USAGPAN - Army, VA or civilian route?

Nursing Students SRNA

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I have been researching options for entering the USAGPAN CRNA program and still am not sure what my best option is. My situation is complicated but I can't believe it is unique, so if anyone has been in a similar situation I'd appreciate your advice.

Civilian side I'm a BSN with 5+ years ICU experience. I'm also already in the Army (11 yrs Nat. Guard), but only as an enlisted member (I work in a warehouse one wknd/month, 92Y supply MOS).

I ETS in April but wonder if I should stay in and commission instead. I was told by the recruiter here that I would only need a 2 week course in Texas to switch to being a commissioned officer. So I could go to the 2 week course, commission, and then try for USAGPAN as an officer. I would much rather do two weeks than nine (BOLC).

If I ETS, what kind of officer training is required before USAGPAN? BOLC? Or is it direct commission?

I've also been applying to the local VA hospital since I read that VA employees are eligible for GPAN. Do you have to be with the VA for a certain amount of time before you are eligible? This route is appealing to me since the time paid back would be to the VA. I've been deployed and ideally would not want to deploy again. Also, I'm assuming VA students aren't supported as well financially throughout the program (continuing pay on top of tuition). Couldn't really find information on that one.

So lots of options, thank you for any insight.

I have been researching options for entering the USAGPAN CRNA program and still am not sure what my best option is. My situation is complicated but I can't believe it is unique, so if anyone has been in a similar situation I'd appreciate your advice.

Civilian side I'm a BSN with 5+ years ICU experience. I'm also already in the Army (11 yrs Nat. Guard), but only as an enlisted member (I work in a warehouse one wknd/month, 92Y supply MOS).

I ETS in April but wonder if I should stay in and commission instead. I was told by the recruiter here that I would only need a 2 week course in Texas to switch to being a commissioned officer. So I could go to the 2 week course, commission, and then try for USAGPAN as an officer. I would much rather do two weeks than nine (BOLC).

If I ETS, what kind of officer training is required before USAGPAN? BOLC? Or is it direct commission?

I've also been applying to the local VA hospital since I read that VA employees are eligible for GPAN. Do you have to be with the VA for a certain amount of time before you are eligible? This route is appealing to me since the time paid back would be to the VA. I've been deployed and ideally would not want to deploy again. Also, I'm assuming VA students aren't supported as well financially throughout the program (continuing pay on top of tuition). Couldn't really find information on that one.

So lots of options, thank you for any insight.

the only insight I can offer is that VA employees do get continuing pay on top of tuition but it's an extremely competitive route.

Specializes in CRNA.

My understanding of the VA part is that you have to be employed with the VA. I couldn't find a length of time requirement.

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