Get more news like this - plus jobs - each week. An individual must already be a registered nurse or attend a nursing program approved by their state board of nursing and pass the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX). The first step in becoming a military nurse is obtaining your Bachelor's of Science in Nursing, also known as a BSN degree. What Health Technologist and Technician Careers Are There? A Military Nurse is a member of the armed forces who cares for patients in the military all over the world and veterans in the US. Registered Nurse (RN) Job Description: Salary, Skills, & More, Job Outlook and Requirements of Degrees for High-Paying Careers. To do this you will have to complete LPN training at an accredited school. Having been recruited while in school, Murray spent eight weeks in basic training at Fort Dix in New Jersey and then had four weeks of AIT, which is individual training. The skill set brought after finishing the enlistment will carry into the civilian world. In addition to generous financial incentives and retirement plan options, you'll have the opportunity to enhance your career and provide our Soldiers and their Families with the best nursing care. “Family nurse practitioners are a critical component in providing primary health care support for adults and children during humanitarian missions, other contingency operations and peacetime,” according to the U.S. Army recruiting website.Army Regulation (AR) 40-68 authorizes nu… It is an admirable career that allows for career and promotional developments. Completing a bachelor’s degree while serving as a full-time enlistee is no breeze, but depending on your level of experience in an enlisted health care specialty and the number of credits your college is willing to grant for military experience, you may be able to make your journey that much easier. Upon passing the NCLEX and becoming a registered nurse with a BSN, a nurse should speak with a recruiter of the branch they wish to serve. Army nurses are required to have a bachelor's degree in nursing. Not a dumb question at all. For six years, Murray, MSN, RN, CHPN, now an Assistant Professor at Husson University, served as an LPN in the Army. Being a Nurse in the Army provides you with opportunities not found in the civilian world. There are also programs that help civilians offset the cost of nursing education in exchange for serving once they graduate. BSN programs may span over four years, while a master’s degree in nursing can be completed in 1-2 years. Becoming a Military Nurse In order to become a military nurse, you will need to obtain a nursing degree and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NLCEX). Army Physician Assistant Job Description: Salary, Skills, & More, National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), Navy's Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL). On the face of it, this seems like a silly question, but to this day, nursing is still plagued by countless myths and misconceptions. Murray answered other questions about how civilians can become nurse in the military. Nurses want to designate if they want to be active duty or reserves depending on the commitment. While majoring in nursing (4-yr Bachelor's degree) and taking all the required nursing classes for the university, I also … Any civilian who earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing and received an RN license in their state can apply for a direct commission. Please explain. Step 1 - You join the Army and complete your initial Soldier or Officer military training. They enter as an officer, complete an officer candidate training, and enter into practice. These days, none of the branches take Nurses with anything less … But it also gave her so much more. “It provided me with leadership experience, organizational skills, structure, and the confidence to continue my education and team building.”. If one has 20 years of reserves, they are also eligible for pro-rated military retirement benefits. If you want to be a Nurse in the Army, then plan on attending a University that will get you a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing, rather than an Associates Degree. State nursing boards specify educational and licensing requirements, but in general, RNs must graduate from a board-approved associate or bachelor's degree program before sitting for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Do they have to go through what any other civilian does? What else is important for people to know about how to become a nurse in the military? My stepfather was an army reservist so I grew up around the military. Typically, BSN degrees take around four years to complete. (Because military nurses are commissioned officers, an associate degree will not be accepted). The examples below are based on recommendations on the ACE website, and may vary with the level of education and experience: Airmen enlisted in the Physical Medicine or Aerospace Medical fields may be eligible for credits for their training and experience awarded by the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF). Nearly 60% of some military hospitals are staffed with civilian workers. The Air Force also has a scholarship program for health professionals and each branch may offer college loan repayment incentives. So here are my questions. The last two of the eight years are considered inactive reserves. Remember, though, that to