Navy Nurse Candidate Program 2025 – Get $34,000 Toward Your BSN & Start Your Career as a Navy Nurse
If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a nurse and serving your country at the
same time, the Navy Nurse Candidate Program (NCP) might be exactly
what you’ve been waiting for. Designed for full-time students enrolled in a
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, this scholarship offers
up to $34,000 in financial support—plus a pathway into a leadership
role in the Navy Nurse Corps after graduation.
In a time when the demand for skilled, compassionate nurses is higher than
ever, this program doesn’t just offer a scholarship—it opens the door to a
meaningful career that combines
healthcare, service, and leadership.
Let’s break it all down—from benefits and eligibility to how to apply and
what life as a Navy Nurse looks like.
1. What Is the Navy Nurse Candidate Program?
The Navy Nurse Candidate Program (NCP) is a military scholarship
that supports future nurses who are currently pursuing a BSN degree.
It is offered by Navy Medicine, and it provides
financial support for tuition and living expenses while you complete
your nursing education. In return, you’ll serve in the
Navy Nurse Corps as a commissioned officer after you graduate and
pass your licensure exam.
The NCP is not just a scholarship—it’s a career investment.
Participants not only receive financial aid but also become part of a highly
respected branch of military healthcare, working in cutting-edge facilities
and possibly even stationed around the world.
2. What Does the Program Cover?
This is one of the most generous nursing scholarships in the
country, offering financial aid and career security all in one
package.
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Here's what you get as a participant:
| 💡 Benefit Type | 📋 Description |
|---|---|
| 💵 Signing Bonus | $10,000 (paid in two $5,000 installments) |
| 💸 Monthly Stipend | $1,000/month (for up to 24 months) |
| 🎓 Tuition Support | While tuition is not directly paid, the monthly stipend offsets living or educational expenses |
| 🪖 Post-Graduation | Commission as a Navy Nurse Corps Officer |
| ⚕️ Military Benefits | Free healthcare, dental, access to base facilities, and paid vacation time |
💡
Total potential financial value = $34,000 (plus benefits of future Navy
Officer status)
3. What Does Life Look Like After the Program?
Once you complete your BSN degree and pass the NCLEX-RN, you’ll
begin your career as a commissioned officer in the Navy Nurse Corps.
That means you won’t just be a nurse—you’ll be a
leader in military healthcare, with opportunities to serve in naval
hospitals, field units, aboard ships, and in humanitarian missions
worldwide.
You’ll gain valuable leadership skills, receive advanced training, and work
with some of the most respected medical professionals in the military.
This is ideal for nurses who want:
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Career advancement with minimal debt
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A structured, supportive work environment
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Access to advanced medical technologies and training
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The honor of serving your country through compassionate healthcare
4. Who’s Eligible for the Navy Nurse Candidate Program?
This isn’t open to just anyone—but if you’re serious about nursing and
committed to service, there’s a good chance you qualify.
You must:
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Be a U.S. citizen
-
Be enrolled in a full-time BSN program accredited by:
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The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), or
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The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
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Have no plans to graduate more than 24 months after entering the
program
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Meet the Navy’s physical fitness standards
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Be able to be commissioned before your 42nd birthday
The program does not require prior military experience and is open to both
civilian nursing students and those with military aspirations.
How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for the NCP is a little different from standard scholarships
because it’s part of a military enlistment process. But don’t
worry—it’s completely manageable, and you’ll be guided by a
medical programs recruiter every step of the way.
Step-by-Step Application Process:
-
Confirm You Meet the Eligibility Requirements
Check your enrollment status, age, fitness, and citizenship. -
Connect with a Medical Programs Recruiter
Visit the official Navy Recruiting website to find an Officer Programs Recruiter in your area. They specialize in healthcare positions and can walk you through the application.
👉
Find a Navy Recruiter
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Submit the Required Documents
These may include: -
Proof of enrollment in an accredited BSN program
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Academic transcripts
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Background check and health screening forms
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Fitness and readiness forms
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Enlist into the NCP and Begin Receiving Benefits
Once you’re officially in, you’ll begin receiving your stipend, bonuses, and ongoing support from the Navy Medicine Accessions Department.
Why Apply for the Navy Nurse Candidate Program?
If you’re passionate about nursing and want a stable, impactful career, the
Navy NCP is one of the best ways to launch that journey—debt-free and
with purpose. Unlike many scholarships that only offer financial aid, this
program guarantees a career path with leadership, respect, and
benefits waiting on the other side.
What Makes This Program Stand Out?
-
💸
Less student debt
-
🧠
Real leadership training
-
⚓
Guaranteed job placement post-graduation
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✈️
Opportunities to travel or serve globally
-
🤝
A chance to join one of the most respected branches of military
healthcare
You won’t just become a nurse—you’ll become a
military leader in medicine, with doors open to specialties like
trauma care, surgical nursing, pediatrics, and more.
Final Deadline – When to Apply?
📅
Application Deadline: June 1, 2025
While applications are reviewed throughout the year, early submission gives
you a better chance of securing your spot and accessing the full 24 months
of stipend benefits.
The Navy Nurse Candidate Program offers something truly unique: a
chance to
serve your country, fund your education, and grow into a career that
saves lives and changes the world.
If you’re ready to rise to the challenge, lead with empathy, and take your
nursing education to new heights—this program is your path forward.
👉
Apply now to join the next generation of Navy nurses. The future of
healthcare needs leaders like you.