Hey there, I'm pretty set on heading into military nursing after high school. But before that, I want to pursue a college degree. Anyone in here has chosen a similar path and can suggest colleges with good nursing programs that are also friendly to military-bound students?
Absolutely! There are several universities and colleges that offer nursing programs and have a strong connection with the military, either through their ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) programs or other military-friendly initiatives.
1. Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS): This university, based in Bethesda, Maryland, offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) specifically designed for students who plan to serve in the military after graduation. Tuition is funded by the U.S. military in exchange for a service commitment post-graduation.
2. University of Pennsylvania (UPenn): The School of Nursing at UPenn often ranks among the top in the country and the university also has an active ROTC program.
3. Norwich University: Known as the birthplace of the ROTC, Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont has a respected nursing program and a military-friendly environment for students.
4. Villanova University: Villanova in Pennsylvania features a highly-rated College of Nursing and offers both Army and Navy ROTC programs.
Remember, in addition to your nursing education, training in military-specific areas such as combat care and medical duty ethics may also be beneficial if you're considering a military career. Therefore, you might also wish to consider participating in a Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program or similar while at college, as these are often designed to prepare students for subsequent military service.
As you're deciding which college to attend, consider factors such as class size, available resources, licensure pass rates, and the amount of clinical experience you'll gain. Furthermore, reach out to the nursing departments and the military services department, if available, at these universities to get further insights into how well they cater to the unique needs of military-bound students.
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