HM to doctor

[notjustaUSNwife]

One of the emergency physicians I worked with when I volunteered at the Naval Hospital started as an HM, did his bachelor's while enlisted, and the Navy sent him to medical school once he got accepted. I'm not sure what program he used but it's possible. A doctor my husband worked with a doctor in Afghanistan went HM to RN to DO. You could also choose to apply to the PA program after a certain amount of time as an HM and at a certain rank. That could be less time consuming and the use of PA's is increasing. I talked to a doctor about the benefits of PA vs. MD or DO when I was considering going that route with my life. Her suggestion was to become a PA.

[FutureHM]

HPSP, AMA, STA-21, and a lot more health programs can get you to become an Officer in the medical field.

Look up ODS as well and you might be able to get more information there.

[HMYert]

Ok, I just want to make sure that I understand this. What I am reading is that after a certain time in my rate and after a certain time in rank I can apply to become something like an officer candidate for nursing where the Navy would then pay for me to go ge my RN and upon completion of my RN I would then have to serve as an officer in the Nursing Corp for a certain amount of time? If this is correct does any one know what program this is and what it is called. Cause that is exactly what I am hoping to do.

[sweetmtn]

Here is the link to the official STA-21 program, then just scroll down and click on the link for the nursing corp:

http://www.sta-21.navy.mil/program_options.asp

[FutureHM]

Originally Posted by HMYert

Ok, I just want to make sure that I understand this. What I am reading is that after a certain time in my rate and after a certain time in rank I can apply to become something like an officer candidate for nursing where the Navy would then pay for me to go ge my RN and upon completion of my RN I would then have to serve as an officer in the Nursing Corp for a certain amount of time? If this is correct does any one know what program this is and what it is called. Cause that is exactly what I am hoping to do.

Yes, yes, and yes. Recommended you get some college credits in before you apply for the program. The program is called STA-21. At least that's the most popular one. There are A LOT of programs that do the same thing to be a medical officer. Just have to do some research. I already listed some beforehand.

[HMYert]

Originally Posted by FutureHM

Yes, yes, and yes. Recommended you get some college credits in before you apply for the program. The program is called STA-21. At least that's the most popular one. There are A LOT of programs that do the same thing to be a medical officer. Just have to do some research. I already listed some beforehand.

I already have a Master's Degree right now. I just need some prereq's for Nursing. But I looked at that sight and it said it wanted SAT or ACT scores within the last 3 years. I am 29 years old. It has been over 10 years since I took those. Is that waiverable since I have advanced degrees or do I need to retake them in order to be considered for this program when the time comes?

[Diesirae27]

Originally Posted by HMYert

I already have a Master's Degree right now. I just need some prereq's for Nursing. But I looked at that sight and it said it wanted SAT or ACT scores within the last 3 years. I am 29 years old. It has been over 10 years since I took those. Is that waiverable since I have advanced degrees or do I need to retake them in order to be considered for this program when the time comes?

I have the same question Yert and just plan on taking the SAT again...should be possible to take it again right? ;)

Did some digging and found this:

Q: Am I eligible to apply for STA-21 if I already have a Baccalaureate Degree?
A: No. As stated in OPNAVINST 1420.1(series), individuals who have already obtained their baccalaureate degree are not eligible for STA-21 and should apply directly for OCS. OCS application procedures are found in Chapter 4 of 1420.1(series).

[FutureHM]

Originally Posted by HMYert

I already have a Master's Degree right now. I just need some prereq's for Nursing. But I looked at that sight and it said it wanted SAT or ACT scores within the last 3 years. I am 29 years old. It has been over 10 years since I took those. Is that waiverable since I have advanced degrees or do I need to retake them in order to be considered for this program when the time comes?

I would take your SAT and ACT tests when you have the time and confidence to do so while active duty. It isn't waiverable, and it isn't a bid deal either. Just have to fit it in with all the other stuff you have to deal with.

As for what Deisirae27 said, I need to look into that myself. It makes sense though since the Navy wouldn't need to pay for you to go to school since you already have a degree.

[notjustaUSNwife]

Originally Posted by FutureHM

I would take your SAT and ACT tests when you have the time and confidence to do so while active duty. It isn't waiverable, and it isn't a bid deal either. Just have to fit it in with all the other stuff you have to deal with.

As for what Deisirae27 said, I need to look into that myself. It makes sense though since the Navy wouldn't need to pay for you to go to school since you already have a degree.

You can put in an application directly to OCS...if you don't care about being in the medical field. If you want to practice medicine you need a degree in the medical field to put in a direct application to ODS (what medical officers go to).