Military nursing: tuition, pay and service commitment

THE PATHS

1. Ways in while you're in school

• ROTC nursing scholarshipsArmy, Navy and Air Force all have ROTC
• Navy Nurse Candidate ProgramPaid while you finish your BSN
• Already an RN?You can join directly as an officer

ARMY ROTC

2. Army ROTC nursing scholarships

• 2-, 3- and 4-year scholarshipsOpen to nursing students
• The commitment: 8 years totalOften 4 active, 4 in the reserve
• Talk to your campus military science officeFor current amounts

Source: goarmy.com (U.S. Army).

NAVY

3. Navy Nurse Candidate Program

• $1,000 a monthFor up to 24 months of school
• 4 years active dutyIf you join in your final year (5 if earlier)
• 8 years total obligationThe rest can be in the reserves

Source: Navy Medicine (med.navy.mil).

THE COMMITMENT

4. Read this part twice

• Service time is the trade for the moneyIt's a contract
• Leave early and you may owe it backNavy NCP: refund if you quit
• Deployments and moves are possibleAsk how often

Source: Navy Medicine (med.navy.mil).

THE PAY

5. How military nurse pay works

• Nurses serve as commissioned officersPay follows the military pay chart
• Plus housing and food allowancesOften tax-free
• Health care and retirement benefitsAsk a recruiter for the full package

ASK A RECRUITER

6. Questions to ask before you sign

• How long is my total service obligation?
• What do I owe if I leave early?
• Where could I be stationed or deployed?
• Can I choose my specialty?