DISCLAIMER: I am NOT a Navy recruiter! Just a fellow NCP applicant trying to help others get the information they need. Please contact your recruiter with any questions, they can help you with anything you may need. I am just here for supplemental information.
When can I apply?
Time left in nursing program
The first question that most nursing students interested in NCP have is when can I apply? This answer can vary when talking to different recruiters, which can be extremely frustrating. This was the most confusing part of my application was finding out if I could even apply! Another disclaimer here: This is from my experience. Believe me when I say things can and will change in the Navy and especially in NCP. However I applied with 12 months left in my nursing program. My school is different in their class schedule so I was not a "junior" or "senior" per say when I applied. My recruiter told me that when he emailed the program manager for NCP he was told you must have at least 6 months left in your program at the time of the end of the Navy's fiscal year which is in October. Although he did tell me that I was cutting it close and that with 12 months left in my program he was worried that may affect the board's decision on my application. But it still worked out for me.
It works like this: the Navy has a certain amount of NCP positions available for that fiscal year and they need those graduates at different times throughout the year so they tend to pick a certain amount of December graduates and May graduates to fill positions. I am not completely sure about the selection process and the amount of applicants needed, this is just what my recruiter told me.
My advice: If you are serious about NCP, do not take no for an answer. I was initially told that I could not apply because I did not have enough time left in my program however I told my recruiter I would not settle for that. I not only wanted him to look into it but I also contacted a different recruiter to see if they had different information for me; and he did. That phone call to a different recruiter was what made me push for answers from my recruiter so hard. Just make it clear NCP is what you want, they like to see drive and initiative!
It works like this: the Navy has a certain amount of NCP positions available for that fiscal year and they need those graduates at different times throughout the year so they tend to pick a certain amount of December graduates and May graduates to fill positions. I am not completely sure about the selection process and the amount of applicants needed, this is just what my recruiter told me.
My advice: If you are serious about NCP, do not take no for an answer. I was initially told that I could not apply because I did not have enough time left in my program however I told my recruiter I would not settle for that. I not only wanted him to look into it but I also contacted a different recruiter to see if they had different information for me; and he did. That phone call to a different recruiter was what made me push for answers from my recruiter so hard. Just make it clear NCP is what you want, they like to see drive and initiative!
Where do I start?
Naval NCP online site
The very first website I visited was the main Naval NCP information page which can be found here. This site actually has a lot of information on it and it is basically what a recruiter will tell you up front. Make sure to read all the information on this website and then think about any questions you may have for a recruiter.
The main Navy site also has a lot of good information and it has a page specifically for NCP. Check out the main page and then look around the whole website as well because you can get a feel for what is offered in the Navy and what to expect. Here is the link to the website: Nurse Candidate Program
The main Navy site also has a lot of good information and it has a page specifically for NCP. Check out the main page and then look around the whole website as well because you can get a feel for what is offered in the Navy and what to expect. Here is the link to the website: Nurse Candidate Program
Contacting a Recruiter
Who is my recruiter?
Next step if you think the NCP program is for you is to contact a recruiter. You can look up recruiters in your area here. Once you put in your zip code results will appear for both enlisted and officer recruiters. DO NOT GO TO THE ENLISTED RECRUITER. The NCP program is an officer program so make sure that you contact and speak with a recruiter who handles officer programs. My recruiter happened to be an officer who also did NCP however I have heard that others have enlisted personnel as their recruiter, just depends on your recruiting station.
If you do end up having an enlisted sailor as your recruiter I would recommend asking to speak with an officer in the Navy and specifically one who went through NCP if possible. I recommend this just because I was able to get first hand advice and experience from my recruiter because he had also been through the process.
If you do end up having an enlisted sailor as your recruiter I would recommend asking to speak with an officer in the Navy and specifically one who went through NCP if possible. I recommend this just because I was able to get first hand advice and experience from my recruiter because he had also been through the process.
Application Process
What you need:
These are the materials you can expect to get ready for the NCP application:
The paperwork listed above is usually just to begin the application process. There will be a lot of forms and extra information along the way but your recruiter will let you know when they need additional paperwork.
