Table of Contents
Air Force Nursing
Nurse Responsibilities
Air Force Benefits
Nurse Specialties
Educational Programs
Assignment Locations
Officer Ranks
Pay & Entitlements
Career Progression
Frequently Asked Questions
Air Force Nursing
Respect and Prestige: urself, so why settle for anything
less? You can be part of the best healthcare program in the world. With our on-going
-notch medical
teams in providing the highest quality care to your patients.
of your civilian colleagues and your military co-
pursuing your nursing degree or currently
working in nursing, you decided to enter this
profession because you care about people
and want to make a difference in the world.
that Air Force Nursing needs today. The Air
Force can help you achieve your goals, follow
your dreams and exceed any expectations you may imagine for yourself.
In caring for their patients while also serving as Air Force officers, our healthcare teams
Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence
in All We Do. In return, the Air Force offers unique challenges, career growth, and
stable work week that lets you devote more time for yourself, your family and your
friends.
Lifestyle: -
care to active-duty members and their families using some of the most advanced
as a
vital member of the Air Force healthcare team. Our medical teams are passionate and
compassionate about what they do. Not only will you get to practice your profession,
kills as
working with some very talented officers and enlisted members who care about their
patients as much as you do.
The world and different cultures await you. Your quest for adventure will take you
places. While many of your civilian counterparts are stuck in a routine job with
predictable hours, you can volunteer for assignments that include Europe and the Far
East. Or, you can apply for jobs in Alaska to enjoy its hunting and fishing opportunities,
or even Washington, D.C., for its great museums, intellectual forums and the historical
e way in your military career, be it four years or
thirty.
A comprehensive history of Air Force Nursing Services:
http://airforcemedicine.afms.mil/idc/groups/public/documents/afms/ctb_039988.pdf
Nurse Responsibilities
Within the Air Force, the practice of nursing by a registered nursing professional means
assuming responsibility and accountability for these and other nursing actions:
Diagnosing and treating human responses to actual or potential health
conditions.
Providing healthcare services in collaboration with other health service
personnel, including carrying out diagnostic and therapeutic regimens prescribed
by duly licensed practitioners authorized to order such regimens.
Teaching healthcare practices.
Making a nursing diagnosis that identifies the needs of an
individual, family, or group.
Administering a nursing treatment regimen through
selection.
Performance and management of proper nursing practices.
Administering, supervising, delegating, and evaluating nursing and medical
technician actions
Our health professionals will tell you that participating in humanitarian missions brings a
sense of personal fulfillment and satisfaction in their lives. Whether providing medical
are to survivors of a natural disaster, airlifting medical supplies to a third-world country
or responding to an emergency request from a foreign government, Air Force medical
personnel are ready to help wherever and whenever needed to save lives.
Features & Benefits
Air Force Nurses enter the military as officers with the same rank as physicians, leading
to a more team-
consider these benefits:
Pay and compensation:
strives to provide salaries that are competitive with those in the civilian sector. As you
progress in your career, getting promoted and adding years to your military service time,
your pay will increase. In addition, all military members may earn annual pay raises
approved by Congress and the President. Your experience and education determines
pay for in the private sector for you and your family members.
Earn 30 days of vacation with pay each year:
have lots of time to enjoy your off-duty time with family and friends at home or in
another state or country. There are some really great vacation destinations too, like
beach time at the Hale Koa Hotel in Hawaii, or skiing in Garmisch, Germany or golfing
at Shades of Green in Orlando, Florida.
No loss of seniority when moving to other hospitals or clinics: No matter whether
you serve stateside or overseas, in a small clinic or large hospital. Air Force nurses
have that advantage over their civilian counterparts. You can see the world and still
earn your promotions and pay raises just like other Air Force personnel in non-
Tax-free housing and food allowances: Most of
the time, you can choose to live on base or in the
local community. If you live in base housing, you do
so rent free. If you live off-base, the Air Force
provides you with a monthly housing allowance.
You can still continue to use the on-base facilities
such as restaurants and the grocery store no matter
whether you live on base or off.
Comprehensive medical and dental care: Unlike
to start using all facets of our medical and dental
care the Air Force provides for its military members
and their families. Think of the monthly savings
expensive healthcare premiums that your civilian
counterparts, friends and neighbors have to deal
with.
Insurance: You can purchase life insurance policies
up to $400,000 for up to about $30 per month. If you are temporarily disabled due to
Live, work and travel overseas: What an opportunity it would be for you and your
family to see the world; maybe even live in a foreign country, and experience different
ethnic cultures together! The Air Force can make it happen.
Home loans: -cost
Veterans Administration backed home mortgage loans.
Thrift Savings Plan: TSP is a Federal Government-sponsored retirement savings and
plan offers the same type of savings and tax benefits that many private corporations
et a choice of investment funds and
you contribute from your own pay. The amount you contribute and the earnings
needed to receive a military retirement.
Discount shopping at on-base grocery and department stores: Our commissaries
have a variety of fresh, frozen and packaged foods just like off-base supermarkets. Our
base exchanges have the latest in clothing, electronics, jewelry, and household items,
just to name a few. We even have gas stations on base too!
Family care while you’re at work: There are on-base child care centers for infants,
toddlers and young children. For near-teens and teens, the youth center has a variety of
activities and regularly-scheduled programs to keep young people busy.
Recreation: Air Force bases have a variety of morale, welfare and recreation programs,
including sports and fitness activities, to enjoy all year long. In recent years, the Air
have top-of-the-line exercise equipment, swimming pools and weight room plus we
have tennis courts, golf courses, camping
areas, and varied fitness classes for the
entire family. Most bases also have
bowling alleys, movie theaters, youth
centers and even discount ticket offices
amusement parks, live theater and
movies.
