What options does an LPN/LVN have with the Navy?

allnurses Guide · Sep 13, 2011

I am 23 years old with 3 years of LPN experience. I don't currently have a college degree (just a diploma from my LPN program). I want to go as far as I can with my nursing career, and I'm at a point in my life right now where I feel that the Navy could be right for me. I gentleman that I work (a veteran) with has been encouraging me to join the Navy, but he doesn't know much in regards to where I would stand as an LPN.
Can anyone offer some information about how I'd start, and where I'd end up? Could I enlist as an LPN and work my way up via school/training and come out a BSN? I know I need to speak with a recruiter to get the hard facts, but I'd love to get a little bit of info here before meeting with him/her.
I live in Southeastern Mass, fwiw.
I sincerely appreciate any information!

You would go in as an enlisted, and it would be probably be at least 2+yrs before you could even think about going back to school. Then, more than likely, you wouldn't be able to do an RN program unless you did a special program that let you go back to school on active duty and all those programs are on a competitive basis. It is much easier and quicker to just come in with your BSN.

The Navy doesn't utilize LPNs either as far as I know. The closest that the Navy has to LPNs is corpsman.

RxOnly · Sep 14, 2011

Thanks for the info :)

SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN · Sep 14, 2011

The Army, however, does...

allnurses Guide · Sep 14, 2011

The Army, however, does...

The Army does utilize LVN/LPNs, but you would be in the same predicament if you wanted to go back to RN school.

caliotter3 · Sep 14, 2011

At various times the Army has had programs where LPN/LVNs could enlist and attain a higher rank (typically E5) once basic training was completed, and/or get paid a bonus. These programs come and go in cycles according to the current needs of the service. Check with recruiters for the various services to see what is currently available to you. When you contact the recruiting offices, attempt to get in touch with a healthcare recruiter. They are better in tune with healthcare programs.

jmcclure · Sep 14, 2011

I started my healthcare life as a Hospital Corpsman. Your training as an LPN would be a great asset to you if you enter any military service. Unfortunately, the Navy only recognizes R.N.s, with a BSN, as an officer (that's where the money and benefits are). Recruiters have a tendency to offer incoming clients many things. They may not actually understand the difference in schooling re: L.P.N.s and R.N.s. My advice...Any promise need to be in writing; have a goal of B.S.N./R.N./officer; enjoy the many benefits that are afforded being in the military.

John McClure, RN, BSN, NCSN (former Hospital Corpsman 2/c, Viet Nam veteran) proud to have served.

Hancock330 · Sep 14, 2011

I suggest speaking to a recruiter about joining the reserves as an enlisted corpsman and discovering what options exist for financial support while you pursue your BSN (if that is your goal). Such programs always come with a service requirement -- something like 2 years of service (at full pay and benefits) for each year of financial support while you earn your degree. All of the military services have some sort of program like this and the National Guard has similar programs. You need to start talking to recruiters and, if at all possible, current and former service members who have done what you want to do.

Good luck with your career.

PCLPN11 · Sep 14, 2011

rxonly,

great advice from above posts – check out all options with all the services. it’s about timing and your financial situation; and what is available.

i also started my healthcare life as a hospital corpsman and retired after 24 yrs. being a former navy career counselor and navy chief; i have worked with all the services; but i still love the navy.

your navy options:

1. stay and work as an lpn and work prn and get enrolled in a bsn program.

the nurse candidate program (ncp) (wait list - accepting rn for 2012/2013)

financing education is no small matter! tuition, books, and supplies all add up to a hefty financial liability that can take years to overcome. the nurse candidate program provides a monthly stipend for full time students in accredited bachelor of science nursing programs. students can enroll after their sophomore year and receive an initial grant of $10,000 (paid in two installments of $5000 each), plus $1000 a month for up to 24 months. plus you can take care of and develop your navy corpsman (encourage them to take college and use the navy programs).

2. enlist as a navy corpsman; take free college, travel the world, and you can earn the respect from your marines and they call you “doc”.

some things you should ask your navy recruiter about:

loan repayment program (lrp) in the comnavcruitcominst 1130.8j

the u.s. navy will pay the lesser of the original loan amount or the unpaid principle balance at the time of accession (not to exceed $65,000). accrued interest, fines, penalties, or processing fees cannot be paid for by the u.s. navy.

plus - criteria for advanced paygrade

college credits

- 24 semester hrs or 36 quarter hrs of college credits may be enlisted in paygrade e2

- 48 semester hrs or 72 quarter hrs of college credits may be enlisted in paygrade e3

if you want some small advice of how to succeed in the navy - just ask “for more”.

v/r hmc(ret)

jkesler · Sep 15, 2011

Check into ROTC. You may be able to go to nursing school and get your BSN in return for signing up for the military. the Air Force, Army and the Navy all have ROTC programs. The Army has the most openings but all of the forces have advantages and disadvantages.

patrick1rn, MSN, RN, NP · Sep 16, 2011

Get your BSN then join the military