Nurse in the Navy

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I've been thinking a lot about going into the Navy and going in for medical. Keep in mind when you answer my question I am 19 with a little boy and soon to be married. I was wondering how I would I go about joining and getting my nursing degree. I read that I can do half of my schooling and join and finish the other half while in. I want to be a Navt corpsman while in. Also can I take my nursing school online because I'm not positive where I will be living with have a school there for nursing.

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Specializes in Cardiac (adult), CC, Peds, MH/Substance.

Depends. What do you mean by half of your school?

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Elliemay97,

There is a program for enlisted soldiers to apply to and work towards your BSN, however, there are stipulations, such as being accepted, and it also takes time to even be eligible. In my personal opinion, I would get your BSN before entering the military, and perhaps, maybe student loan repayments will be available for you, through the military, obviously.

I would heavily suggest doing more research and reading before talking to your recruiter. However, if you want be become a nurse, you need the degree, yes, it is possible to retain your degree through the military, however, you must meet requirements, and it's a longer process than normal.

You will be better off retaining your BSN degree before joining the Navy, it will make the process shorter, and once again, student loan payments could be available for you. Keep reading and know the differences about having a degree v.s. not having one available.

I truly hope that this helped you out! If you have any specific questions, ask, and I, and the other members of AllNurses will do our best to help! Good luck!

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, CVICU, PEDS PRIMARY CARE.

My husband received his BSN and then served in the Navy for a decade. He recommends getting a degree first. It affords you more opportunities. You will be able to enter as an officer which is also a step up.

ROTC might be another alternative. They do have a Navy Nurse Corps option. There is also a NROTC Scholarship Program that awards select applicants scholarships and they receive full tuition, books stipend, educational fees and other financial benefits.

I attended a direct entry RN program with someone who switched from pediatric nurse practitioner to the family nurse practitioner program because the air force was willing to foot the bill.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Moved to the Military Nursing forum for more responses.

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