Retirement: While civilian pension plans
are falling by the wayside or being totally
cut, our retirement plan is still one of the
as 38 years old and still, if
you choose, have another 27 years or more to do something else! Of course, you can
stay in the Air Force past 20 with the potential to retire at 75% base pay.
Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Activities: Provide conveniently located, low-
cost, professionally managed activities and entertainment. You and your dependents
receive significant savings when you participate in programs that include golf, bowling,
child development center, clubs, arts and crafts, outdoor recreation activities, equipment
check-out, libraries, youth activities, hobby shops, recreation centers, aero clubs, etc.
Space Available Travel: Members on leave may travel on military aircraft at no cost.
Nurse Specialties
Entry Level
46N1T Nurse Transition Program (NTP)
- Two tracks only: Med/Surg or OB
Fully Qualified (FQ)
46N3 Clinical Nurse (Med/Surg)
46F3* Flight Nurse
FQ Nurse Specialists (NCS):
46N3D* Clinical Nurse Staff Development
46N3E Critical Care Nurse
46N3F Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse
46N3G Perinatal Nurse
- OB / GYN / LD / PP
46N3J Emergency (ER) /Trauma Nurse
46P3 Mental Health Nurse
46S3 Perioperative (OR) Nurse
FQ Advanced Practice Nurses (NCS- APN):
46Y3C* Adult / Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP)
46Y3G Nurse Midwife
46Y3M Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CNRA)
46Y3A
46Y3B Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
46Y3H Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
46Y3P Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Nurse Corps Health Professions Scholarship Program (NC-HPSP):
46G1 Nurse Midwife
46M1 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CNRA)
46N1B Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
46N1C* Adult / Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP)
46N3A
46N1H Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
46P1A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Note: *=Very limited Availability
Nurse Specialty Descriptions
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP): is an advanced-practice registered nurse who
provides care to patients who are experiencing acute, critical, and complex episodic
illnesses or injuries. The ACNP's scope of practice encompasses trauma, critical care
and emergency service, as well as hospital-based specialty practices such as
orthopedics, cardiology, neurology, oncology and infectious disease. The ACNP has
completed a graduate-level program of specialized study that includes both didactic
training and a minimum of 500 supervised clinical hours. National board certification and
state licensure are subsequently required to begin independent practice. The ACNP's
scope of practice includes: conducting a comprehensive history and physical exam,
diagnostic reasoning, ordering and interpreting the full range of diagnostic tests,
performance of invasive procedures, and prescriptive authority. The ACNP collaborates
with the patient, family members, and other members of the health-care team to reach
the best possible outcome for the patient.
Emergency Room (ER) Nurse: Emergency
nursing crosses multiple dimensions and includes
the provision of care that ranges from birth, death,
injury prevention, women's health, disease, and life
and limb-saving measures. Unique to emergency
nursing practice is the application of the nursing
process to patients of all ages requiring stabilization
and/or resuscitation for a variety of illnesses and
injuries which occur in a variety of settings,
including during a contingency or natural disaster
setting. These may require minimal care to life-
support measures; patient, family, and significant
other education; appropriate referral and discharge planning; and knowledge of legal
implications. The emergency room nurse is a focal point at the crossroads of primary,
secondary, and tertiary care, and on the wellness illness continuum. Emergency room
nurses triage and use assessment skills during contingency operations as well as
peacetime, to save life and limb. ACLS, BLS, required, Trauma Nurse Course highly
encouraged.
Critical Care Nurse: A critical care nurses manages complex critically ill and injured
adults to children. As a critical care nurse, you will use state-of-the-art equipment on the
ground and in the air and assist with transport of critically injured soldiers during a
contingency. Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) and basic life support (BLS) are
required. Advanced education is encouraged throughout your career.
Family Practice Nurse Practitioner (FNP): Air Force Family Practice Nurse
Practitioner manages all ages of patients from infant to geriatrics. They work in
collaboration with physicians and a multidisciplinary team to benefit the military
population and their beneficiaries and practice as an independent practitioner with a
normal caseload of patients with complex multisystem medical issues, as well as routine
health maintenance.
Medical Surgical (Clinical) Nurse: Clinical
medical surgical nurses are indispensable
members of Air Force medical teams. As a
medical surgical nurse, you plan, implement and
evaluate nursing care for both outpatients and
inpatients along the health continuum. You will
collaborate with all members of the team to
ensure your patients and their families receive
the finest state-of-the-art health care. A variety of
assignments await you from working in a full size
medical center including research, to working
interdependently with medical providers in a small clinic. Medical surgical nurses are
involved in every aspect of healthcare from bedside nursing, community initiatives,
leadership, research, education and disaster preparedness, including deployment.
Medical surgical nursing offers the widest variety of opportunities within healthcare.
Mental Health Nurse: Mental health nurses are crucial to the recovery of their patients.
In this assignment, you will provide services to promote and maintain optimal mental
health, manage mental and physical disorders and diagnose and treat human
responses to actual or potential mental health problems. You will work with individuals,
families, groups and communities to assess mental health needs, develop diagnoses
and plans and implement and evaluate nursing care. You will also monitor patients
undergoing detoxification from alcohol and drugs, assist in planning, providing and
evaluating comprehensive mental health services and support, conduct and use nursing
research to improve health-care delivery. As a mental health nurse you may manage
inpatient care units, provide case management, and work with members in the deployed
setting. .
Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse: An Air Force
neonatal nurse is a medical surgical nurse who
works primarily in the neonatal intensive care unit
(NICU). As a neonatal nurse, you will assess,
plan, supervise and ensure that quality care is
given to neonatal patients (ages 0-30 days) with
multiple pathologies, including medical and
surgical diagnosis. You will attend high-risk
deliveries, as well as perform all functions of a
medical surgical nurse while managing resources
during multiple admissions and discharges.
Depending on the NICU to which you are assigned, you may care for infants on high-
frequency oscillator ventilators or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and assist in
neonatal aeromedical evacuation (transport) missions. You will be responsible for using
highly specialized equipment; assigning duties to subordinates; and providing
psychological, social and educational support to parents and family members. All Air
Force neonatal nurses must acquire and maintain certification in basic life support (BLS)
and the neonatal resuscitation program (NRP).
Nurse Anesthetist: (CRNA) ensures that all
operations and surgeries are as painless as
possible. In this role, you will administer anesthetic
agents to patients and monitor their reactions to
anesthesia and surgery. You will also provide or
supervise postoperative recovery care. Your
responsibilities will include the management of the
anesthesia department. You will provide or
supervise services in support of patients with
respiratory care requirements. You will also assist
with the training of personnel in venipuncture and
intravenous therapy, respiratory care, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and anesthesia
under the direction of a medical officer. Your responsibilities include performing
preoperative evaluations and preparations, administering anesthetics and advising the
anesthesiologist of adverse reactions necessitating nondelegated medical decisions.
.
Nurse-Midwife: On the front lines of women's health in the Air Force is the certified
nurse-midwife. The certified nurse-midwife provides comfort, support and expertise in
medical-midwifery care during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum. Functioning
in this role you will independently manage women's health care with emphasis on the
maternity cycle and practice in collaboration with an obstetrician/gynecologist or family
practice physician.
Operating Room Nurse: The operating room
nurse is on the front line of the most complex
lifesaving procedures. You will be responsible for
planning, directing and coordinating activities of
the operating room department. An operating
room nurse provides professional nursing care to
patients undergoing surgery, prepares and
maintains the operating room for all surgical
procedures and assembles the type and quantity
of materials and special equipment needed for
daily procedures and possible emergencies. You
will conduct both preoperative and postoperative visits with your patients. You will also
coordinate with other hospital units, which may include recovery room, intensive care,
obstetrics and nursing units, to ensure your patients' progress. .
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: (PMHNP) provides comprehensive
psychiatric mental health care to the adult military population, retirees, and their
significant others between the ages of 18 and 65. The PMHNP interfaces and
collaborates with other professional to insure appropriate and coordinated
multidisciplinary patient evaluation and treatment. PMHNP functions independently and
in collaboration with credentialed health providers. Also serves as a role model and
consultant to staff in the provision of psychiatric care, education, and research.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner: PNP) is a
privileged provider in the specialty of Pediatrics.
PNPs are registered nurses who have obtained
advanced education, training, and certification to
practice independently and collaboratively to
provide primary health care to pediatric clients.
PNPs provide medical assessment, treatment,
education, health promotion, and prevention to
individuals, families, and the community. PNPs
practice independently and collaboratively with
physicians providing comprehensive healthcare
for well and sick children from birth to adolescence and are an integral, active member
of the pediatric healthcare team, caring for neonates, infants, children, and adolescents
up to age 21 yrs. Education requirements include graduation from an accredited
baccalaureate degree program in nursing (BSN) and completion of an approved and
accredited Master's Degree (MSN or MS) prepared pediatric nurse practitioner program.
Licensure is required as an RN from at least one US jurisdictions. In addition, national
certification through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) or the American
Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) is required. Basic Life Support and Pediatric
Advanced Life Support certifications are also a requirement.
Perinatal (OB/GYN) Nurse: You assess, plan,
implement, supervise and evaluate quality care
given to obstetrical/neonatal patients and families.
Assignment opportunities exist both in the States
and overseas. Depending on the unit to which you
are assigned, you may care for high risk OB
patients, level II nursery patients, circulate for
cesarean sections, or add medical-surgical
patients to your OB duties on a single unit
inpatient care ward. OB nurses are integral parts
of OB care teams and work with certified
midwives, physicians, neonatologists, pediatricians, medical surgical nurse specialists
and others to provide management of acute and chronic illnesses as well as low risk
obstetrical care. All Air Force Obstetric Nurses must acquire and maintain certification in
Basic Life Support (BLS) and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP).
Women's Healthcare Nurse Practitioner: (WHNP) is an advanced practice medical
surgical nurse who works in the ambulatory care setting. As a WHNP, you will provide
primary health care to both obstetric and gynecologic patients from menarche through
their life cycle. Your privileges include obtaining medical histories, performing physical
exams, and establishing medical diagnoses; ordering and interpreting diagnostic
studies; initiating appropriate treatment, to include drug therapy, within privileged scope
of care. Also perform comprehensive family planning counseling, cancer screening, STI
care, and procedures (if credentialed to do so, such as IUD insertion, colposcopy, and
biopsies of the vulva, vagina, cervix, and endometrium). The practice setting the Air
Force WHNP ranges from solo practice in a clinic to group practice in a medical center.
Educational Programs
Nurse Corps Programs: The Nurse Corps annually provides Air Force Nurses with a
variety of opportunities to receive graduate education at civilian institutions sponsored
by the Air Force Institute of Technology. Typical degrees awarded include a Master of
Science in Nursing Disciplines which has nurse practitioner programs and clinical
specialties.
