Is it possible to join the Army after nursing school?

Amanda Price — Thu, 29 Mar 2018 11:11:27 -0400

I am in my senior year of nursing and was wondering how the process of joining the army after graduation worked. Is it possible to eventually become an officer? If so, how can I go about becoming one? Or what are the different options?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2018 1:07 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Mar 2018 13:07:13 -0400

I read hospitals are offering huge bonuses and paying for school because of a nursing shortage.

http://money.cnn.com/2018/03/08/news/economy/nurse-hiring-bonuses/index.html

Hospitals and other medical facilities are getting so desperate to recruit and retain nurses they're offering all sorts of pricey perks and incentives.

I would look into that before going into the military after nursing school. You would probably get better benefits right now staying in the civilian world.

Hospitals offer big bonuses, free housing and tuition to recruit nurses

Amid a massive shortage of nurses, hospitals and other medical facilities are offering big hiring bonuses and other incentives to attract and retain talent.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2018 6:48 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 01 Apr 2018 18:48:55 -0400

Where are you located?

Response by PVT Raymond Lopez made Apr 1 at 2018 8:34 PM

PVT Raymond Lopez — Sun, 01 Apr 2018 20:34:14 -0400

Amanda never the Big Green Machine anything when you can get them to pay for it!! There is one thing I will never deny the Army does have the best medical care possible. When I was in the Second Surgical Hospital at An Khe Vietnam I had the most brilliant physician I ever met. He would prescribe a large bottle of Heineken beer at lunch and dinner. He told me that it would give us extra calories and make us get out of bed and exercise!! I never knew were Dr Gerstien went to he was brilliant!

Response by SSG Peter Aubin made Apr 14 at 2018 1:59 PM

SSG Peter Aubin — Sat, 14 Apr 2018 13:59:45 -0400

Amanda, contact your local recruiter. Ask him to refer you to the areas nurse recruiter. The Army has special recruiters just for you. It’s a different process than regular recruitment.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 15 at 2018 10:55 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Sun, 15 Apr 2018 10:55:47 -0400

Yes, their are recruiting programs to being Nurses/Doctors into the service as Officers, check with a recruiter

Response by SPC Richelle Rice-Simms made Feb 20 at 2019 3:29 AM

SPC Richelle Rice-Simms — Wed, 20 Feb 2019 03:29:26 -0500

If you join & you have a bachelor's degree, you should come in as an officer.

Response by CPT Barbara Smith made May 13 at 2020 9:52 AM

CPT Barbara Smith — Wed, 13 May 2020 09:52:57 -0400

Hi Amanda, If you earn your BSN, you can see the Army Nurse recruiter to apply for active duty. Personally, I had two years of civilian nursing experience before my commission. I didn't benefit by having the military pay for my education, but I attended a six month ICU course in the Army. It was the most difficult course I have taken. Take your time as this is a very important decision. Good luck!