This is a list of general questions about Army ROTC and what to do as a nursing student.
Army ROTC is an elective curriculum you take along with your required college classes. It prepares you with the tools, training, and experiences that will help you succeed in any competitive environment. Along with great leadership training, Army ROTC can pay for your college tuition, too. You will have a normal college student experience like everyone else on campus, but, when you graduate, you will be an officer in the U.S. Army. An officer earns nearly $45,000 starting salary, free medical benefits, and thirty days paid vacation annually with unlimited sick days.
If you're considering an undergraduate nursing degree, joining Army ROTC can enhance your leadership skills and critical-thinking abilities while providing financial support to help make your personal and professional goals a reality. You will also find pride in knowing you are preparing to serve your country as an Army Nurse Corps officer.
Being a nurse in the Army provides you with opportunities not found in the civilian world. As an Army nurse and officer, you will have the respect of your peers and coworkers, as well as opportunities to train and serve in a variety of specialties. The autonomy to practice nursing as part of the Army Health Care Team is unlike most civilian health care facilities. Your professional judgment will be the driving force behind ensuring that all aspects of a patient's care are addressed, and you'll be responsible for initiating coordination of a patient's multidisciplinary care.
You can serve full-time (active duty) in the Army for three years (four years for scholarship winners). Selected cadets may choose to serve part-time in the U.S. Army Reserves or Army National Guard while pursuing a civilian career.
If you accept an Army ROTC nursing scholarship, your total service obligation is eight years, of which the first four are active duty. You may elect to contract nonscholarship; the total service obligation is eight years. The active duty service obligation will be three years. At the completion of this initial “obligation” phase (three or four years), the remaining years may be completed on active duty in the Army Reserves, Army National Guard, or Army Individual Ready Reserve. No monthly drills.