43 YO Nursing Student Wants to Join the Navy - Advice Plz

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Hi all,

I'm new to the site and I was hoping for some advice. I was recently accepted into Drexel's Nursing ACE Progam and I'm seeking financial assistance for school in the Fall. I'd really like to participate in the Navy's Nurse Candidate Program. My GPA from my 1st undergraduate degree and recent nursing pre-reqs are very high. However, I'm 43 yrs. old and the healtcare recruiter in the Philadelphia area said his commander will not entertain the possibility of my joining the NCP.

I'm in excellent physical condition, single with no kids, am willing to provide extra years of service & have no inteterst in collecting a pension from the Navy. Is there any way around this obstacle? Does anyone have contant info for a healthcare recruiter who might be sympathetic and can assist me? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Kindly,

Stephanie

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Hi Stephanie, you are above the age limit, unless you have already served in the military. sorry. if there was anyway a recruiter could get you in w/o breaking any rules they would!;-)

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Hi Stephanie~ Unfortunately, unless you get your Masters, you will probably be exceeding the age limit for all branches of active duty. You can look into reserves, but no guarantees. I'm sorry girl!

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I was told recently that the age limit for the Air Force is still 47-48. I would certainly try your local healthcare recruiter, but the age limit for the Navy NCP is commissioned by the time you are 42 and they aren't short on applicants right now so who knows if they would try for a waiver.

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Specializes in ER, ICU.

As far as I know the Air Force is the only one that would take you at your age, and in the reserves (with a BSN). You need nursing experience to be valuable to them. If you can bust through school and get a job pronto you might be able to make it. Good luck!

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

Even if you do make the age for the AF it still will be tough to get picked up because of the number of applicants. With that being said there is nothing work with trying because they just might say yes and bring you in. But if you do not apply the answer will always be no. Things could also change by the time you finish school. Good Luck

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I appreciate the feedback. It sounds like there is a glimmer of hope with the AF. I'll look into finding a AF health care recruiter. Thx again :-)

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