Welcome, Second Lieutenants!

Congratulations on commissioning as an officer in the U.S. Army and taking the first steps toward becoming an Army nurse.

This page is designed to help you navigate the transition from nursing student to Army Nurse Corps officer. Below, you’ll find information on post-graduation tasks, what to expect at the Army Medical Department (AMEDD) Basic Officer Leader Course (BOLC), an overview of first duty stations, details about the Clinical Nurse Transition Program (CNTP), broadening assignments, and Long-Term Health Education and Training (LTHET) program. You’ll also find helpful links and resources to support your success as a newly commissioned officer.

Even after commissioning, your ROTC Brigade Nurse Counselor remains a resource. Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or if you need support as you begin your career.

Upon commissioning as a Nurse Corps officer, passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), receiving your RN license number and submitting your Request for Assignment (RFA), you will be assigned based on merit to one of 13 first duty stations as a follow-on assignment after completing the Basic Officer Leader Course (BOLC):

Before reporting to your first duty station, you will attend the Army Medical Department (AMEDD) Basic Officer Leader Course (BOLC) in San Antonio, Texas. During BOLC you will learn AMEDD doctrine and apply it in a tactical field environment. Learn More

Upon graduation, you will be assigned the Army Officer Specialty Code (AOC) 66H, a Medical Surgical Nurse and proceed to your first duty station, where you will begin the Clinical Nurse Transition Program (CNTP).

Upon arrival at your first duty station, you will be enrolled in the Clinical Nurse Transition Program (CNTP) at the military treatment facility (MTF) where you are assigned. CNTP is a residency program for newly commissioned Army Nurse Corps officers to complete at least 500 precepted clinical hours.

The purpose of the program is to build clinical competence and autonomy in managing medical-surgical patients.

Note: Soldiers with prior civilian inpatient RN experience may be eligible to bypass the residency requirement.

After completing CNTP, you will assume a role in one of the inpatient units at your assigned facility.

After completing an assignment as a newly commissioned Army nurse at a military treatment facility (MTF), nurses can apply for broadening assignments, leadership, and operational roles outside of traditional hospital settings.

Examples of these types of jobs include:

• A nurse in an Army Field Hospital
• A nurse in a Forward Resuscitative Surgical Detachment (FRSD)
• A Brigade Combat Team Nurse
• Company Commander
• Flight Nursing
• Recruiting Command
• ROTC Brigade Nurse Counselor

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.

Note: A Common Access Card (CAC) may be required to access some links.