Happy 4th of July! I hope you all have fabulous plans for this long weekend and have secured some much needed time off work. As we grill out, play at the lake and spend time with friends and family, let’s not forget to take a moment to remember those who have sacrificed their lives for our country. As an aspiring nurse practitioner, you have the unique opportunity to receive your NP education paid in full and serve our country.
The military offers some excellent scholarships and job opportunities for NP’s. Most notably, the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) offers prospective nurse practitioners a paid NP education in exchange for serving as a military officer. The United States Army and Air Force participate in the program at the nurse practitioner level. Each branch of the military runs their respective HPSP program differently so it’s important to do a little research before choosing the right branch for you.
While receiving an NP education in an HPSP program, students are placed on inactive reserve status. The HPSP pays all NP program tuition and fees as well as covering the cost of mandatory books and equipment. Students are issued a monthly stipend for living expenses. What’s the catch? Upon graduating from their nurse practitioner program, students must serve in the military. The service obligation is typically one year of service for every year of service-paid schooling.
U.S. Army Health Professions Scholarship Program
The U.S. Army awards tuition and a monthly stipend to psychiatric nurse practitioner students. Students must have been accepted to an accredited psychiatric nurse practitioner program and have at least one year of nursing experience. They must complete their psych NP program within two years. Full tuition and a stipend of more than $2,000 a month is provided for living expenses.
U.S. Air Force Health Professions Scholarship Program
The U.S. Air Force offers the HPSP for a larger number of NP specialties. Nurses looking to continue their education as Family Nurse Practitioners, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners and Pediatric Nurse Practitioners are eligible for the Air Force’s HPSP program.
Military programs are a great way to get your NP education. They allow you to graduate from school debt free and without the hassle and uncertainty of finding your first NP job. When you do leave the military you will be well educated and experienced ready for your career as a civilian nurse practitioner.
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