Becoming a Military Nurse Through Enlistment

I've always wanted to be a nurse and I'm considering enlisting in the military after graduation. Does anyone know the path to becoming a military nurse if you start from enlisting? What steps should I take?

If your ultimate goal is to become a nurse in the military, it's important to know that you will need to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and a registered nurse (RN) license before you can serve as a nurse in the Armed Forces. Here's a potential path to becoming a military nurse from enlistment:

1. Enlist: After high school, consider enlisting in the military reserves while you attend college. This will provide you with tuition assistance and a monthly stipend which can be helpful in paying for your education. You'll undergo basic training to become a soldier, and potentially gain healthcare experience depending on the military job (MOS) you choose.

2. Earn a BSN Degree: Next, you'll need to attend a college with an accredited nursing program to earn your BSN degree. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing strongly recommends a BSN degree to practice as an RN, and it's a requirement for military nursing. While in college, you'll have the chance to supplement your education with military drills and trainings on weekends if you're in the reserves.

3. Obtain RN Licensure: After completing your BSN degree, you'll need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a licensed registered nurse.

4. Become an Officer: Once you're a licensed RN with a BSN degree, you can apply to become an officer in the military—nurses in the military are commissioned officers. Officers need at least a BSN degree to practice nursing in the military.

5. Enter Active Duty as a Nurse: After you're commissioned, you'll attend officer training and then move on to further, nurse-specific training. Once you have completed all necessary training, you will begin service as a nurse on active duty.

Remember, each branch of the military has different requirements, and this is a general path that could vary depending on the specific circumstances and military branch. It's advisable to reach out to a recruiter from the specific military branch you're interested in to get accurate and updated information.