Advanced Practice Nurses (Officer)
Opportunities
Advanced practice nurses are highly educated health professionals who provide direct patient care, such as conducting health assessments, diagnosing disease, and prescribing medications and other treatments. They may specialize as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse midwives, or nurse anesthetists. In the Military, advanced practice nurses provide a wide range of care, from treating illness to caring for the wounded or assisting in disaster relief.
Training Provided
Advanced practice nurses have a graduate degree in nursing. Job training for advanced practice nurses primarily consists of on-the-job learning in various healthcare environments.
- Practices and principles of military nursing
- Care of emotionally disturbed patients
- Healthcare for children
- Nursing techniques
- Anesthesia, respiratory therapy, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Officers complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development.
Earnings
Officers in the military can progress through ten officer pay grades during their careers. Pay grade and length of service determine an officer's pay. Most newly commissioned officers begin at pay grade O-1 ($45,912/year basic pay in 2024). With certain professional qualifications, officers may enter at a higher pay grade. After two years, officers generally move up to O-2 ($60,252/year basic pay in 2024). After an additional two years, the military generally promotes officers to O-3 ($81,672/year basic pay in 2024) if job performance and other requirements are met. Cost-of-living increases usually occur once a year. Many officers and their families live free of charge in military housing on the base where they are assigned. Those living off base receive a housing allowance in addition to their basic pay. Officers also receive a monthly food allowance. These allowances, and associated tax savings, are substantial additions to basic pay. Other employment benefits for military officers include free health care, 30 days paid vacation each year, legal assistance, education assistance, military store privileges, and an excellent retirement program.
Services offering this occupation
Air Force
Army
Navy