Hey everybody! I'm getting ready to apply to USAGPAN for the 2017 start date, and I just wanted to start a thread to connect with others who are applying. I'm sure that I wont receive many responses until closer to the application deadline, but I wanted to use this thread as a means of tracking my progress throughout the application process as well.
This program is my #1 choice, but I am requesting that MEPS grant a medical waiver (I had a football-related injury 10 years ago, but my recruiter said I should be good to go since waivers are much easier for medical personnel to obtain), and I still need to take the GRE, so there is some uncertainty there. I recently began studying for the GRE, and have been doing okay on the practice tests. However, I keep putting the exam off because I didn't apply myself in high school and focused pretty much on sports and good times. I'm currently reteaching myself high school math (ha)! I'm rocking the verbal portion though, so I plan on taking it next month.
I will be applying to a couple of back-up schools as well, but the military is something I've always wanted to do, and I'm not getting any younger (I'm in my late twenties). I actually almost joined the marines after high school, but ended up opting for college instead. The thought of getting paid to fulfill both life and career goals without having to pay tuition is enticing. I think that for me personally, the stress of having $0 in loans from CRNA school, serving my country, not having to worry about living expenses while matriculating, and the top notch education(DNP) I would receive far outweigh, "making 150k/year in the private sector." ..and hey...I wouldn't mind getting some cool trauma experience overseas from a tour or two!
Yep, I understand that. A close friend of mine who was going to apply with me has had a change of plans as well. I just can't wait to get the verdict in the next couple of weeks.
I ended up getting into the civilian school that I interviewed at. What sucks is the USAGPAN director emailed me saying I was a strong applicant (I think they only saw my app from the NEU side) and I should finish my app which makes it even more difficult. @Scotts, your stats are better than mine so I am sure you will get in if space permits!
i would rather not be a broke student living off of loans for 2.5 years, but I'm just happy to be accepted somewhere.
I ended up getting into the civilian school that I interviewed at. What sucks is the USAGPAN director emailed me saying I was a strong applicant (I think they only saw my app from the NEU side) and I should finish my app which makes it even more difficult. @Scotts, your stats are better than mine so I am sure you will get in if space permits!
i would rather not be a broke student living off of loans for 2.5 years, but I'm just happy to be accepted somewhere.
@Colby21, I texted you. I got in at Barry. It's a tough program, but grads feel pretty prepared, which I think is to be expected when you graduate with 1200+ cases (More than USAGPAN).
You know, this has been a dream of mine since 2009, and I finally got reinvigorated last year to start on it. I'm so happy that it's almost time because I'm really feeling burned out. I started by studying for the GRE, finally took that, was told I needed a biochem, so i took the graduate level one online, and now i did MEPS and am getting all my LOR's in and such, it's just wearing on me.
You know, this has been a dream of mine since 2009, and I finally got reinvigorated last year to start on it. I'm so happy that it's almost time because I'm really feeling burned out. I started by studying for the GRE, finally took that, was told I needed a biochem, so i took the graduate level one online, and now i did MEPS and am getting all my LOR's in and such, it's just wearing on me.
I did the same thing, just stick with it... imagine the excitement you'll have once you get accepted. plus you are getting yourself into a rhythm for when school starts because it is a lot of information. good luck with the application. cheers.
I have applied for the USAGPAN class beginning June 2017. My Phase II interview was at Fort Bragg. I'm awaiting acceptance (hopefully not declination) from NEU and have been commissioned with intent to attend USAGPAN. I was accepted by a civilian school but would personally prefer the Army route. Good luck to everyone.
I hope everyone is having a great Sept 2016 so far and I just want to say how grateful I am to have this site, among others, to turn to for guidance and clarity regarding Nursing and Military Nursing in all of it's glory
I am really posting though to ask a few questions about USAGPAN.
What is the typical sequence of events after acceptance into USAGPAN during the July/August/Sept Board Selection process? Particularly the sequence and timeline of actual Commissioning and signing of contract and the timeline/flexibility of BOLC attendance.