receive an RN license through this exam, you'll still need to earn your bachelor's degree in nursing through appropriate off-duty education. You also need to have a bachelor's or master's degree in nursing. How Do I Become a Military Nurse? All military RNs are commissioned officers, and so unfortunately, RNs with an associate degree are disqualified. Become a Military Nurse by getting an ADN or BSN and earn an average of $58K–$103K yearly. If you're headed to college for an undergraduate nursing degree and are thinking of joining the Army Nurse Corps, it's worthwhile to look into your school's Army ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) program. The Navy, for example, offers a full tuition ride (unless you can find a school that charges over $180,000) to high school students going into a nursing program, or up to $34,000 to current student nurses through their Nurse Candidate Program. Army nurses may have better prospects for promotion than in civilian life. Although still reliant on doctors and other primary care providers to order prescriptions and certain treatments, registered nurses have become collaborative professionals rather than subordinates, with an arsenal of independent actions to help repair, maintain, and promote patients' health. The Air Force also has a scholarship program for health professionals and each branch may offer college loan repayment incentives. The Army refers to this work as Civilian Corps and offers a connection for those interested in becoming a non-military healthcare professional in a military setting. As others have said, experiences vary widely. Scholarship programs are generally only for civilians aiming for a military career as RNs, but what about those already serving in the military? Completing a bachelor degree while serving as a full-time enlistee is no breeze, but depending on your level of experience in an enlisted healthcare specialty and the number of credits your college is willing to grant for military experience, you may be able to make your journey that much easier. As an Army Nurse and Officer, you will have the respect of your peers and coworkers as well as opportunities to train and serve in a variety of specialties. Alicia Murray did. How Civilians Become RNs State nursing boards specify educational and licensing requirements, but in general, RNs must graduate from a board-approved associate or bachelor's degree program before sitting for the National Council Licensure … You do not have to attend drill weekends, but can be called back to duty at any point in those two years if needed. Nurse of the Week Anna Slayton Spent 77 Days as a COVID-19 Relief Nurse in NYC, Jonas Scholar at UT Arlington Researching Pressure Ulcers. There are 2 ways to become an Army Nurse: Army ROTC or Direct Commissioning. If not, how are the requirements different? Staff nurses can become head nurses in as little as three to four years. Nurse Practitioners, for example, are able to practice much the same way as doctors: they may run a practice, form medical diagnoses, and prescribe medications. She entered the military as an E-3—private first class—and was promoted to E-5 sergeant after completion of the aforementioned 12-week training. What are the first things that people must do to become nurses for any of the branches of the military? RNs, doctors, lawyers, and other licensed professionals in this pipeline receive a somewhat abridged version of officer candidate training to orient them to the military culture and their role in it as officers. He’s written about military careers for The Balance Careers. In the 20th century, nurse evolved from a subordinate position as the doctor's "handmaiden" into a highly educated, largely autonomous profession. Find BSN programs here. As with other college degrees, those who serve can receive tuition assistance or use their GI Bill benefits to pay for off-duty courses in an accredited nursing program. You can work with the recruiter to help secure a specific location or desired base station. Job Outlook and Salary Men and women who wish to serve in the United States military as active duty nurses are in high demand. It gives a different perspective to troops returning home, families, and caring for retired veterans and their families. I would encourage others to enter the military first and foremost to serve their country—to be there for the troops for medical support and to provide competent care. Specifically, a registered nurse is distinguished from others, such as licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants, by education level, treatment privileges, and independence. Many schools also offer fast-track programs for RNs with an associate degree to earn their bachelor's, as well as for graduates of other non-nursing bachelor's programs to earn a second bachelor's degree, or even a master's, as nurses. There are also programs that help civilians offset the cost of nursing education in exchange for serving once they graduate. The working environment for army nurses also may offer different opportunities than civilian workplaces. Step 2 - You then complete a short Transition to Military Practice Course, after which you will be assigned to a Joint Hospital Group (JHG) to commence your preceptorship and … 11 West 42nd Street, 15th Floor There are three main steps that you need to follow in order to become an LPN in the army: Firstly you need to become an LPN. Applicants who have completed their University degree - but not their two years post-grad experience - can also apply for entry to Army under the Defence Undergraduate Scheme. After civilians become nurses, how do they go about entering the military? You can work with the recruiter to help secure a specific location or desired base station. New York, NY 10036, © 2020 Springer Publishing Company | Privacy Policy, Michele Wojciechowski is an award-winning writer and author of the humor book. Any civilian who's earned a bachelor's degree in nursing and received an RN license in their state can apply for a direct commission. I was an LPN - 68C. How to Become a Military Nurse If you want to become a military nurse, you must provide proof of U.S. citizenship. By combining that with resident and distance-learning courses, airmen can earn an associate degree in the CCAF Allied Health Sciences Program.​. Army will only sponsor the general nurse component of training. It's still up to each individual college how much transfer credit you'll receive for your military experience. The Army doesn't provide nursing certification, but it will help you pay to get it. Basic Military Training For Army Nurses And Health Care Assistants All new QARANC soldier applicants will receive a 14 week basic military training course at an Army Training Regiment. However, one of the biggest advantages of becoming a military nurse is the fact that the majority of your education and licensure expenses are covered or reimbursed by the government. The Army reserves accepts nurses with an Associates of Science degree, but they must have a BSN degree by the time they’re ready for promotion as Captain. Either join the army with a written garruntee of nurses training, go to a good Jr. college and obtain an LPN certification and then join or go on to senior college for RPN certification and then join. It allows you to reach you own potential for autonomy, leadership, and team building. Im going to be living in Southern California (Near Oceanside) once I get out of the Army. From RN to LPN to Advance Practice Nurses, working with military service members and their families requires commitment and additional competencies. Ever thought about becoming a nurse in one of the armed forces? The 6 Best Online Medical Billing and Coding Classes of 2020, Here's What Becoming a Navy Physician Assistant Really Entails, Nurse Practitioner Job Description: Salary, Skills, & More, Learn About Tuition Assistance in the Military, Licensed Practical Nurse Job Description, Salary, and Skills, Air Force Aerospace Medical Services (AFSC 4N0X1). While not a nursing-specific degree, this may help fulfill some of the requirements to earn a BS in nursing, since it includes a variety of liberal arts credits and electives in biology, chemistry, psychology, and pharmacology. In order to become a military nurse, you must earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an advanced nursing degree from an accredited school. As above, if you have an associate degree or diploma education as an RN, you would have to enter the military in a different capacity and take advantage of the tuition reimbursement options available. The U.S. military requires that all officers hold a bachelor’s degree, at minimum, so you’ll want to have a BSN , or alternatively, another bachelor’s degree paired with your RN certification . With a transcript issued by your branch of service, you may be able to knock out some of the common prerequisites for a nursing program, such as general education requirements and anatomy/physiology. There are two ways for becoming a military nurse: through direct commission or ROTC commission: 1. Scholarship programs are generally only for civilians aiming for a military career as RNs, but what about those already serving in the military? The Navy, for example, offers a full tuition ride (unless you can find a school that charges over $180,000) to high school students going into a nursing program, or up to $34,000 to current student nurses through their Nurse Candidate Program. What Will You Do After Completing Your Nursing Degree? All military RNs are commissioned officers, and so unfortunately, RNs with an associate degree are disqualified. They enter as an officer, complete an officer candidate training, and enter into practice. Nursing positions can vary from bedside nursing, to leadership/managerial roles and field nursing. Nurses may have a better nurse-to-patient ratio when working in military facilities. As with other college degrees, those who serve can receive tuition assistance or use their GI Bill benefits to pay for off-duty courses in an accredited nursing program. In order to be a military nurse, you’ll need to be a nurse, a soldier, and an officer. If you are undertaking a double degree you may be required to change to a single degree to achieve sponsorship. Hello. Registered nurses (RNs) provide day-to-day patient care based on a holistic model that concerns itself not only with medical procedures and drug administration, but also daily hygiene, mobility, and psychological and spiritual care. Take and pass the NCLEX. RNs, doctors, lawyers, and other licensed professionals in this pipeline receive a somewhat abridged version of officer candidate training to orient them to the military culture and their role in it as officers. Schools are accredited by your state’s board of nursing, so their website is … Is this the same throughout the branches