You will also be expected to complete a physical to make sure you are physically fit to join the military, this is the first step because you cannot move on in the process if you are not physically qualified. Everyone's physical experience is a little different. Since I am located in San Diego, mine took place at Balboa Naval Medical and went very smoothly. My recruiter had appointments set up and it only took me two days to complete the whole thing and they were not even full days. I have heard that others have to go to MEPS (military entrance processing station) and it can take a lot more time. My physical was very straight forward and simple, I even had a hip surgery when I was 17 and although it was tough at first to see if I could even join the military, the doctor didn't seem to concerned about it when I went for my physical.
The next step is a background check. This is another step that you must clear before you can move on in the process. I remember this part being such a pain because everything on your transcript, CV, and background check had to match EXACTLY. Took me a long time to fill everything out and I had to be very meticulous. I also had an investigator meet with me and had quite an interview with this gentlemen. All this actually happened after my application had already been submitted and it made me really nervous that I wasn't going to get in. Turns out that they just really investigate you for the security clearance, just make sure you include EVERYTHING on your background investigation. I left out one traffic ticket and they made a very big deal about it so just include everything. I can elaborate more on this for those that have more questions, it was just an exhausting process in general.
After you complete your physical and turn in all the necessary paperwork and pass your background check, you will be expected to complete interviews with current Naval nurses. One of my interviews was over the phone and one was in person. The interview over the phone surprised me because it was so quick, I actually thought I did terrible! But she gave me 10/10! The in-person interview I had was at Balboa with an ICU nurse manager there and I was so nervous. However I was presently surprised when she finished asking me a few interview questions she pretty much turned it into an interview of her! I was able to gain so much knowledge and insight into Navy nursing and I left feeling great! In regard to interview questions, they were all different but I would suggest thinking about these questions and coming up with answers:
There were a lot more and I apologize for not being able to remember them, my interviews took place almost a year ago now! Just be ready to answer typical interview questions and really think why you want to join the Navy and what you want to do in your Naval career. Also make sure when you do go for your in-person interview to dress like you are already in the Navy. Make sure your hair is pulled back in a bun, bangs pulled back, little to no make-up, nice dress clothes, and make sure to yes sir or yes ma'am. Obviously the hair and makeup doesn't apply to men but make sure you are dressed professionally and your hair is somewhat within Navy standards (no long dreads or anything!) and make sure to shave that day as well. You want them to know that you are already prepared for the expectations of the military.
- Copy of your Birth Certificate
- Copy of your Social Security Card
- Copy of your CV
- Copy of all your official Transcripts and diplomas (if applicable)
- Academic Degree Completion Plan (ADCP)
- Letter of Good Standing from the school
- Three-five letters of recommendation from faculty and supervisors
- Personal statement
The paperwork listed above is usually just to begin the application process. There will be a lot of forms and extra information along the way but your recruiter will let you know when they need additional paperwork.
You will also be expected to complete a physical to make sure you are physically fit to join the military, this is the first step because you cannot move on in the process if you are not physically qualified. Everyone's physical experience is a little different. Since I am located in San Diego, mine took place at Balboa Naval Medical and went very smoothly. My recruiter had appointments set up and it only took me two days to complete the whole thing and they were not even full days. I have heard that others have to go to MEPS (military entrance processing station) and it can take a lot more time. My physical was very straight forward and simple, I even had a hip surgery when I was 17 and although it was tough at first to see if I could even join the military, the doctor didn't seem to concerned about it when I went for my physical.
The next step is a background check. This is another step that you must clear before you can move on in the process. I remember this part being such a pain because everything on your transcript, CV, and background check had to match EXACTLY. Took me a long time to fill everything out and I had to be very meticulous. I also had an investigator meet with me and had quite an interview with this gentlemen. All this actually happened after my application had already been submitted and it made me really nervous that I wasn't going to get in. Turns out that they just really investigate you for the security clearance, just make sure you include EVERYTHING on your background investigation. I left out one traffic ticket and they made a very big deal about it so just include everything. I can elaborate more on this for those that have more questions, it was just an exhausting process in general.
