Nurse enlisted commissioning program application window now open

  • Published
  • By Kat Bailey
  • Air Force’s Personnel Center Public Affairs

The Air Force is now accepting applications with video interviews from active duty Airmen for the Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program via myPers through Feb. 21, 2020. The selection board is scheduled for late April 2020.

New in academic year 2020 is the need to meet the mandatory prerequisites per Air Force Manual 36-2032, Military Recruiting and Accessions, unless deemed not applicable by the School of Nursing. Another change is the requirement to include the video interview with the completed application. Instructions for the video interview and questions are available on myPers.

The Chief Nurse interview process has also changed, allowing Chief Nurses to interview only eligible candidates.

“In the past, Airmen could schedule an interview before confirmation of eligibility,” said Master Sgt. Michael McCabe, noncommissioned officer in charge of the Nurse Career Management Branch at the Air Force’s Personnel Center. “This year, the team here will verify package completion and eligibility, then notify both the Airman and Chief Nurse at that location that they may proceed with the interview.”

To be considered for the NECP board, applicants must be U.S. citizens with a minimum rank of airman first class. Applicants should have no more than 10 years total active federal service as of July 30 of the board year, though the requirement is waiverable. In addition, Airmen must meet time-on-station and retainability requirements, possess current security clearances, be worldwide qualified and commissioned by age 42. Applicants are also required to meet the minimum grade point average requirement of the accepted nationally accredited nursing school.

“Qualified, dedicated nurses are critical to the military and civilian communities,” McCabe said. “Candidates go through rigorous screening to identify those who are ready for the responsibility and highly likely to succeed in the school and career field.”

NECP offers the opportunity to earn a baccalaureate degree in nursing at a college or university with an Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps detachment or a college or university with a "cross-town agreement." Applicants are required to attend school year-round in a resident-based program for up to 24 consecutive calendar months, to include summer sessions. Airmen selected by the NECP board will start their school the fall after the selection board meets.

Upon successful completion of their degree, Airmen who pass the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX, and receive their nursing licenses will be commissioned. Candidates will then attend Commissioned Officer Training and the Nurse Transition Program and move to a final assignment location.

For complete application instructions and requirements, visit myPers from a CAC-enabled computer. Select “Active Duty Enlisted” from the dropdown menu and search “NECP.”

For more information about Air Force personnel programs, visit AFPC’s public website at http://www.afpc.af.mil/.