receive? What classes do you have left to take?

Hey Airforceguy sorry for such a late reply I have been very busy lately. Yes you make a very valid point about being accepted into upper division nursing courses and getting into AECP. As of right now I have Intro. to Psych., Sociology of the Family, Art Appreciation, Eng. 1, Chem. 1 with Lab, College Algebra, and Trigonometry. For every one of those classes except PSYCH and ENG I got an A, I've taken these courses in the past year to apply to my CCAF requirements. I will be starting Speech next week and then I will have all the courses except for my management credits needed for the CCAF. I would really like to have my CCAF before applying for any program. Now for ENG and PSYCH I took these straight out of high school as well as two other classes. I didn't have my priorites straight and decided to come into the Air Force so I just quit attending those classes. I received a B in ENG and a C in Psych. and got F's for the other 2 classes making my GPA with that school a 1.25. The only reason I did so badly is because I quit going to class instead of withdrawling....stupid, stupid decision but I can't change it now. I plan on taking the 2 F courses over again even though AECP will still factor in the F's, the better grades will still apply as well and make a little difference. I am signed up to take Med. Terminology and Anatomy and Physiology 1 this fall. I plan to take Biology before taking Micro., it will serve as extra credits as well as giving me a foundation for Micro. I intend to take Chem. 2 and Nutrition also before applying to AECP.

I am going to have to take quite a few courses besides the prereqs. in order to bring the GPA up that I obtained before joining the Air Force but at least that will give me less classes to complete if I do get accepted one day.

The college I am interested in is Clarkson College of Nursing in Omaha, Ne. http://www.clarksoncollege.edu/Programs/Nursing/Bachelor_of_Science_in_Nursing/ in this link on the page displayed click on the left side where it says BSN Curriculum Plan. This school mixes general ed. courses in with nursing courses in their curriculum plan this includes A&P, Micro, and Chem. (which the advisor I spoke with told me they would apply my Chem. credit as their Biochem. requirement). So for this school you don't have to have these credits before applying and when you are accepted it is the nursing program you are accepted for not just general admission. The only requirement that you must have is an Active CNA license. I am sure that to them this would show you have a pretty strong desire for health care and to become a nurse and that is why they require it. However their degree plan is a four year plan and AECP will only allow you up to three years right? So I know it would be pretty useless to apply without knocking out a years worth of courses before applying to AECP, and let's face it I need to get that previous GPA up as well. If I have made any mistakes in my observations here please correct me, I am gaining a lot of valuable knowlege and tips from you all and appreciate it greatly.

Thanks,

Brooke

airforceguy · Jun 1, 2010

Hey Airforceguy sorry for such a late reply I have been very busy lately. Yes you make a very valid point about being accepted into upper division nursing courses and getting into AECP. As of right now I have Intro. to Psych., Sociology of the Family, Art Appreciation, Eng. 1, Chem. 1 with Lab, College Algebra, and Trigonometry. For every one of those classes except PSYCH and ENG I got an A, I've taken these courses in the past year to apply to my CCAF requirements. I will be starting Speech next week and then I will have all the courses except for my management credits needed for the CCAF. I would really like to have my CCAF before applying for any program. Now for ENG and PSYCH I took these straight out of high school as well as two other classes. I didn't have my priorites straight and decided to come into the Air Force so I just quit attending those classes. I received a B in ENG and a C in Psych. and got F's for the other 2 classes making my GPA with that school a 1.25. The only reason I did so badly is because I quit going to class instead of withdrawling....stupid, stupid decision but I can't change it now. I plan on taking the 2 F courses over again even though AECP will still factor in the F's, the better grades will still apply as well and make a little difference. I am signed up to take Med. Terminology and Anatomy and Physiology 1 this fall. I plan to take Biology before taking Micro., it will serve as extra credits as well as giving me a foundation for Micro. I intend to take Chem. 2 and Nutrition also before applying to AECP.
I am going to have to take quite a few courses besides the prereqs. in order to bring the GPA up that I obtained before joining the Air Force but at least that will give me less classes to complete if I do get accepted one day.
The college I am interested in is Clarkson College of Nursing in Omaha, Ne. http://www.clarksoncollege.edu/Programs/Nursing/Bachelor_of_Science_in_Nursing/ in this link on the page displayed click on the left side where it says BSN Curriculum Plan. This school mixes general ed. courses in with nursing courses in their curriculum plan this includes A&P, Micro, and Chem. (which the advisor I spoke with told me they would apply my Chem. credit as their Biochem. requirement). So for this school you don't have to have these credits before applying and when you are accepted it is the nursing program you are accepted for not just general admission. The only requirement that you must have is an Active CNA license. I am sure that to them this would show you have a pretty strong desire for health care and to become a nurse and that is why they require it. However their degree plan is a four year plan and AECP will only allow you up to three years right? So I know it would be pretty useless to apply without knocking out a years worth of courses before applying to AECP, and let's face it I need to get that previous GPA up as well. If I have made any mistakes in my observations here please correct me, I am gaining a lot of valuable knowlege and tips from you all and appreciate it greatly.
Thanks,
Brooke

The only thing I would be concerned with is if the board perceives this as a traditional nursing program (which is usually two years). I don't know the specifics these boards consider, so I can only speculate, but I would say that if your board is as competitive as it was this year, you would need to have all the traditional nursing prereqs completed (A&P I/II, chemistry, micro, patho, stats, nutrition, ethics). If any of those classes are integrated into the program you will attend, and the program is longer than the traditional two years, there might be a chance the board turns you down in favor of a student who has already completed those classes and has been accepted into a two year program. My reasoning is simple - why send someone through a three-year program when they can get the same return in two years (and for less tuition).