If I come to San Antonio and have to leave my wife in my hometown because she is in the middle of nursing program, will I still receive "With Dependent" pay? Is it possible to claim "Family Separation" pay during this time or is that typically just Deployment type pay or short-term PCS type pay?
Upon arrival for USAGPAN & BOLC will I have to live on base or do I have the choice of living off base and receiving BAH?
I am assuming that I will be scheduled for BOLC from March-April-May so that I can immediately start as an SRNA in June/July. Is that a safe assumption?
I am looking at small rentals on the SouthEast side of Fort Sam, so that I could potentially ride my bike to SAMMC/BAMC or at least I would have a very short drive to lecture/work/clinical. Is this area of town a desirable location? My standards aren't high.
What is the typical spiel about re-enlistment after your Service Obligation is over? Is it pretty common to see bonus offers or other type of incentives? If it isn't out of line to ask, what would the average incentive range be?
I saw something that said First time Officers could potentially be given a one-time $600 Uniform allowance? Is this a common occurrence?
I've also heard that if you are having trouble selling your home during your transition into the military or maybe even during a PCS, the government has resources to help you sell the home or even pay closing costs. Is this familiar to anyone?
Specializes in Med/Surge, ED, Critical Care, Anesthesia.
I can answers some of your questions. I am not in USAGPAN currently but am looking to start in 2018 and have been on active duty as an officer for 7 years.
What is the typical sequence of events after acceptance into USAGPAN during the July/August/Sept Board Selection process? Particularly the sequence and timeline of actual Commissioning and signing of contract and the timeline/flexibility of BOLC attendance.
I can't answer this as I entered into active duty as a new Med/Surge Nurse and am not familiar with this process. You will need to start and finish BOLC prior to starting USAGPAN though.
If I come to San Antonio and have to leave my wife in my hometown because she is in the middle of nursing program, will I still receive "With Dependent" pay? Is it possible to claim "Family Separation" pay during this time or is that typically just Deployment type pay or short-term PCS type pay?
You would receive dependent pay with BAH based out of Fort Sam Houston. During Phase II you would receive BAH at the dependent rate for the location of your phase II site. You can not claim Family separation as the military provided you with the opportunity to move your family and you declined. Family separation is only available when the government does not allow you to bring your family with your. ( Short assignments, certain oversees assignments, or deployments)
Upon arrival for USAGPAN & BOLC will I have to live on base or do I have the choice of living off base and receiving BAH?
You would live off base recieving BAH. You would find a place to live prior to starting BOLC.
I am assuming that I will be scheduled for BOLC from March-April-May so that I can immediately start as an SRNA in June/July. Is that a safe assumption?
From friends that are in the course, you would attend the BOLC class I believe Feb/Mar time period to start the course in May
I am looking at small rentals on the SouthEast side of Fort Sam, so that I could potentially ride my bike to SAMMC/BAMC or at least I would have a very short drive to lecture/work/clinical. Is this area of town a desirable location? My standards aren't high.
I have spent 4 years in San Antonio and am fairly familiar with the area. Locations right around around Fort Sam Houston are questionably safe and I would feel very uncomfortable riding my bike to Fort Sam, especially in the morning when it will likely still be dark. Alamo Heights is within biking distance to Fort Sam, but it is very expensive and you would be likely utilizing your entire BAH and possible more to live there. Your best bet would be to venture a little farther out from Fort Sam, but biking would be difficult.
What is the typical spiel about re-enlistment after your Service Obligation is over? Is it pretty common to see bonus offers or other type of incentives? If it isn't out of line to ask, what would the average incentive range be?
It may have gone up but I believe the current retention bonus for CRNA's once their initial service obligation is over is $50,000/yr for a 4 year commitment, $35,000/yr for 3 year commitment, $25,000/yr for 2 year commitment, and $20,000 for a one year commitment.