Professional Growth: From day one and throughout your Air Force career, you
achieve professional growth and development through leadership experiences, on-the-
job training (OJT) and continued education. The Air Force places a very high priority on
Nursing Service Fundamentals: Introductory level correspondence course designed
to prepare nurses to deal effectively with day-to-day situations encountered in Air Force
Nursing units. Additionally the course facilitates and awareness of the nurse manager
role. Some components include cultural diversity, sexual harassment, followership,
mentoring, manpower and duty schedules, ethical decision-making, and delegation.
This course is a prerequisite for selection to Nursing Service Management.
Flight Nursing: Trains nurses pre-selected for flying assignment as a member of the
medical crew in aeromedical evacuation units. At Brooks AFB, TX, this 5 ½ -week
course includes principles of aerospace medicine; altitude physiology; specialized
techniques necessary for safe and efficient transportation of patients by air in peacetime
and wartime environments; life support principles, procedures, equipment, and
techniques, and survival skills. Provides the knowledge and skills required for
management and nursing care of patients in flight.
Post 9/11 GI Bill: Up to $48,000 for use toward your education while on duty or up to
15 years after you leave or retire from the Air Force. And, it is transferrable to your
spouse or your children. Certain rules apply.
Clinical Hyperbarics: Provides training necessary to function as a hyberbaric medicine
nurse, emphasizing management of total patient care for critically/chronically ill patients
selected for hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Attendees participate in all phases of clinical
hyperbaric medicine including wound care, in this 7-week course at Brooks AFB, TX.
Students gain experience in emergency practice to include treatment for decompression
sickness, air embolisms, carbon monoxide poisoning, and gas gangrene. Four weeks
nurse is considered fully qualified.
Nursing Service Management: This residence course at Sheppard AFB, TX provides
training in the knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties associated with
nursing management positions. Topics include regulatory agencies, standards of
practice, responsibilities, management tools, quality assessment/improvement, risk
management, duty scheduling, and performance evaluations. Completion of Nurse
Service Fundamentals is mandatory before selection to attend Nurse Service
Management.
Health Professions Education and Training Course: This 4-week course held at
Sheppard AFB, TX, prepares both officer and enlisted members for various roles in
education within the Medical Group. Attendees make several oral presentations and
accomplish various individual and group projects. Content focuses on initial orientation
of medical group personnel, in-service education, and continuing education, assessing
learner needs, teaching adult learners, planning and implementing educational
programs, evaluating effectiveness of educational endeavors, and management of
Medical Group Education and Training.
Operating Room Nurse: Provides training to enter the operating room nurse career
field from other nursing career fields. Course consists of 2 weeks of didactic training
and 10 weeks of clinical experience under direct supervision of the course supervisor
and approved preceptors. Emphasis is placed on development of the preoperative role
and ability to function effectively and safely as a surgical team member. Creation of an
optimal surgical environment, utilizing the principles of aseptic technique and infection
control practices is stressed. Operating room nurses responsibilities during OR
emergencies, peacetime disasters, and wartime medical readiness are also
emphasized.
Nurse Anesthetist: Selected R -year master program through
selected universities, which are fully accredited by the American Association of Nurse
Anesthetists. The didactic instruction involves areas such as general anatomy,
physiology, physics, chemistry and pharmacology. The clinical phase is accomplished
at various Air Force Medical Centers.
Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse: This 10-week course provides training to enter the
Neonatal ICU career field from other nursing career fields. This course provides training
in the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of a clinical nurse in a level
2-3 neonatal ICU. This course will include emergency response to newborn deliveries
and concepts of neonatal transport. Instruction is geared toward providing the basic
knowledge and hands on training needed in assessing, planning, implementing, and
evaluating care of the neonatal patient.
Perinatal Nursing: This 6-week course, taught at Langley AFB, VA or Lackland AFB,
TX provides training for new perinatal nurses in the knowledge and skills necessary to
perform duties as a staff nurse in an obstetrical unit, including labor and delivery,
postpartum, and newborn nursery. Instruction is geared toward planning, implementing,
and evaluating care of antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, and neonatal patients.
Continuing Education Contact Hours: The Air Force Nurse Corps supports
professional growth and development through continuing education programs. Several
funding sources exist to send nurses, expenses paid, and educational offerings such as
national conventions of nursing specialty organizations and other local and national
education conferences and courses. In addition, the NC continues its tradition of
commitment to education through its Continuing Educational Approval and Recognition
Program (CEARP). Contact hour activities, approved through CEARP, are often held
right in the workplace and are possible because the NC is an accredited approver unit
of the American Nurses Credentialing Center Commission on Accreditation (ANCC
COA). The Air Force requires 60 contact hours every 3 years. The Air Force contact
requirement usually meets or exceeds individual state requirements; however, each
nurse is required to maintain their states contact hour requirement.
Uniformed Services University Health Sciences (USUHS) Graduate School of
Nursing: The USUHS Graduate School of Nursing focuses on preparing health care
professionals at the graduate level for practice and research in federal and military
healthcare.
Sponsorship for Graduate Study: Through the Air Force Institute of Technology
expense, from civilian colleges and universities all over the United States. Tuition and
fees, as
doctoral degree. While a student, nurses are not assigned any other duties. However,
time limits do apply and additional service commitments are incurred. Several
degree/majors/clinical specialties are generally available based on forecasted needs of
Air Force Medical Service. Examples of some opportunities include: family nurse
midwifery; clinical nurse specialist such as critical care, maternal/child,
emergency/trauma, pediatrics, neonatal, adult health, mental health and gerontology;
community health nursing, nursing education, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
and nursing administration.