Plan to apply to both AECP AND NECP. You can double your chances for only a little more effort. NECP is actually an easier process.

Also, I wouldn't worry about the CCAF too much, especially if earning it would delay you for another year. You won't need it if you're accepted, and if you're not you have many more years to earn it. Take only the classes you need to apply for AECP/NECP, and if you're not selected that's the time to go back to your CCAF. Your CCAF is useless unless you stay in your enlisted AFSC, unless you feel having an extra bullet in your resume is really worth delaying your future. While I'm on the subject, I would recommend against taking any extra classes. You mention taking biology before micro. I'm not sure if you mean A&P, but if you're talking about an unnecessary intro to biology that's not a prerequisite, don't bother. I took biology in high school 12 years ago, and really didn't remember anything. You don't really need it for A&P, as you can look up what you need to (which won't be much). And I had a 99.7% average in micro, so I'm speaking from experience...

One thing to make sure of is that tuition will not exceed the $15k cap. Often schools advertise tuition based only on the traditional Fall and Spring semesters. Since you have to attend Summer classes, it's in your best interest to figure out what tuition is now so there are no surprises later.

Finally, and I definitely don't want to be negative or discourage you at all, but A&P is hard. Really hard. 1/3 of my class received either a D or an F. It will consume your life for two semesters. I hadn't taken a class in 8 years, and I took A&P I my first semester back. I earned an A, so I know it's possible, but it really took over my life. I wanted to know if I had "what it takes" to be competitive, before I started planning out my future. It might be worth taking the class with this attitude, just so you don't have all the extra pressure. You seem to have everything planned out, which is a good thing, but just remember you're still at first base. Good luck!

Menderic · Jun 3, 2010

I too applied to the NECP this year. The waiting for the news is by far the hardest part. Knowing the board has already decided is agony. Anyway, best of luck to all. Maybe we'll find out Friday.

2012RN2b · Jun 3, 2010

If not Friday we should hear something next week (sending up a silent prayer. )

kynchanted · Jun 3, 2010

Does anyone know/has anyone heard if AFPC will tell us when they are releasing the select list? I know notification is via squadron commander, but the PA program emailed everyone who applied and told them when the public release date was so applicants had some kind of idea when to expect news (like what day to expect news). Not that PA and NECP are the same, but I was just wondering if anyone had heard anything or if anyone here had applied before if they did sent out an email before public release?...just wondering! It's kinda scary because a "friend" pointed out to me that if I get accepted to NECP and not USF, it's all over and if I get accepted to USF and not NECP, that's it as well. I always knew that but didn't think about it like that. Either way I should be finding out if I got into USF about 2 weeks after we get word on NECP acceptance. Keeping my fingers crossed for all of us; like I said before I am only eligible for an alternate seat until I get into USF but I am not greedy...I will totally take the alternate seat if it's offered to me! Good luck to all!

Menderic · Jun 3, 2010

Does anyone know/has anyone heard if AFPC will tell us when they are releasing the select list? I know notification is via squadron commander, but the PA program emailed everyone who applied and told them when the public release date was so applicants had some kind of idea when to expect news (like what day to expect news). Not that PA and NECP are the same, but I was just wondering if anyone had heard anything or if anyone here had applied before if they did sent out an email before public release?...just wondering! It's kinda scary because a "friend" pointed out to me that if I get accepted to NECP and not USF, it's all over and if I get accepted to USF and not NECP, that's it as well. I always knew that but didn't think about it like that. Either way I should be finding out if I got into USF about 2 weeks after we get word on NECP acceptance. Keeping my fingers crossed for all of us; like I said before I am only eligible for an alternate seat until I get into USF but I am not greedy...I will totally take the alternate seat if it's offered to me! Good luck to all!

Someone earlier in the thread mentioned that they had spoke with AFPC and that the release was between 5-15 Jun. If I recall correctly, last years release was some time between the 8th and 12th. Hope that helps.

kynchanted · Jun 3, 2010

Yes, I already knew of the 5-15 June timespan, just hoping that someone had heard a more definitive answer. I know with PA program applicants they were sent e-mails with more specific dates, e.g. results will be announced this date, etc. I guess that 5-15 is all we are getting though...thanks anyway! :)

SSGTALI · Jun 3, 2010

I emailed Mr. Baker 2 days ago asking him about the public release timeframe. There are many tasks I have to accomplish upon acceptance into the CON for USA. Without knowing for certain if I will get into NECP, I don't know whether or not I should meet their requirements...specially when there's $$ involved (i.e. student orientation fees, background check fees, etc.).