How can I Become a Nurse in the Army?

Nursing is a wide-ranging field of work with many applications. Some of the most rewarding nursing positions are available within the ranks of the US Armed Forces. From active combat respondents to aides in state-of-the-art research facilities, the US Department of Defense always has a need for credentialed nurses.

What is it like to be an army nurse? How does someone become a nurse in the US Armed Forces? What should you know about working with the military before pursuing this path?

A Day in the Life of an Army Nurse

Just like in the civilian world, nurses are needed at every level of care in the Armed Forces. Here are some of the ways nurses assist soldiers, families, and other citizens with their health care needs.

• On military bases, the families of active soldiers rely on nurse practitioners for regular healthcare. This can include prenatal and OBGYN, pediatrics, cardiology, and geriatric medicine. Nurses may be responsible for coordinating care with non-military hospitals for some conditions or working with insurance companies to secure benefits for active duty and veteran members.
• On foreign goodwill missions, medical care is an important part of forming a positive bond with local populations. Army nurses may accompany soldiers to isolated villages or towns devastated by a natural or manmade disaster to provide medical comfort. Longer-term missions can involve designing and deploying community health efforts to defeat contagious diseases.
• During active combat, field medics provide emergency stabilization services to wounded soldiers. These high-stress positions are not for everyone. It is not uncommon to have to make life or death medical decisions under the pressure of active fire. However, these soldiers are essential to a successful military operation.
• The US Army does much more than engage in deadly combat. Their extensive team of engineers needs medical staff on hazardous work sites. These nurses might monitor workers for signs of exposure to hazardous elements or treat injuries that are common on construction sites. They also provide general comforts like non-prescription painkillers, ice packs, and bandages.

The US Army offers many options for nurses.

How to Become a US Army Nurse

The requirements for army nurses are similar to those for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses. These requirements include:

• Completion of an approved educational program.
• One-year training programs fulfill the educational requirements. However, there are advantages to seeking an associate’s degree before beginning your search.
• Successful completion of the applicable National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX).
• Additional certifications in specific fields such as pulmonary health, physical therapy, or ultrasound technology.

Besides these qualifications, Army nurses must conform to established military standards. These include:

• Minimum of 17 years of age at the time of enlistment with full citizenship rights
• High school diploma
• No history of felonies
• Pass a medical exam

To work directly for the Army as a nurse, applicants must be enlisted members. You may be able to work with the Army through a civilian company that contracts services to the US Government. However, contractors are not considered members of the US Military.

Things to Know Before Starting Your US Military Nursing

• You will have to enlist. Talk to your recruiter to understand more about how basic training benefits all soldiers, even those who don’t plan on seeing active combat.
• You don’t have to wait to enlist to get your degree. Start working on your education now for more advancement opportunities in the future.
• The military will help you pay for your studies. An educated soldier is a more useful asset. Talk to your officers for more information on current education perks.
• You may not get to work where you want at first. The Army, like any good business, sends soldiers where they’re needed most. You may want to be involved in medical research, but your services may be of more use in community health outreach. As you gain rank and experience, more opportunities will be made available to you.
• If you decide to leave the military, your Army nurse experience could qualify you for almost any civilian position you want.

Do you want to be an army nurse? You'll need the right education for this position. If you want to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, ECPI University offers this program at an accelerated rate. For more information, connect with a friendly admissions advisor today.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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