After you complete your physical and turn in all the necessary paperwork and pass your background check, you will be expected to complete interviews with current Naval nurses. One of my interviews was over the phone and one was in person. The interview over the phone surprised me because it was so quick, I actually thought I did terrible! But she gave me 10/10! The in-person interview I had was at Balboa with an ICU nurse manager there and I was so nervous. However I was presently surprised when she finished asking me a few interview questions she pretty much turned it into an interview of her! I was able to gain so much knowledge and insight into Navy nursing and I left feeling great! In regard to interview questions, they were all different but I would suggest thinking about these questions and coming up with answers:
- Why do you want to be a nurse in the Navy?
- What comes first being a nurse or being a Naval officer?
- Do you think you will be ready to handle deployments if need be?
- What are your plans for the future?
- What do you hope to gain from your experience as a Naval nurse?
- What leadership experience do you have?
There were a lot more and I apologize for not being able to remember them, my interviews took place almost a year ago now! Just be ready to answer typical interview questions and really think why you want to join the Navy and what you want to do in your Naval career. Also make sure when you do go for your in-person interview to dress like you are already in the Navy. Make sure your hair is pulled back in a bun, bangs pulled back, little to no make-up, nice dress clothes, and make sure to yes sir or yes ma'am. Obviously the hair and makeup doesn't apply to men but make sure you are dressed professionally and your hair is somewhat within Navy standards (no long dreads or anything!) and make sure to shave that day as well. You want them to know that you are already prepared for the expectations of the military.
Application Timeline
When is everything due?
So from talking to others and watching the application process again this year, it looks like all recruiters have a different timeline, which can make things extremely difficult. Sometimes people are so confused as to why their recruiter had them turn it in so early and set a specific due date while others are still putting their application together. Just know that this is all at the discretion of the recruiter. Trust your recruiter and if you feel like you want more information you are always welcome to contact another recruiter. So disclaimer about the schedule below, this was MY experience. I know others had quite a different experience so don't freak if yours is different!
- MARCH: Began speaking with my recruiter about NCP and getting all my paperwork together.
- APRIL: My physical was scheduled at Balboa.
- MAY: Notified that am physically qualified to join the Navy, began background check application.
- JUNE/JULY: Completed interviews, signed all necessary paperwork.
- AUGUST: Final NCP application was submitted (I remember there was a few things that needed to be fixed and random documents I had to get together but my recruiter wanted everything done by August)
- OCTOBER: NCP board met to discuss applications
- NOVEMBER: Notified that I was accepted into the NCP. My notification came later than some and I know others were notified after me. Not really sure what dictates when you are notified but here is how it happened for me: my recruiter
- called me congratulating me and a few weeks later I received a FY15 NCP final selection email. Some said you had a receive an official letter in the mail but I just received that email.
- JANUARY: I was scheduled to sign my enlistment documents on January 7th 2015. I took my oath and signed the next 4 years of my life away! :) Shortly after signing my paperwork I received information from the main NCP program manager in Maryland and she is my point of contact. After you are accepted you will not speak much with your recruiter until you are ready to be commissioned.
What now?
After acceptance...
After you are accepted you can relax some and just focus on keeping your grades up in nursing school! After you sign your paperwork you will eligible for a military ID and you can access the gyms, commissary, NEX, MWR, and any other services on base. You will be paid your $1000 stipend every month until you graduate and will receive $5000 for tuition after you sign your paperwork and then another $5000 6 months after that. Remember they do take out taxes from that so you will not get the full amount. Basically you are expected to keep your grades up, finish nursing school, and then pass your NCLEX. Once you pass your NCLEX you will be ready to be commissioned as a United States Naval Officer! :) From what I've heard the timeline is you pass your NCLEX, notify your program manager, you commission about two weeks later and then are sent to ODS about two weeks after that. However this CAN and WILL change. The program timeline is always changing so who knows exactly what yours will look like. I am currently studying for NCLEX and on a medical hold so it may be a while before I can give you concrete knowledge on life as a Navy nurse. After graduation you are expected to complete your NCLEX as soon as possible and normally after your degree has officially posted and you have passed your NCLEX, you are commissioned as a United States Naval Officer. I can give more information on medical holds in NCP as well if anyone has questions.
Hope this was all helpful! If you have any specific questions please contact me!
Hope this was all helpful! If you have any specific questions please contact me!