Air Force Education With Industry Program – Medical (MEWI): This is a 10-month
fellowship in a civilian institution/company. During the course, the student will be
technology and will be immersed in the day-to-day challenges of management. The
objective is to develop management qualities and technical leadership abilities.
Tuition Assistance: Our Tuition Assistance (TA) program pays up to 100% of your
tuition at any accredited educational institution, both in-person and online while
attending during off-duty time.
Assignment Locations
POSITION
Beds
Midwife
CRNA
Med-Surg /
Clinical
PNP
Critical Care
Neonatal
OB/LD
FNP
Emergency Room
Psych
OR
NOTES
AFSC
46GX
46MX
46NX
46NXA
46NXB
46NXE
46NXF
46NXG
46NXH
46NXJ
46PX
46SX
Hospitals in the
Continental United States
NOTES
AFA/Peterson, CO
12
X
X
X
X
X
X
Andrews, MD
60
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
NTP
Eglin, FL
53
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
NTP
Keesler, MS
78
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
NTP
Lackland, TX
270
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
NTP
Langley, VA
35
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Mt. Home, ID
10
X
X
X
X
X
X
Nellis, NV
104
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
NTP
Travis, CA
84
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
NTP
Wright Patterson, OH
65
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
NTP
Ambulatory Surgery
Clinics Located in the
Continental United
States
Beds
Midwife
CRNA
Med-Surg\Clinical
PNP
Critical Care
Neonatal
OB/LD
FNP
Emergency Room
Psych
OR
AFSC
46GX
46MX
46NX
46NXA
46NXB
46NXE
46NXF
46NXG
46NXH
46NXJ
46PX
46SX
NOTES
Kirtland, NM
X
X
X
X
Miscellaneous
Midwife
CRNA
Med-Surg\Clinical
PNP
Critical Care
Neonatal
OB/LD
FNP
Emergency Room
Psych
OR
Bethesda
X
X
Sheppard Training Group
X
POSITION
Midwife
CRNA
Med-Surg /
Clinical
Health
PNP
Critical Care
Neonatal
OB\LD
FNP
Emergency
Room
Psych
OR
NOTES
AFSC
46GX
46MX
46NX
46NXA
46NXB
46NXE
46NXF
46NXG
46NXH
46NXJ
46PX
46SX
Clinics Located in the
Continental United States
Altus, OK
X
Barksdale
X
X
X
Beale, CA
X
X
Bolling, MD
X
X
X
Brooks, TX
X
X
Buckley, CO
X
Cannon, NM
X
X
Charleston, SC
X
X
Columbus, MS
X
Davis Monthan, AZ
X
X
X
Dover, DE
X
X
X
Dyess, TX
X
X
Ellsworth, SD
X
X
Edwards, CA
X
X
Fairchild, MN
X
X
X
FE Warren, WY
X
Ft Dix/McGuire, NJ
X
X
Goodfellow, TX
X
X
Grand Forks, ND
X
X
Hansom, MA
X
X
Hill, UT
X
X
X
X
Holloman, NM
X
X
Hurlburt, FL
X
X
X
X
X
Lackland, TX (37
th
)
X
X
X
Laughlin, TX
X
Little Rock, AR
X
X
X
Los Angeles, CA
X
Luke, AZ
X
X
X
X
MacDill, FL
X
X
X
Malmstrom, MT
X
X
X
Maxwell, AL
X
X
X
McChord, WA
X
X
McClellan, CA
X
X
McConell, KA
X
X
X
Minot, ND
X
X
X
Moody, GA
X
X
X
Offutt, NE
X
X
X
X
Patrick, FL
X
X
Peterson, CO
X
X
X
Pope, NC
X
X
Randolph, TX
X
X
X
X
Robins, GA
X
X
X
X
Scott, IL
X
X
X
X
X
Seymour Johnson, NC
X
X
X
Shaw, SC
X
X
X
Sheppard, TX
X
X
X
X
X
Tinker, OK
X
X
X
Tyndall, FL
X
X
X
X
Vance, CA
X
Vandenburg, CA
X
Whiteman, MO
X
X
X
POSITION
Beds
Flight Nurse
Midwife
CRNA
Med-Surg / Clinical
PNP
Critical Care
Neonatal
OB\LD
FNP
Emergency Room
Psych
OR
NOTES
AFSC
46FX
46GX
46MX
46NX
46NXA
46NXB
46NXE
46NXF
46NXG
46NXH
46NXJ
46PX
46SX
Hospitals Located
Overseas
Aviano, Italy
14
X
X
X
X
X
X
Elmendorf, Alaska
55
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Landstuhl, Germany
140
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Lakenheath, England
39
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Misawa, Japan
25
X
X
X
X
X
Osan, Japan
20
X
X
X
X
X
Yokota, Japan
15
X
X
X
X
Amb Surg Clinics
Overseas
Incirlik, Turkey
X
X
X
X
Clinics Located Overseas
Anderson, Guam
X
X
Croughton, England
X
Eielson, Alaska
X
Geilenkirchen, Germany
X
Hickam, Hawaii
X
X
Kadena, Okinawa
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Kunsan, Korea
X
Lajes, Azores
X
X
Ramstein, Germany
X
X
X
X
Bitburg/Spangdahlem, GE
X
X
Upwood, England
X
Flying Units
43 AES at Pope
X
374 AES at Kadena
X
375 AES at Scott
X
86 AES at Ramstein
X
615 AMOS Travis
X
21 AMOS McGuire
X
TRANSCOM
X
TPMRC Ramstein
X
AMOCC Ramstein
X
TPMRC Hickam
X
So where are these Air Force Bases on this list, you may ask?
