What are the steps to joining the Nurse Corps?

jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA · May 5, 2014

Your get to list your preferences, however know that new nurses must go to larger facilities. That means if you put a bunch of clinics, you won't get any of your choices. The Air Force has you list 5 stateside and 5 overseas facilities. I got my 5th choice for overseas locations (so you know).

Ben29 · May 6, 2014

I want to learn, so I will choose the major medical centers. Preferably overseas or somewhere with snow during winter season so that I can snowboard when I have days off. I have my hope high for the Air-force Nurse Corps, I hope they will not change the requirements for new graduate Nurses.

I just spoke with healthcare recruiter in a chat room, she told me as a new graduate I will get accepted for NTP. I hope by the time I graduate, the Air-Force will not change its requirement. jfratian, thanks for everything. I have a personnel question. Are you from France? I might mistaken, I think I read somewhere you are from Le Havre. :yes:

jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA · May 6, 2014

Nope, I've actually never been. I was born in New York and raised in North Carolina. The NTP locations are Arizona, Florida, and Texas by the way.

Ben29 · May 6, 2014

Thanks. Could you tell me what are the 5 locations within the 50 states and the 5 locations overseas?

EllTee2B · May 6, 2014

Nope, I've actually never been. I was born in New York and raised in North Carolina. The NTP locations are Arizona, Florida, and Texas by the way.

I believe you forgot to add California.

jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA · May 6, 2014

I actually didn't realize there was a California NTP location for the AF.

There are far more than 5 possible permanent duty locations for each catergory. You get to list 5 of each (stateside and overseas) on a document that goes with your application. Your recruiter will have the list; the list will differentiate which ones are hospitals (vs clinics).

EllTee2B · May 6, 2014

I actually didn't realize there was a California NTP location for the AF.
There are far more than 5 possible permanent duty locations for each catergory. You get to list 5 of each (stateside and overseas) on a document that goes with your application. Your recruiter will have the list; the list will differentiate which ones are hospitals (vs clinics).

Understandable sir/ma'am. Just thought I'd chime in. It's located at Travis AFB. There they have a large teaching hospital.

Ben29 · May 6, 2014

Understandable sir/ma'am. Just thought I'd chime in. It's located at Travis AFB. There they have a large teaching hospital.

Thank you for your insights. I don't know if each state has different requirements. I was told I need a 3.4 gpa. Do you know anyone who joins the Air-force active duty with less than 3.4 gpa?. I live in New York. Bummer. :confused:

EllTee2B · May 7, 2014

Thank you for your insights. I don't know if each state has different requirements. I was told I need a 3.4 gpa. Do you know anyone who joins the Air-force active duty with less than 3.4 gpa?. I live in New York. Bummer.

When you apply to the Air Force you're applying to that particular branch service and there is no difference for each state. As for the GPA, the 3.4 minimum GPA is a new requirement, so I don't believe a good answer to your questions exists, unfortunately.

jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA · May 7, 2014

I think EllTee2B might need to change his/her name? :)

I second that statement. You compete nation-wide. I wasn't aware of the new gpa requirement. Worst case, tough it out and get a year of experience and apply as a fully qualified applicant. The loan repayment will likely still be on the table.

Take ACLS or PALS or any other certification you can. Ask for extra duties in your job (committees, process-improvement, etc). Do extra things to make your application stand-out.

EllTee2B · May 7, 2014

I think EllTee2B might need to change his/her name? :)
I second that statement. You compete nation-wide. I wasn't aware of the new gpa requirement. Worst case, tough it out and get a year of experience and apply as a fully qualified applicant. The loan repayment will likely still be on the table.
Take ACLS or PALS or any other certification you can. Ask for extra duties in your job (committees, process-improvement, etc). Do extra things to make your application stand-out.

Not quite yet. LOL. I graduate in December and have 8 years combined reserve and active service in the enlisted ranks. Whether it be reserve or active, I hope to commission one day, although the numbers aren't in my favor.

jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA · May 7, 2014

Well, thank you for your service. I'm sure it will help differentiate you from the hundreds of civilians that apply for NTP. Almost half of my COT class was prior-enlisted.