Expert: Howard Lorenz - 2/21/2008

Question
Sir, I have been in the AF almost 10 years, 4 reserve and almost 6 active duty.  I crossed over to active duty at the age of 34, I had to get an age waiver. I will not be able to retire until some time after May of 2020.

I am a lab tech and currently taking my first class in a Master's program and also have a Bachelor of Science degree, 2 associates degrees, one in Liberal Arts and one in Spanish, as well as my CCAF degree in Medical Laboratory. My GPA is 3.456  I would like to apply for the enlisted nursing commissioning program, but the age limit is 42.  If I was accepted into nursing school, I would start the program January 2009 and would complete it in May 2010.  I will turn 42 late March 2010, missing the age cut off by 1 month and 20 days and give or take another 2-4 weeks to take the nursing certification test.  
I just got the "sorry you do not qualify" email today.  
I however, am determined to keep trying/asking and hope to find someone who will make an exception to policy and allow me into the program.  I am hoping this will happen.  With the nursing shortage in the AF, I'd hope that someone will consider and accept my sincere desire to be become a nurse.  I love my current AFSC because I get to help people, but I know I could do much more as a nurse.  

Sir, can you refer me to someone who might be willing/able to help me in this matter?

v/r

Leticia

Answer
One very important question that I would ask them is HOW MUCH of your present education will cross into this degree program. There HAS to be some... this should shorten up the course for you and you might be able to graduate before the deadline????


HW