AF seeks enlisted nurse commissioning program applicants

by Debbie Gildea
Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas — Eligible active-duty enlisted Airmen interested in a nursing commission have until Feb. 27 to get career field functional manager approval and submit an “intent to apply” email to the Air Force Personnel Center, officials said today.

The Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program offers members an opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing and an Air Force commission, said Sandra Bruce, AFPC nurse education program manager.

The selection board will convene in May, but a variety of administrative requirements must be accomplished first, so Airmen should begin preparation now to ensure they have time to complete those requirements, Bruce said.

The program is open to senior airmen and above who meet academic and administrative criteria.

Participants must be able to complete the program within 24 consecutive months and earn their commission by the time they are 42 years old. In addition, applicants must be U.S. citizens, have a current security clearance and be worldwide qualified. Members selected for the program must begin classes during the fall 2015 term.

Applicants must select a school that is nationally accredited and either has an Air Force ROTC detachment on the campus or a cross-town agreement with an Air Force ROTC detachment. Tuition and fees are limited to $15,000 per academic year, and the annual textbook allowance is limited to $600.

Application Suspense Dates:

Feb. 27
» Notification of intent to apply
» Gain release from career field functional manager

March 27
» Complete all prerequisites (prerequisites cannot be waived)
» Submit transcripts for academic evaluation

April 5
» Submit chief nurse interview

April 30
» Submit completed application (applications must be coordinated through the chain of command and must include first sergeant and commander letters of recommendation)

For eligibility criteria and application instructions, visit the Air Force Medical Service Knowledge Exchange or go to myPers and select “Search All Components” from the drop down menu, and enter “Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program” in the search window.