How can I become a nurse practitioner in the military?

I'm considering a career as a nurse practitioner and am interested in military options. What steps should I take to pursue nurse practitioner roles specifically within the military? Are there certain requirements or pathways I should be aware of?

Firstly, kudos for considering a career as a nurse practitioner within the military. That role is a vital part of the healthcare system in the armed forces, and it's a rewarding career path.

The path to becoming a nurse practitioner within the military varies depending on the branch you're interested in (Army, Navy, Air Force, etc.). However, there are basic steps that are pretty much similar across all of them.

Here's a general outline:

Education: In order to be a Nurse Practitioner, you will first need to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Following this, you will have to pass the NCLEX-RN to become a registered nurse (RN).

Experience: After earning your RN title, you'll need to gain experience working as a nurse. The military typically seeks nurses with at least one full year of professional nursing experience, although more can make you a stronger candidate.

Graduate Study: Next in line is to enroll in a nurse practitioner program where you'll earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). This program should be accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Certification: Upon completion of your graduate study, you'll need to gain certification in your chosen specialty area from a recognized certifying body like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Commission as a Military Officer: After you've met the educational and licensing requirements, you can join the branch of the military that interests you. This usually involves going through the Officer Candidate School (OCS) to commission as an officer.

Please keep in mind that each military branch has its unique Nurse Corps, with a slightly different process and requirements. Therefore, it's critical that you thoroughly research and understand the specific route for the branch you want to join. Furthermore, the military offers several programs to help nurses further their education and careers.

Remember that once you're in the military, you are first a military officer and then a nurse practitioner. So, alongside your clinical responsibilities, you'll also have military duties and obligations.

It's a commendable path you've chosen. By combining the challenging roles of military service and healthcare service, you're committing to a significant but rewarding responsibility. Best of luck!