What path is best to rank up quickly as a 68C? is there any way to ensure I get an east coast Phase 2 location?

Erica E — Wed, 01 Jan 2020 21:21:55 -0500

I am enlisting as a 68C, I am 34 about to be 35 in March so I don’t have time to attain an AS degree before basic but I have all prerequisite classes for the RN program (~54 or so credits). My question is what path would be the best to take to rank up quicker and to obtain my BSN? Also, I’m not married but I have 2 children and would like to stay on the east coast to be near them during AIT Phase 2, is there any way of ensuring I get a location here?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2020 9:28 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Jan 2020 21:28:46 -0500

First off, no you cannot ensure you will be on the east coast. You have a 2/5 chance of being there and it’s all based on when your class arrives and finishes phase 1. You can try and speak to the Charlie course Director at Sam Houston to try and hold you back for the next class if the situation works out but don’t get your hopes up.

For AECP(the Army RN program), you have to be a SPC and have at least 2 years time in service. Until then, you cannot submit a packet. Focus on completing the Charlie course first. Believe it or not, I’ve seen people with bachelors degree fail out. It’s not easy.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jan 1 at 2020 11:33 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Wed, 01 Jan 2020 23:33:17 -0500

Erica E "...what path would be the best to take to rank up quicker and to obtain my BSN? " there is no express elevator to becoming a commissioned officer. The enlisted promotions to E4 are based on Time in grade (TIG) and time in service (TIS). Promotion from E5-E6 are semi centralized promotions based on points and local promotion boards. E7 on Ward are all DA centralized promotions. E1-E4 can happen a few months quicker potentially but it's based on waivers at each promotion governed to a certain number by percentage at the Battalion level, parsed to the companies based on merit and Command Team input.

If you are looking for a service based program to earn a BSN there is what SPC Private RallyPoint Member described. If you were enlisting in the ARNG or USAR, you could pursue a BSN at a four year institution and enroll in ROTC and SMP with the goal of commissioning. You may also enlist in the USAR or ARNG and pursue a BSN at an accredited program and seek a direct Commission.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2020 12:36 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 00:36:37 -0500

LPN and RN aren't a linear progression to one another. You can't rank up as an LPN to becoming an RN. As an LPN when you get to a higher rank you are in charge of other LPNs or maybe become a clinic NCOIC.
RN is a separate route as a commissioned officer. You could apply to the AECP program a few years after you enlist. Or you could find an ROTC program with a nursing school. If you aren't committed to the Army yet, and can afford it, that's the fastest route. Also, the Army LPN program doesn't have any kind of bridge program to BSN.

As for your phase 2 location, you don't get any choice which one you get. But you may be able to get a choice by working with your branch manager as to where you get stationed after that.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2023 7:19 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 07:19:11 -0400

AD puts you where they want you and you and you have more work flexibility as a prn in private sector. I would contact an amedd recruiter in national guard and see if they have a slot. If so, you can either use your tuition benefits to do a bridge program to rn (community college) or do an smp or rotc scholarship to get your bsn.