Trying to find the right path for nursing school through the Air Force

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · Dec 20, 2014

I would speak to a recruiter who can answer all these questions for you. I would also speak to whomever is in charge of the ROTC program at whatever college you are/want to attend.

There are general 800 numbers that you can discuss specifics with someone.

You can also speak to an academic advisor/guidance counselor regarding this as well, who can point you in the right direction.

Going forward, I would also see what financial aid is available. As a single mom with a child, you should be able to qualify for any number of grants/aid.

Best wishes going forward. I would get ALL of the information that you would need, and in writing, before you sign a thing--be sure that the decision you make is right for you and your family.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Dec 20, 2014

I wouldn't count on the military to help with any loan debt, but if you serve a minimum amount of time you may qualify for the GI Bill (Education and Training Home), and you could use that for nursing school. As for tuition assistance, I believe it would only pay for a higher degree, so not another Bachelors. As far as your child, I believe you would have to have a family care plan in place - someone who could provide 100% care for your child at a moment's notice. As jadelpn said, you should contact a recruiter. Do not let them talk you into enlisting, finish your degree first. Congrats on your upcoming degree!

Whykai · Dec 23, 2014

It just seems like so much. but I have no choice, have to figure out a way to pay for this some how. Thanks so much.

midinphx, BSN · Dec 23, 2014

Joining the military to pay off debt may prove to be a poor decision. It's not a last choice. Military is a way of life and a deep commitment. Don't join for money.

irfarmer · Dec 24, 2014

Look at your options carefully, if you have aspirations of active duty at all, I would steer away from Reserves. It may prove difficult, if not impossible, to transition to active duty AF. I ran into that issue with the Navy, and this is part of the reason I'm switching branches from Navy to AF. And as Pixie said, do not let them talk you into enlisting, huge difference in many ways.

Whykai · Dec 24, 2014

I just did a little research and I decided I want to go active duty. I also seen they have the NECP program but the problem is you can't be an officer. By the time I join I will have a degree thus making me elgible to be a officer. And the program accepts people who already have a previous degree but you just can't be a officer? What's the best option?

jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA · Dec 24, 2014

Since we're talking AF, I believe your referring to the Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program; you're not eligible. That's for currently enlisted medical staff on active duty. People typically selected for that program are generally E5s or higher...meaning you'd have to put in 6+ years before you'd be competitive if you enlisted now.

Your bachelor's degree does technically make you eligible for a line officer spot. However, the number of direct commission slots is incredibly small. Most officers commission from the academy or ROTC. If you've got nearly a 4.0, then maybe you can consider the direct commission line officer deal. For the AF, you're looking for the basic officer training program (BOT).

I have to be blunt here. A BA or BS isn't a golden ticket to being an officer. Something like 40% of the enlisted Air Force has a bachelors degree; having one doesn't make you special.

You may still be eligible for ROTC scholarships if you put in at least 2 years with them, but I'm far from an ROTC expert. I direct commissioned with RN experience via Commissioned Officer Training (COT).

The only option you have in my mind is to start a nursing program on your own dime. Towards the end of your program, you'll be eligible to apply for a direct commissioning program. Last I heard, there was still 40K in loan repayment and 20K in sign-on bonuses for 6 years commitment.

Whykai · Dec 24, 2014

Since we're talking AF, I believe your referring to the Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program; you're not eligible. That's for currently enlisted medical staff on active duty. People typically selected for that program are generally E5s or higher...meaning you'd have to put in 6+ years before you'd be competitive if you enlisted now.
Your bachelor's degree does technically make you eligible for a line officer spot. However, the number of direct commission slots is incredibly small. Most officers commission from the academy or ROTC. If you've got nearly a 4.0, then maybe you can consider the direct commission line officer deal. For the AF, you're looking for the basic officer training program (BOT).
I have to be blunt here. A BA or BS isn't a golden ticket to being an officer. Something like 40% of the enlisted Air Force has a bachelors degree; having one doesn't make you special.
You may still be eligible for ROTC scholarships if you put in at least 2 years with them, but I'm far from an ROTC expert. I direct commissioned with RN experience via Commissioned Officer Training (COT).
The only option you have in my mind is to start a nursing program on your own dime. Towards the end of your program, you'll be eligible to apply for a direct commissioning program. Last I heard, there was still 40K in loan repayment and 20K in sign-on bonuses for 6 years commitment.

Thank you. This is what I needed to hear. Two questions: first, is the AECP program the same as the NECP as far as being enlisted for atleast 6 years? Secondly, should I talk to a rotc recruiter and see if I will qualify?

jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA · Dec 25, 2014

I really don't know much about the Army or the Navy. The 6 years number is arbitrary; that's the bare minimum you would need to be competitive at getting a program slot against other people. I'm saying this because the vast majority of my co-workers who went through the AF NECP were NCO's when they got in (E5s, E6s, and a few E7s).Your package isn't going to stand a chance if all of your bullets are 'airmen' bullets; NCOs supervise people and hold leadership roles.

I don't think it would hurt to ask a recruiter about ROTC.

Just remember that direct commission is far from a guarantee too, especially for new grads. Keep you grades up and have a back-up plan. Federal loan repayment generally only covers US Dept of Ed loans under your social security number...loans you would obtain from your school's financial aide office. Private bank loans used for school aren't going to be necessarily covered. Parent plus loans also aren't covered.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Dec 25, 2014

Same deal with AECP - you won't be eligible.

As midinphx said, this does not seem like a good plan for you. The military is not a reliable avenue for paying off your debt. If you are going to serve, you need to bring something to the organization vs. looking for cash.

EllTee2B · Dec 25, 2014

As of others have said, the military does not seem like a good route for you. Your focus seems to be on receiving free money rather than serving your country. That may seem a little harsh, but the military is indeed a big commitment that will require many sacrifices.