Are there military jobs that allow you to become a nurse afterwards?

I'm interested in nursing and might want to join the military. Are there jobs that could help me transition into a nursing career afterward? How does the experience or training in the military help with becoming a nurse?

There are opportunities to pursue a nursing career through the military. Each branch of the military has its own Medical Corps where you can serve as a nurse after earning your nursing degree.

For example, the Army Nurse Corps, Navy Nurse Corps, or Air Force's Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program (NECP) provides opportunities for service members to work in healthcare. These programs offer significant training and hands-on experience in the medical field that can be incredibly valuable when transitioning into a civilian nursing career.

Additionally, through programs such as the GI Bill, military personnel can receive financial assistance for education, which can be used to acquire a degree in nursing. The Post-9/11 GI Bill specifically offers to pay your tuition and fees, a monthly living stipend, and a book stipend for 36 months (roughly four academic years of school) if you have served at least 36 months.

The training and experience gained from serving in the military, especially in a healthcare role, can be invaluable. It can provide you with a depth of practical experience, leadership development, and exposure to a broad range of medical situations that can highly benefit you in a nursing career. The work ethics, discipline, team collaboration, and decision-making skills honed in the military are similarly treasured in nursing.

However, it is essential to note that pursuing nursing through the military also means meeting the physical, mental, and age demands of military service. Therefore, before you decide, make sure to research thoroughly and potentially consult with a military recruiter or a counselor and gain an understanding of what this route entails.