ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
Airmen interested in becoming a nurse and a commissioned officer should look into the Air Force's Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program.
Through the NECP, Active Duty enlisted personnel have the opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree in nursing. NECP students complete their degree at a college or university with an Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps detachment or a college or university that has a "cross-town agreement" with a college or university with an AFROTC in the vicinity. Upon completion of the NECP, students will be commissioned after passing the National Council Licensure Examination, attending Commis- sioned Officer Training and the Nurse Transition Program. The Air Force's newest nurses will then have a Permanent Change of Station to a final assignment location.
"There are several requirements for application," said Dr. Terri Bedford, 316th Force Support Squadron Education Services Office guidance counselor, "First, Active Duty Airmen with a minimum grade of E-4 can apply. Second, applicants must have completed 59 semester hours of graded college coursework from a regionally-accredited college or university; this does not include distance learning, by-pass exams, or Community College of the Air Force credits. Also, NECP applicants must have completed several courses including general psychology, anatomy and physiology I and II with labs, microbiology with lab, chemistry I and II with labs, nutrition, and statistics."
Dr. Bedford adds, "This program requires a tremendous amount of work and preparation. The individual must be prepared for this when applying."
Interested applicants should note that applying for the NECP is a three-step process beginning with the intent to apply due Feb. 23.
Applicants must submit transcripts for academic evaluation by March 20, and finally, the completed application is due April 20.
Applicants must include an approved plan of study demonstrating their ability to achieve an entry-level bachelor's degree in nursing in a minimum amount of time as there is a maximum time limit of 24 months for degree completion and licensure. If applicants meet all requirements and prerequisites, an academic evaluation from the Air Force Personnel Center is required for consideration for entry into the program.
"What is unique about Andrews for this program is Malcolm Grow (Medical Center) is one of the facilities that students can attend for the program," said Dr. Bedford.
Interested Airmen are encouraged to email Calvin Baker at
calvin.baker@randolph.af.mil no later than Feb. 23 with the names of all colleges and universities attended as well as the nursing school program selected.