How to Become a Military Nurse

Becoming a military nurse can lead to many meaningful and exciting experiences. You may also have opportunities to travel across the country or around the world. If you want a high-pressure, high-risk job, military nursing can be an exciting career.

Military nurses help treat injuries incurred in the line of duty, as well as everyday injuries and diseases. A military nurse holds many of the same responsibilities as a civilian nurse, such as treating and monitoring wounds, administering medicine, preparing patients for surgery, and following up with care.

Read on to learn more about becoming a military nurse.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Becoming a military nurse requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). Some military nurses will go on to earn a graduate degree. Military nurses can also choose to gain civilian nursing experience before enlisting. Here are the detailed steps:

Military nurses need to earn a minimum of a BSN. This usually takes four years of full-time study. Military nurses are commissioned officers, so an associate degree in nursing is not sufficient.

Nursing students can get career advice in college from career counselors who can help them when choosing a major. Nursing students interested in enlisting in the military may choose to take additional science or psychology courses in preparation for this career.

Bachelor’s in nursing students benefit from soft skills for the military like flexibility, time management, and stress management. Popular BSN specializations that are useful in the military include:

The cost of a BSN varies by school and program. Affordable RN-to-BSN programs for associate degree holders to earn a BSN cost $100-$600 or more per credit.

The National Council of Licensure Examination (NCLEX) includes two standardized tests nurses can take for licensure. The NCLEX-RN is for registered nurses, and the NCLEX-PN is for licensed practical and vocational nurses. BSN graduates who want to become military nurses need to take the NCLEX-RN.

The NCLEX exam can have between 75 and 145 questions, including 15 pretest items. The maximum allowed time for the test is five hours, including all breaks. The test covers pharmacological therapies, reduction of risk potential, basic comfort and care, and psychological adaptation.

You can prepare to take the exam by reviewing exam materials, practicing test questions, or taking an NCLEX prep course.

To become a military nurse, you need to enter the military as a direct commission and must hold an RN license. RN licensure requirements vary by state. Licensing fees typically cost $100-$150 in most states. States usually ask for an application with the payment.

Degree requirements to obtain an RN license also vary by state. Many states only require a minimum of an associate degree. Applicants should check their state’s requirements.

Nurses can enlist directly after earning a BSN as a graduate nurse. However, many nurses choose to get a civilian job first because it may make the transition to military nursing easier. Nursing experience for new graduates can help increase a nurse’s confidence and experience in different critical settings.

Getting a job after college and working in a civilian setting helps nurses become proficient at skills such as:

The role of a military nurse involves providing medical care to injured or sick military personnel. These professionals usually work in hospitals or clinics on base. Unlike many other careers, military nursing duties can change based on world events.

During wartime, you can be deployed to battle zones to treat wounded soldiers or set up military triage. This can be an exciting, high-stress, and physically demanding work situation that involves traveling over difficult terrain.

During peacetime, you can provide care for service members and veterans, as well as other humanitarian services.

The military offers opportunities for educational advancement, healthcare benefits, and the opportunity to rise in rank. You can also change careers and pursue civilian nursing opportunities including registered nurse (RN) or nurse practitioner roles.

An accredited nursing program assures both students and potential employers that national education standards are being met. Accredited online degree programs must meet the same standards as on-campus programs.

Some certifications or licenses also must meet national accreditation standards. For example, military nurses must earn the RN licensure.

Becoming a military nurse is not cheap. The cost of a bachelor’s in nursing usually ranges from $40,000-$80,000 or more. A master’s degree in nursing can cost an additional $4,500-$13,000 or more, even in the most affordable online master’s in nursing programs. Online degree programs can sometimes be more affordable than on-campus programs.

True program costs will be higher as fees, transportation, and room and board can add to your total. And also, figure in hidden college costs like books, lab fees, furnishings, a car, off-campus food, or Greek life activities. Nurses must also pass the NCLEX exam, which costs $200.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for registered nurses is $86,070, as of May 2023. For all RNs, the median annual salary ranges from $63,720 for the lowest 10% of earners to $132,680 for the highest 10% of earners.

You can advance in one of three career tracks: operations, staff, or leadership. Education, certifications, rank, and years of service affect a military nurse’s salary. A military nurse with a master’s or doctorate degree has the potential to earn more than the median salary.

With a master’s degree, you can earn your advanced practice registered nurses license and decide to pursue a career as a nurse practitioner. According to the BLS, nurse practitioners earn a median annual salary of $126,260, as of May 2023.