Will Military take an ADN/Diploma nurse with BSc. in another field?

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Will the Navy, Marines, Army or Air Force take and ADN or Diploma nurse with a bachelor's degree in another field?

I have two Bsc. degrees plus 1/4 of aa MPH degree. I have been looking to joining after I become an RN.

From the website they say they require a BSN. Back during my early college days in the 90's I was told that all you needed to become an officer is a Bachelor's degree.

I know you can join the reserves as and ADN, but the initial period for someone with no previous military service is eight years. I would much rather do active duty for 3 years or so.

I don't want to call a recrutier or sign that form online 'cause I really don't want anyone calling my house all the time.

Does anyone know? I am partial to the Navy, but I will take info on any service branch.

Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.
Hello-

The USMC does not have organic medical units but has med support from the USN, as the Marine Corps is a part of the Dept of the Navy. USAF, USN and USArmy all use BSNs but I believe that the Army uses LPNs as well.

If you patronize "Military.com" website at all, the new mdoerator over there is a former active-duty LPN/medic who goes by the screen-name 'Sekar.' Look him up - he'll fill you in on whatever you want to know. Your post doesn't say how old you are, but if you are within the age cutoff, and want USN service, being a Corpsman is a good route. They get top-notch training and many later get a BSN and a commission in the NNC. HMs (Corpsmen also called HMs - hospital man - or pharmacist mate - although this terminology might be out-of-date now) are enlisted; army LPNs are either NCOs senior enlisted or possible warrent officers. Can't recall. If you are under age 40, you can do one these jobs if the service in question can't use your LPN directly. Many jobs done by paramedics or RN/LPNs in the civilian sector are done by enlisted medics or corpsmen in the military. They get to go on missions in support of the troops - e.g. corpsmen can 'go green' and go through Fleet Marine Service School and thereby qualify to be grunts with the USMC infantry. A dangerous job, but one some people want. Corpsmen serving with the Marines are among the most decorated subsets of military personnel around. Corpsmen also serve aboard ship as members of the regular USN, in case going green isn't for you. I myself am too old to be a corpsman but wish I had done it as a younger guy, and then gotten my RN afterwards.

Best of luck -

Hey GeorgiaBoy61, some of your terminology is very interesting ;)

All Army Licensed Practical Nurse [91WM6] Soldiers are enlisted [only] and can be E-5 & below. Furthermore, most 91WM6 are first combat medics [Health Care Specialist] with an MOS of 91W, or 91WY2. The United States Army Practical Nurse Course [300-M6] taught at the AMEDD Center & School, FSH, TX is approved by the Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas and upon successful completion, soldiers qualify to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). The soldier must obtain and maintain licensure as a Vocational Nurse/Practical Nurse for award of the ASI M6.

Regards to your phrases such as subsets of military personnel, organic medical units, and so on I found to be unusually creative.

Semper Fi!

... btw, I, too, am a USMC Veteran.

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I have a friend who transferred to the Army Reserve with his ADN and was commissioned.

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Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.

I read the above post and I think the Navy and Air force still only accept BSNs. My question is will the Regular Army accept ADNs? How about the Reserves or National Guard? I already have a BA and a MBA.

By the way, I know that the Navy is willing to pay to return people to school but they only pay up to $20,000. However, I would need to attend an Accelerated program and there aren't any in my area. So that is not an option for me right now.

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Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.
I read the above post and I think the Navy and Air force still only accept BSNs. My question is will the Regular Army accept ADNs? How about the Reserves or National Guard? I already have a BA and a MBA.

By the way, I know that the Navy is willing to pay to return people to school but they only pay up to $20,000. However, I would need to attend an Accelerated program and there aren't any in my area. So that is not an option for me right now.

To qualify for an appointment as an Officer in the Army Nurse Corps, you must:

  • Meet the prescribed medical and moral standards for appointment as a commissioned Officer
  • Be a United States citizen or have a permanent visa
  • Have an associate's degree in nursing or 3 yr nursing diploma or a bachelor of science in nursing for Reserve;
  • Have a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) from an accredited school of nursing for Active Duty
  • Have a valid, unrestricted RN license
  • Be 21-46 years of age

Army Nurse Corps Requirements

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Hi all, I am currently working with Navy recruiters to go back in as a Nurse. I was prior enlisted. I have BS in Biology, a Masters of Education and am halfway through a PhD in Biology. The recruiter said BSN only. They do not accept any other degree in the program regardless of certification or licensing. Those of us with previous degrees are also ineligable for the NROTC. It is a good career, but there are some hoops to jump through to get in.

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And I have a question somewhat related...does anyone know for sure what type of accredidation that the armed service requires for a BSN? I am interested in going back to school for mine to join the Navy but as my ADN was not from the accredited schools on their list I want to be extra careful. Thanks a million in advance : )

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Geriatrics.

I have a BA- English- AD- Nursing and am currently in an accelerated RN-MSN program. I am employed full-time as a Med- Surg RN. Would that by-pass the BSN req? (I will not be awarded a BSN as part of my course of study)

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Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.
I have a BA- English- AD- Nursing and am currently in an accelerated RN-MSN program. I am employed full-time as a Med- Surg RN. Would that by-pass the BSN req? (I will not be awarded a BSN as part of my course of study)

Nope! If you want to be an officer in the AMEDD as an RN in the Army Nurse Corps on active duty you have to have at least a BSN. No way around it. Once you have completed your MSN, passed your Nursing Boards, then your good to go. ;)

You could do what I did. I first entered into the Reserve Component, then completed my RN-BSN program and was accepted onto active duty... where I'm very content at the moment. One of the best decisions I've made in a long time.

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So are you saying YES you can join with an MSN rather than BSN? You did highlight "at least" which I take as a yes. : )

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Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.
So are you saying YES you can join with an MSN rather than BSN? You did highlight "at least" which I take as a yes. : )

  1. For AD you cannot apply with ADN
  2. However, YES you can apply with MSN, which exceeds the BSN requirement.

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Gracious amigo.

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Can anyone contribute any info on the physical fitness requirements and initial training for the USAR? Thank you!

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