Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 1/15/2009

Question
Dear Colonel,

I am a recent college graduate with BA in Biology.  I am also got admitted to entry-level nursing Masters program and planning to attend there starting this fall.  In the meantime, I am thinking about joining Army Reserve primarily for my undergraduate tuition repayment and to expedite my citizenship process.  Is there a army program just for people like me?  I would much prefer to be an officer but I can't because I am not a citizen.  I guess my question is that can I change my contract to be active or reserve nurse corps officer once I become a nurse.  Also would I be able to receive any of the tuition assistance and stipend while I am attending the nursing school?  Lastly, if I join as a reserve and receive all bonuses that I can get, do I have to stay as a reserve until my contract ends or can I change it to active duty?  Please let me know.  Thank you.

Answer
Dear Sean --

First, you cannot be an officer of any type unless you are a US citizen.  So, if you do not become an naturalized US citizen, you cannot join the Nurse Corps, even after you get your Nursing License.

You are eligible for any enlistment bonuses you are offered, as long as you comply with the requirements in your enlistment contract.  You are not required to stay reserves, you can request activation into active status, and still comply with the terms of your enlistment.  However, while you are in the reserves, you may be required to deploy, and this can pull you out of school unexpectedly.  Don't enlist while you are going to grad school, unless extended absences from school do not bother you.

If you are able to become a US citizen, there is a special Nursing program that you could join.  It would pay you a recruitment bonus (that you could use to pay off undergraduate loans) and it would pay the expenses of your Nursing school.

Finally, on some college loans you can defer repayment while you are in graduate school, or serving in the military.  Ask the holder of your loan about your deferment rights and options.

Please write back, if you have additional questions.  Good luck to you.