The next page shows a map of major Air Force Bases in the Continental United States and Overseas.
Air Force Officer Ranks
Second
Lieutenant
O-1
First
Lieutenant
O-2
Captain
O-3
Major
O-4
Lieutenant
Colonel
O-5
Colonel
O-6
Brigadier General
O-7
Major General
O-8
Lieutenant General
O-9
General
O-10
When considering your rank, we look at the following:
(1) Professional Experience (as of date of initial RN license). We calculate half of
documented civilian experience to make a certain rank. For example, if an
applicant is a fully qualified ER Nurse with exactly 8 years of experience, that
person would be award the rank of Captain, because it takes 4 years to obtain
that rank in the Air Force. Consideration beyond the rank of Captain will be
made on an individual basis.
(2) Prior Military Service: minimum 4 years of Enlisted (E) Active Duty (AD) or
Warrant Officer completion time, in some cases accumulative Guard and
Reserves activation accrual time, or prior service officer commission time.
Service from other US military branches is also included.
Maj. Gen. Kimberly A. Siniscalchi is Assistant Air Force
Surgeon General, Medical Force Development, and Assistant
Air Force Surgeon General, Nursing Services, Office of the
Surgeon General, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Rosslyn, Va.
As Assistant Air Force Surgeon General, Medical Force
Development, she establishes new and appraises existing
personnel policy and staffing requirements for 34,000 active-
duty officer and enlisted medical personnel. Her directorate is
responsible for all medical force education and training. As
Assistant Air Force Surgeon General, Nursing Services, she
creates and evaluates nursing policies and programs for
19,000 active-duty, Guard and Reserve nursing personnel.
She interacts with Air Staff, Joint Staff, other services and
major commands to ensure the highest caliber of nursing care
and personnel.
Pay & Entitlements
2013 Military Commissioned Officer Pay Chart
< 2
Over 2
Over 3
Over 4
Over 6
Over 8
Over 10
Over 12
Over 14
O-8
$9,847
$10,170
$10,384
$10,444
$10,711
$11,157
$11,261
$11,685
$11,806
O-7
$8,182
$8,562
$8,738
$8,878
$9,131
$9,381
$9,671
$9,959
$10,248
O-6
$6,064
$6,663
$7,100
$7,100
$7,127
$7,432
$7,473
$7,473
$7,897
O-5
$5,055
$5,695
$6,089
$6,164
$6,410
$6,557
$6,880
$7,118
$7,425
O-4
$4,362
$5,049
$5,386
$5,461
$5,774
$6,109
$6,527
$6,852
$7,078
O-3
$3,835
$4,347
$4,692
$5,116
$5,361
$5,630
$5,804
$6,090
$6,240
O-2
$3,314
$3,774
$4,347
$4,493
$4,586
$4,586
$4,586
$4,586
$4,586
O-1
$2,876
$2,994
$3,619
$3,619
$3,619
$3,619
$3,619
$3,619
$3,619
MONTHLY BASIC ALLOWANCE FOR SUBSISTENCE (BAS) & BASIC ALLOWANCE FOR HOUSING (BAH)
Pay
Grade
BAS
(Same for all
Officers)
BAH RC/T
These BAH rates are based on lowest location
amounts within the continental United States.
These amounts will more than likely increase
depending on your first duty assignment. Also,
rates will increase the longer you spend in the
Air Force.
Actual BAH rate will be based on the area
where you are stationed, which could be a base
or city. Additional money like Overseas
Housing Allowance (OHA) and Cost Of Living
Allowance (COLA) could be granted.
Dependents include spouse and/or children.
Without Dependents
With Dependents
O-10
$ 242.60
$ 1481.70
$ 1822.50
O-9
$ 242.60
$ 1481.70
$ 1822.50
O-8
$ 242.60
$ 1481.70
$ 1822.50
O-7
$ 242.60
$ 1481.70
$ 1822.50
O-6
$ 242.60
$ 1358.70
$ 1640.70
O-5
$ 242.60
$ 1308.30
$ 1581.60
O-4
$ 242.60
$ 1212.00
$ 1394.10
O-3
$ 242.60
$ 972.00
$ 1153.50
O-2
$ 242.60
$ 770.40
$ 984.30
O-1
$ 242.60
$ 660.90
$ 881.10
Career Progression
Career progression is based on a solid "three-legged stool" of operational, staff, and leadership
experience. This triad will serve as your career foundation as you progress up through the
ranks and proceed toward your goal. In the beginning of your career focus on one
-specific skill set. Until you develop this
expertise, you cannot build the remaining legs of staff and leadership experience. Staff
experience provides increased job responsibility and is key in developing areas of expertise that
will enhance you decision-making and leadership skills. Early in your career you can obtain
valuable staff experience by taking on additional duties or getting involved in special projects.
As an example, you may dual-hat as a clinical nurse with additional responsibilities as the
Infection Control Officer. During tenure as a senior captain through major, expand your staff
experience through specialty education and mid-level career broadening assignments.
Leadership is the core of officership. As an officer you will be held to the highest standards of
conduct and will be expected to live the core values of Integrity, Service Before Self and
Excellence in all that you do. You will be responsible for your development as an Air Force
officer. This process begins immediately when you take the commissioning oath and continues
throughout your career. Build on what you learn in Commissioned Officer Training (COT),
Aerospace Basic and Professional Military Education (PME) courses. Network with your line
officer counterparts through involvement in special projects and the Company Grade Officer
Council. As you gain experience, you will lead and mentor junior officers and enlisted personnel
in day-to-day operations and in their professional growth. As you become more senior,
progressive successes in more complex leadership roles prepare you for challenging and
continue to serve as your model and will guide you toward positions offering increasing
responsibility and opportunity.
Commissioned Officer
Training School
NTP, Off Prof
Dev, Nsg Fund,
Aerospace Basic
GRADE
GRADE
2Lt/1Lt
2Lt/1Lt
1
1
-
-
4 yrs
4 yrs
Capt
5
5
-
-
11 yrs
11 yrs
Col
21+ yrs
Lt Col
17-20 yrs
CAREER BROADENING
Maj
12-16 yrs
Gen
Gen
BUILD CLINICAL DEPTH
Reserve Officer Training Corps, Enlisted Commissioning Program, Direct Accessions
EDUC/TRNG
SOS, NSM, SDO, ICO,
ABONC, Flight Nurse, AF
Intern Program,
Fellowships, PCO Course
ISS, Advanced Academic
Degree (AAD), Initial Exec
Skills, Fellowships
SSS, SQD CC, AAD,
Advanced Exec Skills,
Interagency Institute
SSS, Sr Exec Ldrshp,
MDG CC, Interagency
Institute, Medical
Capstone
Clinical Nurse (Primary Job Proficiency/Clinical Experience)
Clinical Nurse, Advanced Practice Nurse (APN - Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nurse
Practitioner/Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist/Certified Nurse Midwife), Operating
Room (OR) Nurse, Mental Health (MH) Nurse, Flight Nurse (FN), PCM Clinical Nurse/Health
Care Integrator (HCI), Health Promotions, White House Nurse
APN, Clinical Nurse, OR, MH, FN,
MAJCOM/SG Consultant (additional
duty), PCM Clinical Nurse/HCI,
Health Promotions
APN, Chief HCI, Clinical
Coordinator, MAJCOM/SG
Consultant (additional
duty), MH, OR, Health
Promotions
APN,
OR, SG
Consultant
(additional duty)
AFPC, CN, Dep Dir AF
Nsg Svcs, IHS, JTF CC,
Lead Agent, MAJCOM
SGN/SG/Dep, MDG
CC/Dep, Med Ctr CC/
Dep, Special Duty,
Academic Facult, 06 SQ CC
Air Evac, Chief Nurse
(CN), Dep or SQD CC,
Dep MDG CC, Flt CC,
HQ/MAJCOM Staff, IHS,
Informatics, JTF CC, Lead
Agent, Special DutY, NAF/ARC,
Academic Faculty, ARPC
Element Leader, Flt CC,
HQ/MAJCOM Staff,
Informatics, International
Health Specialist (IHS),
Special Duty (Recruiting,
Instructor), Readiness
Dir AF Nsg Svcs,
Lead Agt, MAJCOM
Surgeon, Med Ctr
CC, SG/Dep SG
Clinical Pathway
Executive/Management/
Administrative Pathway
BOARD CERTIFICATION
Capstone
Commissioned Officer
Training School
NTP, Off Prof
Dev, Nsg Fund,
Aerospace Basic
GRADE
GRADE
2Lt/1Lt
2Lt/1Lt
1
1
-
-
4 yrs
4 yrs
Capt
5
5
-
-
11 yrs
11 yrs
Col
21+ yrs
Lt Col
17-20 yrs
CAREER BROADENING
Maj
12-16 yrs
Gen
Gen
BUILD CLINICAL DEPTH
Reserve Officer Training Corps, Enlisted Commissioning Program, Direct Accessions
EDUC/TRNG
SOS, NSM, SDO, ICO,
ABONC, Flight Nurse, AF
Intern Program,
Fellowships, PCO Course
ISS, Advanced Academic
Degree (AAD), Initial Exec
Skills, Fellowships
SSS, SQD CC, AAD,
Advanced Exec Skills,
Interagency Institute
SSS, Sr Exec Ldrshp,
MDG CC, Interagency
Institute, Medical
Capstone
Clinical Nurse (Primary Job Proficiency/Clinical Experience)
Clinical Nurse, Advanced Practice Nurse (APN - Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nurse
Practitioner/Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist/Certified Nurse Midwife), Operating
Room (OR) Nurse, Mental Health (MH) Nurse, Flight Nurse (FN), PCM Clinical Nurse/Health
Care Integrator (HCI), Health Promotions, White House Nurse
APN, Clinical Nurse, OR, MH, FN,
MAJCOM/SG Consultant (additional
duty), PCM Clinical Nurse/HCI,
Health Promotions
APN, Chief HCI, Clinical
Coordinator, MAJCOM/SG
Consultant (additional
duty), MH, OR, Health
Promotions
APN,
OR, SG
Consultant
(additional duty)
AFPC, CN, Dep Dir AF
Nsg Svcs, IHS, JTF CC,
Lead Agent, MAJCOM
SGN/SG/Dep, MDG
CC/Dep, Med Ctr CC/
Dep, Special Duty,
Academic Facult, 06 SQ CC
Air Evac, Chief Nurse
(CN), Dep or SQD CC,
Dep MDG CC, Flt CC,
HQ/MAJCOM Staff, IHS,
Informatics, JTF CC, Lead
Agent, Special DutY, NAF/ARC,
Academic Faculty, ARPC
Element Leader, Flt CC,
HQ/MAJCOM Staff,
Informatics, International
Health Specialist (IHS),
Special Duty (Recruiting,
Instructor), Readiness
Dir AF Nsg Svcs,
Lead Agt, MAJCOM
Surgeon, Med Ctr
CC, SG/Dep SG
Clinical Pathway
Executive/Management/
Administrative Pathway
BOARD CERTIFICATION
Capstone
The operational or clinical track is characterized by a solid AFSC-specific/clinical foundation with
progression as a field grade officer into advanced practice nursing, clinical specialist, element
leader, and flight commander roles. In the operational track you can incrementally acquire the
executive skills competencies required for entry into the executive leadership track. In the staff
track, you branch out to jobs or specialties such as readiness, quality, health promotion,
prevention, case management, research, and education/training. Squadron or group level staff
jobs are an integral part of day-to-day business and overlap into the operational track. To
advance in the staff track, develop your specialty to be competitive in major command
(MAJCOM), lead agent, or Air Staff positions. As in the operational track you can also gain
many of the skills required for executive leadership positions.
The executive leadership track spring boards from the operational and staff tracks and affords
you the opportunity for potential promotion to colonel. In this track, you must have a solid
operational background with an intermingling of staff jobs. Officers in this track possess
executive skills, solid command potential, and the appropriate level of PME. They face
leadership challenges as chief nurses, squadron commanders, medical group commanders,
MAJCOM and HQ USAF division chiefs, or equivalent positions. For general officer
consideration, you must progress through top-level executive leadership, MAJCOM, Air Staff, or
joint staff positions.
These tracks are not cast in stone and movement between them is possible and encouraged
during the first half of your career. However, as your seniority increases, flexibility to switch
tracks becomes limited. It is very difficult to become proficient in the required executive skills
unless you diversify your career with operational and staff experience, invest in graduate
education and complete Professional Military Education (PME) commensurate with your grade.
As an example, if you remain in the operational track as an advanced practice nurse or in the
staff track as a health promotions officer, you may not have equipped yourself with the right
experience to compete for a position in the executive leadership track. There are opportunities
to pursue an "exceptional career" with promotion to colonel in the operational and staff tracks,
however, you must develop your area of expertise to make you competitive for high level staff
jobs at MAJCOM, lead agent, or Air Staff levels.
The skills required for success in any of the three tracks require constant updating. Complete
PME by correspondence or in seminar as soon as you are eligible. Apply for Air Force Institute
of Technology (AFIT) sponsored education or pursue off duty or innovative distance learning
"corps neutral" and may be filled by qualified nurse corps officers. Investigate these jobs and
determine if they could provide you the experience needed to meet your goals. Remember that
now.
Officer Leadership Schools & Centers:
Air Force Institute for Advanced Distributed Learning - (AFIADL)
Air Force Institute of Technology - (AFIT)
Air Force Research Institute - (AFRI)
Carl A. Spaatz Center for Officer Education
o Air War College - (AWC)
o Air Force Fellows - (AF Fellows)
o School of Advanced Air and Space Studies - (SAASS)
o Air Command and Staff College - (ACSC)
o Squadron Officer College - (SOC)
Air and Space Basic Course - (ASBC)
Squadron Officer School - (SOS)
International Officers School - (IOS)
Eaker College for Professional Development
o Commanders School - (ECPD/CPDS)
o Air Force Human Resource Management School - (AFHRMS)
LeMay Center for Doctrine Development & Education - (LeMay Center)
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the age cut-off to join the Air Force? 42, although an age waiver could be
Do I get to choose where I want to be stationed?
Assignment Preference Worksheet on
for overseas assignments and those within the continental U.S. You will also list
preferences for up to eight bases (or geographical areas). While Air Force needs come
first and there are no assignment guarantees, we do consider your choices and, when
possible, try to match an Air Force need with your base or area choice.
The Air Force has more than 64 bases in the continental United States and more than
20 locations overseas.
What’s the pay like for healthcare professionals? Air Force healthcare professional
pay varies by your specific profession. Some will qualify for professional pay and/or
yearly bonuses above their base pay and benefits. A few high-need professions may
also receive sign-on bonuses. An Air Force recruiter has details.
What do healthcare professionals do in peacetime? The Air Force healthcare
mission is providing care to our service members and their families. A majority of our
healthcare professionals work in clinics and hospitals much like our civilian
counterparts. We have locations stateside and overseas. There are also opportunities to
take part in global humanitarian missions. One example is a story noted earlier
brochure about the one-of-kind ECMO team that helped an infant on a flight from Puerto
Rico. Other examples include Air Force members responding to Hurricanes Katrina and
Rita, and teams traveling to Equador, Chile, Egypt and Thailand to provide medical care
and bring medical supplies to those in need. You can also pursue education or medical
research.
How does the Air Force compare to the civilian world? There are almost limitless
opportunities similar facilities stateside or in other
countries. And due to our dedicated adminis on patient
care, education or research.
Will I have to deploy? The Air Force provides training for nurses and other medical
professionals to enhance their wartime readiness. Our nurses learn skills necessary to
manage and operate an air transportable hospital, provide advanced trauma life support
and conduct combat medical operations in field situations. Hands-on participation is
stressed throughout readiness training. While some military nurses and other medical
professionals may never be asked to mobilize and deploy in wartime or peacetime
emergencies, they must always be prepared for those situations.
What about my family? Bring them with you! In fact, after your initial training we will
pay to move your spouse and children, household goods, and vehicles to your new
assignment.
How long do I have to be in the Air Force? Minimum contract is 3 years.
