VSU Commits 10 Percent of Nursing Seats to Active Duty Military

VALDOSTA — Valdosta State University’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences is reserving 10 percent of the School of Nursing’s enrollment for active-duty military personnel who wish to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The initiative will begin with the upcoming fall cohort. Qualified applicants from the United States Air Force, Army, Marines, or Navy are encouraged to apply before Jan. 15, 2015.

“Across the services there has been a shortage in the nursing career field, and this is a great opportunity for enlisted personnel to earn an officer commission while completing their bachelor’s degree,” said Retired U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Mark A. Smith, coordinator of the VSU Center at Moody. “This move just reinforces our goal to be more military friendly.”

GI Jobs magazine named VSU a 2015 Military Friendly School. The university has had the honor of receiving this award for five consecutive years.

The U.S. Air Force offers the Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program (NECP). Through this program, active-duty airmen have the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing, remaining on active duty and continuing to receive an income while going to school full time. Those airmen selected by the Air Force for NECP receive a tuition and fees scholarship for up to $15,000 per year, plus a textbook allowance of $600 per year.

The U.S. Navy and U.S. Marines offer the Medical Enlisted Commissioning Program (MECP). Through this program, active-duty sailors and Marines have the opportunity to earn an entry-level nursing degree followed by an appointment as an ensign in the Navy or Marines Nurse Corps. Those accepted into the program receive the full pay and benefits of their pay grades while going to school in pursuit of a BSN.

The U.S. Army offers the Army Medical Department Enlisted Commissioning Program (AECP). Through this program, eligible active-duty, Reserve, National Guard, or Active Guard Reserve soldiers have the opportunity to complete a BSN and then receive a commission in the active-duty component of the Army Nurse Corps. Participants continue to receive their full enlisted pay and allowances while in the program for up to 24 consecutive months of enrollment.

“Moody Air Force Base has hosted one information session, and 30 airmen attended that were interested in the program,” said Smith. Plans for additional information sessions will be announced soon. 

VSU’s School of Nursing admits 50 students each fall.

Contact Mark A. Smith at (229) 257-4163 or marksmith@valdosta.edu to learn more about the Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program offered through Moody Air Force Base.    

Contact Dr. Melissa Willis or Marci Marshall, advisors, at mpwillis@valdosta.edu or mngarner@valdosta.edu, respectively, to learn more about applying to VSU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

On the Web:

http://www.valdosta.edu/colleges/nursing-and-health-sciences/

http://www.valdosta.edu/colleges/nursing-and-health-sciences/programs/basic-pre-licensure-program-b.s.n./B.S.N-Admissions-Information.php

Valdosta State University’s 2013-2019 Strategic Plan represents a renewal of energy and commitment to the foundational principles for comprehensive institutions.

Implementation of the plan’s five goals, along with their accompanying objectives and strategies, supports VSU’s institutional mission and the University System of Georgia’s mission for comprehensive universities. 

The School of Nursing's plan to help the military meet the demand for nurses meets the following goals: 

Goal 1: Recruit, retain, and graduate a quality, diverse student population and prepare students for roles as leaders in a global society.

Visit http://www.valdosta.edu/administration/planning/strategic-plan.php to learn more.