Pre-nursing student considering AFROTC or ROTC

Specialties Government

Published

Hey,

This is my first post. I'm a pre-nursing student (still getting some electives out of the way) and was trying to figure out which career path would be best for me. Because it is so difficult for new grads to find hospital jobs anywhere, I have been considering military nursing. I would really love to enter Air Force, but heard it is hard to get into plus takes longer. Therefore, I am considering AFROTC and going into the Air Force with a BSN. Here's my dilemna:

1. I would eventually like to become a CRNA, but heard it is a political game trying to do it through the AF and highly competitive. I don't mind serving the time, but would like to know that I would at least not have to commit 10 year run arounds before getting into the program. If anyone has any better suggestions or advice please reply.

I am also considering the ROTC, but I really would prefer the AF. I also have a bachelor's degree in Psychology already and am looking at the University of MD Nursing program.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It is both a political game and highly, highly competitive to even remain in the service right now due to the budget cuts. Entering any branch is going to be difficult. From what I've been told, a lot of the new commissionees from ROTC are going straight to the reserves. There isn't much room for more folks on Active duty as we start to feel the pinch from the drawdown.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Look, ROTC is a valid option but you have to have the stats to back it up especially with the AF.

Pre-nursing contemplating CRNA? Not to be a prick but that is about as common as a pre-med wanting to be a surgeon. LOTS of things change after a few years school or just a few years in nursing. As you stated it is also EXTREMELY competitive and the Army has the number one program in the country...

What are your stats? GPA? Physical fitness? Experience?

I did Army ROTC and in my opinion the options for nurses are better education wise than in AFROTC

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for the honestly...seriously. I've been trying to find real info on what to expect and what my chances were so I can have a realistic perspective. My GPA is 3.7. My background is mainly in finance, community advocacy,and non-profit. I don't have any medical experience as I'm still working through my pre-reqs. I once was more physically active, working out 3 times a week for 1-2 hours, but stopped about a year ago.

Right now I'm just trying to review my options. My later classes I'll have to take out a loan and pay out of pocket, so I need to guarantee that I'll be able to work. However, getting experience as a new grad is difficult.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

The military option is no longer a means to guarantee work -- if anything, I think the pendulum has swung the other way and it's probably easier to get a civilian job! In the meantime, I suggest resuming your fitness routine -- if nothing else, it'll help mitigate the stress of nursing school! :D Best of luck!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you. I def. need to get back to working out. Walking up to my bedroom makes me feel old, out of breath, and close to death! :dead:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment