Any advice for a new nurse wanting to join the Air Force?

2021-05-05T15:13:31-04:00

Interested in joining the Air Force as a nurse, how competitive is it to get in? Any advice?
I will be graduating in August and I would like to start the process ASAP if possible or at least know what I should do or have in hand in order to proceed.
I am prior service (as noted above).
Thank you for any advice you are able to provide.

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made May 5 at 2021 5:28 PM

2021-05-05T17:28:09-04:00

What nursing specialties are needed in the Air Force?
We have positions for just about any nursing specialty, including Critical Care, Emergency/Trauma, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Mental Health and more.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made May 5 at 2021 6:27 PM

2021-05-05T18:27:24-04:00

I loved the AF, but you should talk to nurse recruiters from Army, Navy, and Air Force. Look at active and reserve and Army and Air Guard. That’s about 8 different choices. TAke the best offer that meets your personal goals. Much of the AF aeromedical evacuation capability is in the Reserve and Guard. My daughter is a Navy Reserve Nurse. She loves it. Just promoted to CDR.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2021 7:20 PM

2021-05-05T19:20:01-04:00

https://www.airforce.com/careers/specialty-careers/healthcare/careers/nurse

U.S. Air Force - Nurse

Welcome to the United States Air Force. Learn about great opportunities for enlisted airmen, officers and health care professionals.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2021 7:27 AM

2021-05-06T07:27:17-04:00

I would encourage you to check into Army Nursing as well. Lots of great options and specializations available.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2021 9:24 AM

2021-05-06T09:24:50-04:00

If you are prior service, you have a leg up from the standpoint that you know what you are getting into. That said, I would explore the Air Reserve and Air National Guard first. It will give you a taste of what to expect and allow you to pursue a civilian career in addition to a part-time military career. Not to mention, they have $$$ if you want to continue your studies. But, active duty isn't horrible. One of my great friends in life was an Air Force doctor and he LOVED it. He retired, but I know he relished his active duty time. You win no matter the component you join and you will always be employable because you entered nursing, as you likely know. Just make sure to check and ask about the incentives they are offering. Like I know the Army used to offer student loan repayment up to a certain amount, so be sure to ask about these kinds of things. Good luck.

Response by Maj William Kelso made May 6 at 2021 7:02 PM

2021-05-06T19:02:35-04:00

It’s the best thing that could’ve ever happened to you. You do not want to be out in a free market.

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made May 7 at 2021 7:21 PM

2021-05-07T19:21:56-04:00

Check all services in line to see what they offer. Then establish ‘chat’ with those you selected. Seek help from local Army Reserve Medical Units ~ Google to find or contact me at
[login to see]

I’m a retired senior HR officer with forty years experience.

Response by COL Roxanne Arndt made May 8 at 2021 1:23 PM

2021-05-08T13:23:44-04:00

Not sure about the Airforce or their process but you need to see a recruiter. Go to https://www.airforce.com/careers/medical

U.S. Air Force

Welcome to the United States Air Force. Learn about great opportunities for enlisted airmen, officers and health care professionals.

Response by CPT James Ramsey made May 9 at 2021 6:09 PM

2021-05-09T18:09:02-04:00

Start with a AMEDD recruiter close to you. I recommend an AMEDD recruiter and not just a plain recruiter. As mentioned previously on this thread, reach out to all of the branches. Start collecting all of your documents ie; DD214, Degrees, certificates, diplomas etc. together. Work the process and be patient. Return any requested documents/items ASAP. I would start now as the boards meet based on needs for fiscal year. The next fiscal year starts October 1, I would recommend having everything ready to go to submit your packet then. Being prior service is helpful in the fact that you know what to expect, however it can be detrimental if you had previous flags, profiles etc so getting a jump on these things is crucial. If you ever did have a profile or injury you will need clearance and doctors records so getting these things will be important. It may mean making appointments to get clearance letters. This is a double edge sword because you will need clearance letters, but they will have to be done in a certain way. Additionally, If you don't maintain your physical fitness, I would recommend starting now as well. A good resource is http://www.armyprt.com/preparation_and_recovery/ . Feel free to reach out to me if you have additional questions, I just commissioned about 1 year ago after a 14 year break from enlisted service and 2 year journey of back and forth with AMEDD recruiter.

Army Physical Readiness Training (PRT) Information

We provide the easiest way to get all the information you need about the U.S. Army PRT Program.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2021 6:58 AM

2021-09-14T06:58:46-04:00

Your post was in May and you were to graduate in August. Did you ever follow up on this by contacting a recruiter.
Regardless of which branch you select, you must talk to a nurse recruiter who will have the most up to date information, which can change from time to time based on messages from Recruiting Command. If you walk into your local recruiting station they should get your contact information and immediately refer you to a nurse recruiter.
I am retired Army Nurse Corps and did three years in Recruiting Command. So if you'd like to chat about it I'd be happy. I would also be the first to tell you to talk to a Nurse Recruiter for the most up to date information, regardless of branch.

An easy way to get in contact right now is to go to the website
https://www.goarmy.com/amedd/nurse.html?iom=ARRN-21-NMTF_N_PSEA_ [login to see] 8537636_ [login to see] 53587_ [login to see] 9483908_ [login to see] 2332416_%2Brecruitment+%2Barmy+%2Bnursing&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkIGKBhCxARIsAINMioLQKoMEkEG1XsUnoVT9yq_hHiey8m1XqpgiKEHmsgABy9Qxe4upblUaAjrgEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

How to Be an Army Nurse

As a nurse in the Army, you help Soldiers with inpatient, outpatient and home care. Learn more about Army nursing requirements & careers.

Response by MAJ Janice Campbell. BSN, RN, CNOR made Sep 14 at 2021 1:57 PM

2021-09-14T13:57:15-04:00

Yes. I wanted Navy (known for best medical), but no slots, thought air Force (not known for best medical), so went Army. Even with Joint forces in vogue now, suggest Navy, then Army and last (sadly and sorry) Air Force. This is assuming you want to become the best nurse. Obviously just my opinion and mean no disrespect to any branch. Good luck!