What are the steps to joining the Nurse Corps?

[_nurseinthemaking]

I am currently a nursing student working towards a BSN, and I have my heart set on joining the military after I receive my degree. What is the process to joining the Nurse Corps? What are the requirements, training, and do I need any work experience? Thanks in advance to everyone.

[EllTee2B]

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.

You're welcome. Thank you for your service as well.

[Raider 3/1]

I always thought that the GPA requirements were more like "guidelines" because if you made the grades to pass nursing school then your competent to be a RN.

I guess they have to do something to weed out all the applicants they get.

[catsanders]

I graduated with a BSN in 1986 and received a commission in the Air Force at graduation. I was lucky enough to be accepted into the AF nurse internship program. I served for almost 4 years and loved it, I only left for family reasons. The first step begins with a recruiter. Go to your local recruiting office and they will put you in touch with a medical recruiter.

[bbshman]

I can only speak to my experience in the Navy Nurse Corp. There are 2 ways to join. First, You can enter the nurse candidate program, junior or senior years. You will get $5,000 (taxed) at sign on and at 6 mo with $1,000 a month as well. With this option you serve either 3 or 4 years after graduation. I did this option and started during my junior year. I have just finished my first duty station at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, VA (3 years). Next up is Naval Medical Center Guantanamo Bay! So far my experience has been oncology/med-surg inpatient and ER. Your other option is to complete nursing school and go direct commissioning. The money for this varies on experience. Again it's 3-4 years. Either way you'll enter as an Ensign, in 2 years you get promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade, and in another 2 years Lieutenant. Also, either way you'll go to Officer Development School in Newport, Rhode Island for 5 weeks of training before going to your first duty station (usually one of the big 3, San Diego, Portsmouth, or Bethesda). Please email me if you have further questions on the Navy at [email protected]