Army ROTC offers nursing students the opportunity to develop as leaders, fund their education, and prepare for a meaningful career as officers in the Army Nurse Corps.
Army nurses begin their careers with early leadership roles and access to training in a wide range of nursing specialties. They are vital members of the nation’s military healthcare team, providing care to service members, their families and veterans, both at home and abroad. Most serve in military treatment facilities (MTFs) that closely resemble civilian hospitals. They also support humanitarian missions, disaster response efforts and deployments.
Army nurses serve both as Soldiers and nurses, protecting the health of those who serve.
Training & Careers
Nurse Specialties
After one year of service, Army nurses are eligible to attend a clinical specialty course in the area of their choice:
- Medical Surgical
- Emergency Trauma
- Critical Care
- Behavioral Health
- Perioperative Nursing
- Gynecology and Obstetrics
- Public Health
Click the slides & arrows to learn more:
Long-Term Health Education and Training
The Army Nurse Corps provides officers with opportunities to pursue advanced degrees and professional certifications throughout their careers, supporting long-term success and continued professional growth.
The Long-Term Health Education and Training (LTHET) program offers access to full-time graduate education through civilian institutions or U.S. Army programs affiliated with civilian universities, such as the Army-Baylor University Health Care Administration Program. Eligible officers may also apply for approved fellowships, internships, or Training with Industry (TWI) assignments.
While enrolled, officers continue to receive full pay and allowances, along with tuition support up to a specified cap.
Nurse Summer Training Program
The Nurse Summer Training Program (NSTP) is a four-week clinical training opportunity typically offered to nursing cadets between their junior and senior years. It provides real-world experience that most nurses do not receive until after graduation.
Cadets complete 120 or more clinical hours under the mentorship of an experienced Army nurse at a military treatment facility (MTF), building a strong foundation and gaining hands-on clinical experience while still in school.
NSTP participation is highly recommended but optional. Cadets must apply to enroll. Learn More
Day in the Life: Army Nurse Corps
Army ROTC Alumni
“Each day presents new challenges and opportunities to positively impact the health and well-being of service members and their families, a responsibility I take to heart.”
“Before joining the Army, I did not have a clear career goal. Having previously served in the enlisted ranks, I was familiar with the military lifestyle, but I was unaware of the wide range of opportunities available to me as an enlisted Soldier and now, as a commissioned officer.”
“The Army also invests significantly in the education and professional development of its nurses. I have had the privilege of attending numerous courses and training programs that have enhanced my skills and broadened my knowledge base.”
“Being an Army nurse is profoundly meaningful to me and represents the true essence of servant leadership.”
“When I joined, I thought I’d be a nurse in uniform. I didn’t expect to grow into a leader responsible for building teams, guiding strategy, and mentoring the next generation of Army nurses. Some days still go sideways, but the impact you make especially in leadership is real, immediate, and lasting.”
“These days, I spend more time solving problems than starting IVs, but I wouldn’t trade it. I’ve worked bedside in Labor & Delivery and Medical Surgical – Telemetry, but the Army opened doors I never expected.”
“It’s more than a job. It’s a career with purpose. You’ll learn quickly, lead early, and be challenged often.”
“It means showing up… not just for patients, but for Soldiers, families, and the people you serve with. Being an Army nurse isn’t just about clinical care; it’s about being the calm in the storm, the advocate in the room, and the one who keeps the mission moving when things get tough.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Find a Nursing School
Army ROTC is offered at hundreds of colleges and universities, giving nursing students the flexibility to choose a school that fits both their academic and career goals. Whether you’re looking for a large public university, a private institution or a military college, there is a wide range of programs where you can study nursing while training to become an Army Nurse Corps officer.
Many schools offer guaranteed seats in upper-division nursing programs for Army ROTC cadets, depending on the school and based on merit. Several also grant credit such as clinical hours or course credit for the Nurse Summer Training Program.
To learn more about these opportunities and to find a school, contact an ROTC Brigade Nurse Counselor (BNC) in the region where you would like to study. ROTC BNCs are Army nurses who serve as mentors, advisors, and subject-matter experts for nursing students in Army ROTC.
See the map below for ROTC BNC contact information.
(Click) Note: 1st Brigade Military Colleges
1st Brigade (BDE) programs are located across the country. Those interested in studying nursing at a military college may consider enrolling at one of the following: University of North Georgia, The Citadel, Texas A&M University, Virginia Tech, Norwich University, or Georgia Southern University—Armstrong Campus.
