As an Army Nurse, you'll have the chance to gain specialized education, training and experience. Regardless of the specialty you choose, you'll be caring for a diverse patient population in state-of-the-art medical facilities using the latest technology. Although specialized training is available, some Army Nurses choose to remain unspecialized and also experience a wide variety of exciting jobs. You may be eligible for a Generic Course Guarantee that will allow you to attend specialized training after one year on Active Duty. There are four 16 week courses available as a Generic Course Guarantee:

• Critical Care Nursing Course
• Operating Room Nursing Course
• Psychiatric/ Mental Health Nursing Course
• Obstetrical/Gynecological Nursing Course

There are two other courses that require a nomination from the Chief Nurse of the military treatment facility after you complete one year on Active Duty. The Chief Nurse can nominate you for the Army Public Health Nursing Course or the Emergency Room Nursing Course.

There are multiple advanced practice and Master's prepared nursing specialties recognized within the Army Nurse Corps. However, Family Nurse Practitioners, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioners, Certified Nurse Midwives; and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists are the only specialties utilized as Independently Licensed Health Care Providers.

To qualify for an Active Duty Regular Army appointment as an Officer in the Nurse Corps, you must meet all of the following conditions:

• Meet the prescribed medical and moral standards for appointment as a commissioned Officer
• Be a United States citizen
• Have a Bachelor degree in nursing (BSN) or Master's degree in Nursing (MSN) from a nursing school accredited in the United States
• Have a valid, unrestricted RN license
• Be 21-42 years of age (waivers may be granted to applicants)
• Experienced health care professionals ages 43 to 60 years old may apply for the new two-year service obligation option. Learn More
• Have a favorable security investigation completed.

If you're an Army, Active Duty, or Reserve Enlisted Soldier in any MOS, you may qualify for the Army Medical Department's Enlisted Commissioning Program (AECP). You will attend college as a full-time student while on Active Duty to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Tuition and fees cannot exceed $9,000 per year. Upon successful completion of the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) you will be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant with a three year additional service obligation and attend the AMEDD Officer Basic Course in Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Eligibility requirements are:

• Qualify for an Active Duty Regular Army appointment as an Officer in the Nurse Corps by meeting all of the following conditions:
• Meet the prescribed medical and moral standards for appointment as a commissioned Officer
• Be a United States Citizen
• Be 21-46 years of age (exceptions may be granted)
• Have a minimum of three years (waiverable) and a maximum of 10 years (waiverable) of active federal service at the time of commissioning.
• Be able to complete your degree requirements within 24 calendar months of enrollment in the AECP program

You'll receive full pay and allowances and remain eligible for promotion while enrolled in the AECP program. In addition to full pay and allowances, the Army will pay $1000 per year for books and no more than $9000 per year for tuition and mandatory fees.