How to Become Navy Officer Nurse
The Navy Nurse Corps was officially established by the U.S. Congress in 1908. Since then, Navy nurses have worked across the world to serve soldiers in the Navy along with their families. Navy nurses also provide medical care to servicemen and women in the Marine Corps and Coast Guard.
To become a nurse in the Navy, you must have a bachelor's degree in nursing and a registered nurse license. All nurses in the Navy Nurse Corps are commissioned officers since they hold bachelor's degrees.
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Things You'll Need
- Proof of American citizenship
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in nursing (BSN or MSN)
Instructions
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Obtain American citizenship. Navy nurses are required to be U.S. citizens. Apply for U.S. citizenship as soon as possible if you are not a citizen already.
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Join the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC). If you are a high school student, consider joining the NROTC and applying for their nursing scholarship. These scholarships cover tuition, books, and other education-related fees at the college of your choice. You must be working toward a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) to qualify for the scholarship.
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Obtain a bachelor's degree in nursing. You must possess a BSN to qualify for the Navy Nurse Corps. Attend a college or university with an accredited nursing program and finish the coursework required for graduation. You may want to look into the Navy Nurse Candidate Program to help fund your education. Members of the program receive up to $34,000 for nursing school.
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Get your registered nurse (RN) license. Navy nurses have to hold a current RN license. To obtain the license, you must first apply for a nursing license from your state board of nursing. After the board decides you have met its licensing requirements, you need to register for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. You must pass the test to obtain your RN license.
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Contact a Navy recruiter. Talk to your local Navy recruiter and apply for a commission with the Navy Nurse Corps.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are a practicing nurse who wants to join the Navy, contact your local Navy recruiter. Oftentimes, the Navy offers sign-up bonuses and loan repayments for practicing nurses who apply for a commission.
You have to be between the ages 21 and 42 to become a nurse in the Navy. If you are under 21 or over 43, speak to your Navy recruiter and ask if you can qualify for a waiver. At times, waivers are granted to certain applicants who do not fit the Navy age requirements.