These are all incentives that are currently avaialbe and there is no guarantee that these will still be available when you are eligible to re-enlist or that they will be the same amounts.
I saw something that said First time Officers could potentially be given a one-time $600 Uniform allowance? Is this a common occurrence?
You will receive a one time uniform allowance as on officer when you enter active duty. I can't remember how much I received but $600 sounds about right. Unfortunately this is no where enough to cover all uniform expenses, especially when you have to buy your Dress uniform.
I've also heard that if you are having trouble selling your home during your transition into the military or maybe even during a PCS, the government has resources to help you sell the home or even pay closing costs. Is this familiar to anyone?
They government does have programs to help service members sell their houses and provide aid in this department, but I am not familiar with these programs.
I hope this answers some questions. I am sure some that are more familiar with the process of entering into active duty for USAGPAN can clarify some of your questions. Good luck.
I hope everyone is having a great Sept 2016 so far and I just want to say how grateful I am to have this site, among others, to turn to for guidance and clarity regarding Nursing and Military Nursing in all of it's glory
I am really posting though to ask a few questions about USAGPAN.
What is the typical sequence of events after acceptance into USAGPAN during the July/August/Sept Board Selection process? Particularly the sequence and timeline of actual Commissioning and signing of contract and the timeline/flexibility of BOLC attendance.
If I come to San Antonio and have to leave my wife in my hometown because she is in the middle of nursing program, will I still receive "With Dependent" pay? Is it possible to claim "Family Separation" pay during this time or is that typically just Deployment type pay or short-term PCS type pay?
Upon arrival for USAGPAN & BOLC will I have to live on base or do I have the choice of living off base and receiving BAH?
I am assuming that I will be scheduled for BOLC from March-April-May so that I can immediately start as an SRNA in June/July. Is that a safe assumption?
I am looking at small rentals on the SouthEast side of Fort Sam, so that I could potentially ride my bike to SAMMC/BAMC or at least I would have a very short drive to lecture/work/clinical. Is this area of town a desirable location? My standards aren't high.
What is the typical spiel about re-enlistment after your Service Obligation is over? Is it pretty common to see bonus offers or other type of incentives? If it isn't out of line to ask, what would the average incentive range be?
I saw something that said First time Officers could potentially be given a one-time $600 Uniform allowance? Is this a common occurrence?
I've also heard that if you are having trouble selling your home during your transition into the military or maybe even during a PCS, the government has resources to help you sell the home or even pay closing costs. Is this familiar to anyone?
Thanks for any advice, comments, or opinions.
Custer
this is what happened for me, results will vary and are subject to change from class to class!!! I'll just add to what soldier murse already talked about...
Timeline: I was a direct accession that made the early board in June so I received my acceptance from both the military and NEU by end of August (no clue what the timeline is for the November board). Received my orders late January. You go to the BOLC class they put you in which will be the one that ends closest to when classes start in mid June. I did BOLC mid march to end of May. You will do your commissioning stuff as soon as you get to Ft. SamHouston. what kind of "flexibility" are you refering to as far as BOLC?
You should get orders that have you report to Ft. Sam 10 days before BOLC starts. This is up front permissive TDY to look for a house, so if its not on your orders definitely talk to your recruiter.
I live out by Randolph AFB and commute and I like it out this way, but I have a big house for me and my family so my priorities are different than yours. I know some people live right off base in and around Alamo heights and they like it. There are some rough areas so definitely check it out and talk to your sponsor and a realtor before you sign any leases/buy.
Best of luck to you and soldier murse, let me know if you have any more questions.
If I'm accepted, I plan on commuting via Motorcycle. I like quiet, relaxing, midwestern vibes. (Coming from San Diego, I can tell you I definitely don't like living on top of people and need my own yard, etc.)
What would be an ideal environment? Are there Military communities like there are in SD?
custerjc3
11 Posts
Yep, I understand that. A close friend of mine who was going to apply with me has had a change of plans as well. I just can't wait to get the verdict in the next couple of weeks.