I want to do something health care related in the army. I am currently in school and majoring in Athletic Training. I know the army doesn’t have any branch for athletic trainer, the closest thing would be a physical therapies. My two options are Nursing or a Physician Assistant. I’m still up in the air on which one to choice. If anyone is or knows a lot about these two jobs (i.e the work and the experience, I know about the education) it would really help me out. Thanks!
#1 by Dean R on February 25, 2010 - 8:44 pm
Well unsure of exactly what information you are looking for, but I have looked into both programs. As a PA you will end up with a Masters and go through the school with other Army people. With the Nursing you choose 3 schools who have already accepted you into the Nursing Program and the Army sends you to one of those school. Both are in heavy need both in and out of the Army right now, but a PA will earn between 80-100K on the outside and a nurse about half that much.
#2 by acidBURN on February 25, 2010 - 9:15 pm
Well, understand that the Army does not train you to be a Nurse. The Army has a PA program, but it is VERY competitive to get a slot. Most of the Army PAs I’ve worked with came in already having their degree from a civilian PA school. Nurses must have a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing in order to be eligible for a commission.
You can look into ROTC scholarships for Nursing to help pay the costs of getting your degree. Most (if not all) state universities have ROTC programs. Keep your GPA up and you should be good to go.
The closest to Nursing you can get by enlisting is LPN…but this is NOT the same as being a Nurse as in RN. RNs are Officers. LPNs are Enlisted. The difference is the education and training, and responsibility.