For nursing students interested in advancing their career while serving in our armed forces, it is definitely possible to obtain a master’s of nursing while in the military. Although you may be far away, serving military duty in a different country, online education has allowed nurses to obtain an online degree through new and innovative online learning technologies. Here is a quick and comprehensive overview of how to obtain a master’s degree in nursing while still in active duty.
How can soldiers enroll in an online master’s nursing program?
First and foremost, if you are currently serving in the US armed forces, the first thing you need to do is make a list of at least 10 to 15 online accredited schools that offer online master’s programs. Do your due diligence and ensure that these online programs are accredited and will be paid by the military. Secondly, immediately request information by contacting these university or college academic advisors. If you meet their application requirements, more than likely you will start taking courses online. To be successful in the online learning format, be prepared to have a desktop or laptop computer that is relatively new, fast internet access, quiet study space and time. Each program might have different technology requirements, so be sure to get those from the school before starting your program.
Typical program requirements include:
- A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree with an upper division nursing major from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, or an associate degree in nursing or a diploma in nursing with a BS/BA from a regionally accredited program in another field of study
- Cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher
- Satisfactory performance on the GRE within five years
What types of classes will I take in an online master’s program while in the military?
The first year of an online master’s of nursing degree program will be designed to give students a comprehensive foundation of the nursing field through a wide variety of courses such as:
- Philosophy of Nursing (Ethics)
- Nursing Research
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Nursing Pathophysiology
- Health Assessment and Measurement
- Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
After a year or two of completing required courses, students can then specialize in areas such as primary health, public health, gerontology, pediatrics, emergency care, etc.
What about internships?
One of the benefits of being in a master’s in nursing program while active in the military is that students have the option of working directly in naval, air force and military hospitals. Also, students will have the ability to work directly with government agencies like the Centers for Disease Control, United Nations and the World Health Organization. Students will be expected to complete an internship and or practicum to graduate from school.
Being in the military can work to your advantage while trying to boost your nursing career. Do not let the fear of taking online classes stop you from pursuing your dream of taking your education to the next level. It is definitely possible to obtain a Master’s of nursing while in the military.