Questions about the right path to take and info on nursing programs please!

[savannh]

I am currently a senior in high school. I want to go into the nursing field, and then I would like to enter the Navy. I am, however, struggling to decide on the right path to get there. I don't have a lot of money, so I was considering going to Front Range Community College first, then transferring to University of Northern Colorado, or another 4 year university. After receiving my bachelors in nursing, I would like to enter the Navy. My goal is to get my BSN in as little time as possible without being insanely in debt.

My confusion occurs when trying to figure out how much time I will have to spend on waiting lists and trying to get into these nursing programs! Sorry if this is a lot.

I quess my main question would be asking for advice on whether to go straight to a university, or community college then transfer. And also, about how much time does it take to get through nursing! I really want to go into nursing, but so many people tell me stories of the years they spent on waitlists or those who gave up the idea of nursing completely! It makes me second guess my desire to even try to be a nurse.

Any kind of advice or answers that any one can give would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you so much! - See more at: https://allnurses.com/frequently-asked-questions/i-need-advice-818735.html#post7199688

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

You say that you have a lot of money and want to go into the navy. Why not have the Navy pay for school and pay you to go to school?

[h=2]Financial Benefits[/h]The NROTC scholarship does much more than cover most or all tuition costs at dozens of top schools around the country. It also provides:

• All additional educational and lab fees
  
• A stipend for text books
  
• A subsistence allowance each academic month to spend as you wish, which varies according your current year in school.
  
  • Freshman – $250
    
  • Sophomore – $300
    
  • Junior – $350
    
  • Senior – $400
    

It all amounts to a college experience unobstructed by financial concern. Allowing you to focus on what matters most: making the most of student life

Nurse Program

If you’re interested in nursing, the NROTC is an outstanding way to pay for a top school and set yourself up for an exceptional career. Once you’ve graduated from nursing school usually debt-free, you’ll embark on a career as a nurse and Navy Officer. Proudly attending to the men and women of the Navy and Marines – as well as their families. Counting yourself among some of the most respected professionals in the medical world. And finding opportunities for clinical hands-on training and accelerated advancement.

[zoe92]

Can you just go in enlisted & have them pay for your schooling? I know they do that for other programs but am not sure if nursing is an option.

[savannh]

Thanks! I will definitely look into this and contact someone about this!

[hodgieRN]

I don't know the timeline for entering the navy and then going to school. If you get your BSN first, and then enlist, I am pretty sure you would attend officer candidate school and then become an officer. If you go navy first, I am not sure if you would have to spend time as enlisted first. I think to have to have a bachelors to become an officer. If you do go navy first, that would get school paid for, but I'm sure there are pro and cons to it. A bachelor is 4 years. An ADN is 2-3 years (with pre-req). Then, consider 2-4 months to take your boards. You can get your ADN and then transition into your bachelors as civilian first (1-2 yrs).

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

Going through NROTC, after you graduate with your BSN you will enter your navy career as an ensign (officer). It is a 4 yr commitment after college.