of the military? The Army Nurse Corps recognizes that earning your BSN is an achievement to be proud of and is committed to providing educational opportunities. I learned confidence and a skill set that I was able to carry over into my civilian practice and promoted autonomy. But bear in mind the ACE has no authority to actually award credits. The American Council on Education (ACE) recommends college credits for experience and training in the military (except the Air Force, for some reason.) This allowed her to be a non-commissioned officer, as nurses without bachelor’s degrees or more are not eligible to be officers. That's an MOS for enlisted nurses. Upon passing the NCLEX and becoming a registered nurse with a BSN, a nurse should speak with a recruiter of the branch they wish to serve. There are other, less common pathways as well, such as hospital-affiliated diploma programs (nearly extinct) and doctoral entry programs. I did mine through Army ROTC at a 4-year university. Master of Science in Nursing Specialized Training Assistance Program (STRAP) is available for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Anesthetists. (Because military nurses are commissioned officers, an associate degree will not be accepted). The career paths and specialties are endless. Active duty commitment usually begins with a two- or three-year commitment. What type of degree do they need to have? It is an experience that may push you to realize that you can do things you never thought you could do. Only a registered nurse may assess and treat wounds, review diagnostic tests, and give medications ordered by a physician. The military prefers nurses to have a BSN degree. Student Nurses will then go on to study a 3 year degree in either Adult or Mental Health Nursing at the Defence School of Health Care Studies (DSHCS) Birmingham City University. When you become a nurse and officer on the U.S. Army Reserve health care team, you can work in your community and serve when needed. “The military offered the GI bill, student loan repayment, and a monthly income,” says Murray. Although the military prefers their nurses to have BSN degrees, the Army Reserve accepts nurses with only Associate's Degrees in Nursing, or ADN degrees . How to Become a Registered Nurse in the Military, Here Is a Comprehensive List of Healthcare and Medical Job Titles. I was able to obtain my associate degree RN through the assistance and went on to obtain my bachelor’s degree in nursing. On the other hand, some nurses who pursue advanced nursing practice degrees earn even greater autonomy. With 20 years of active duty status, one is eligible to retire with full military benefits. Do they need to become RNs first? The reserve option is usually eight years with six years being active at one weekend a month and two weeks of active duty a year for the first six years. According to Navy's Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL), Corpsmen may be eligible to receive Navy funding to pay for the NCLEX-RN exam. Or are they automatically on a different level because they are specifically joining to serve as health care providers? JTWidget = {code: 'MTQiullov0bF7CZWcayqMi0ztb0Czdq6'}; Springer Publishing Company It teaches respect and the importance understanding what the military culture is in the U.S. I didn’t become a nurse until later in life, at age 36, when I began working as a civilian nurse in the ER. Thanks for the A2A! Im currently enlisted (not a medical MOS) in the Army and coming up fast on my ETS date. After I had been a nurse for about three years, I was finishing up my BSN degree and decided to … Unlike the Navy, the Army COOL site doesn't indicate any funding available for medics to take the NCLEX-RN, but there are a number of certifications at less advanced levels of medical care and nursing that may be paid for using the GI Bill. Military nursing allows one to travel as well as support our troops in the field and in stateside hospitals. I want to become a nurse but I also would like to be an officer in the Army. While pursuing a nursing education, it obviously couldn't hurt to get licenses in some of these specialties—including Emergency Medical Technician, Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse, or Certified Nurse Technician—which can provide you with additional experience, earning power, and a vocational safety net should you choose to leave the service and complete your nursing education as a civilian. These are steps on how to become a military nurse; Obtain a Nursing Degree First things first, in order to become a military nurse, you must earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an advanced nursing degree from an accredited school. What is the Air Force Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program? What Is It Like to Be a Licensed Practical Nurse? The Army Nurse Corps, which includes about 11,000 women and men, is one of the six corps of medical specialists making up the U.S. Army Medical Department. It is rewarding, fulfilling, heartbreaking, and life changing. Subscribe to The Weekly Boost - the weekly email newsletter for DailyNurse. Nurses can advance their career during their service by earning a master’s degree to become a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist. A former Marine Sergeant, Adam Luckwoldt served as Career Planner for 6th Communication Battalion in Brooklyn. First of all, there is more than one type of Army nurse.