How To Go to Nursing School During Active Duty

If you are currently in the military but hoping to become a nurse, you may wonder if it's possible to do both simultaneously. Can you serve on active duty in the military and attend nursing school concurrently? What steps should you take to do so?

You can get your Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) or another nursing degree while serving in any military branch. Your nursing degree program can not only help you pursue a civilian nursing career later in life, but it can also help you pursue a career in the Army Nurse Corps or a similar division during your years of military service.

Keep reading to learn more.

Steps for Attending Nursing School During Military Service

If you're ready to start your BSN degree or another nursing program, check out each section below. We'll detail the steps you can follow to complete your nursing education and become a registered nurse (RN) while serving as an active-duty service member.

1. Research Nursing Programs

Many colleges and universities offer nursing programs. Some of them can be completed partially or fully online. If you have never completed in-person clinical rotations in another nursing program, you must do so before graduating.

Consider not only the school you hope to attend, but also the degree you want to pursue. First-time nursing students must complete an Associate Degree in nursing (ADN) or a BSN program. If you are already a nurse hoping to become an advanced practice RN, you must earn a Master of Science in nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

Verify Program Accreditation

You must ensure your program is accredited. The institution should be regionally or nationally accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The nursing program should also have specialized accreditation through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or a similar organization.

If the school is not accredited, you will not be able to receive most forms of financial aid to help cover the cost. More importantly, your degree may not be recognized by employers, and you won't be able to get licensed.

2. Understand Military Education Benefits

Military personnel are entitled to various education benefits to help them pay for school. You may be eligible for the following benefits that can help you save a lot of money on your education:

Post-9/11 GI Bill

This version of the GI Bill provides funding for those serving or who served on active duty on or after September 11th, 2001. You can use these funds to pay for a college degree or other work-related training programs.

Montgomery GI Bill

The Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30) is another funding program to help veterans pay for college or other career training programs. You may qualify for funding through this bill if you have served for at least two years on active duty, been honorably discharged, and meet other eligibility requirements.

Tuition Assistance

Regardless of the branch of the military you serve in, you may be able to receive assistance to help you pay for school while on active duty. The U.S. Military pays up to $250 per credit hour toward your chosen bachelor's degree or other educational program.

Military College Fund

The Military College Fund, also called the GI Bill Kicker, is an additional sum of money some service members and veterans can receive along with their GI Bill funds to help them pay for college. Those qualifying for this extra sum receive the funds monthly at the same time they receive their GI Bill payouts.

Military Scholarships

Finally, many organizations offer scholarships specifically for those associated with the military. These merit-based awards recognize academic excellence with military experience, providing extra money to help you cover your college expenses.

3. Apply for Nursing School

Once you've chosen your nursing school and know what benefits you can receive, it's time to enroll. This starts by ensuring you meet all admission requirements, completing an application, and being accepted into your school of choice.

Depending on the college or university, you may have to complete a certain number of credit hours before being accepted into the nursing program. You may also have to complete a separate application. Check with an academic advisor to understand the requirements you'll have to meet for acceptance into your specific nursing school.

4. Coordinate With Your Chain of Command

You don't want your nursing program to interfere with your duties as an active-duty service member. Communicate with your superiors about your nursing degree plans.

Studying full-time while on active duty may not be possible, or you may have to juggle a lot of work to fulfill your responsibilities. Those in your chain of command can help you coordinate a schedule that will work for you, allowing you to do your best while studying and serving.

5. Complete Clinical Rotations

As noted above, you must complete clinical rotations in most degree programs. This is true of most healthcare training programs, including nursing. You may be able to complete rotations at a local hospital or other healthcare facility, or a facility affiliated with your school. These rotations will allow you to gain hands-on nursing experience and practice what you have learned under experienced, licensed nurses.

6. Graduate and Obtain Licensure

Once you have completed all coursework, rotations, and any other requirements for your degree, you can graduate. It will then be time to complete your NCLEX-RN exam and become a registered nurse.

The exam consists of anywhere between 75 and 265 questions. The number of questions you receive typically depends on your performance on the previous questions. Once you pass the exam, you will receive your RN license and can begin practicing as a nurse.

FAQs About Attending Nursing School During Active Duty

Keep reading if you still have questions about becoming a nursing student while serving in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, National Guard, or Marine Corps. Below, we'll answer some frequently asked questions you may be wondering about.

What Is a Military Nurse?

A military nurse is a nurse and officer who works within a branch. These specialized nurses are specially trained to handle combat situations and must be prepared to deploy at any time. Typically, these nurses work in military hospitals. They may also provide care in makeshift medical facilities in war zones.

Should I Go to Nursing School Before the Navy?

Whether you choose to go to nursing school, and when you decide to do so, will depend on your personal and career goals. It's possible to complete nursing school and get your RN license in the military, including the Navy.

If you hope to enter the Navy as a nurse, you must complete your nursing education beforehand. There are benefits to doing this: in particular, becoming a nurse before entering the military allows you to begin your service as an officer, which entitles you to higher pay.

What Rank is an Army Nurse?

As noted, nurses enter their military service as commissioned officers. A nurse serving in the Army Nurse Corps is ranked Second Lieutenant when they first enter the service. Army nurses can pursue promotions to higher ranks if desired. It's possible for an Army nurse to ultimately attain the rank of General of the Army if that is a part of their career goals.