US Navy Nurse Candidate Program – Handshake Recruitment Package
Handshake Job Posting
US Navy Nurse Candidate Program (NCP) – Student Nurse Opportunity
Organization: United States Navy Nurse Corps
Position Type: Full-Time / Officer Program
Location: Nationwide / Worldwide Opportunities
Application Deadline: Rolling Applications Accepted
Overview
The United States Navy is seeking motivated nursing students to join the prestigious Nurse Candidate Program (NCP) and begin their path toward becoming a commissioned officer in the United States Navy Nurse Corps.
As a Navy Nurse, you will provide high-quality healthcare to Sailors, Marines, service members, and their families while developing advanced clinical and leadership skills in one of the most respected healthcare systems in the world.
The Nurse Candidate Program offers financial assistance while you complete nursing school and guarantees the opportunity to serve as a Navy Nurse Corps Officer upon graduation, licensure, and commissioning.
Nurse Candidate Program Incentives
Selected applicants may receive:
- Monthly stipend while enrolled in nursing school
- Initial grant upon acceptance into the program
- Additional grant during participation in the program
- Competitive officer pay upon commissioning
- Comprehensive medical and dental coverage while on active duty
- Housing allowance and food allowance while serving on active duty
- Retirement benefits and paid vacation
- Leadership training and professional development opportunities
- Opportunities for advanced education and specialty training
Responsibilities as a Navy Nurse
As a Navy Nurse Corps Officer, you may:
- Provide direct patient care in hospitals and clinical settings
- Lead and supervise healthcare teams
- Deliver critical care in emergency and operational environments
- Educate patients, Sailors, and medical personnel
- Support humanitarian missions and global operations
- Work alongside physicians and healthcare specialists
- Serve in medical centers, hospitals, clinics, and operational units worldwide
Specialty opportunities may include:
- Emergency/Trauma Nursing
- Critical Care Nursing
- Perioperative Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
- Labor and Delivery
- Pediatrics
- Oncology
- Public Health
- Operating Room Nursing
- Flight Nursing
While serving on active duty, Navy Nurses may also apply for residency and specialty training programs within Navy Medicine to further develop professionally and become advanced specialists within their field.
Duty Stations
Navy Nurses can be stationed at military medical facilities throughout the United States and overseas, including locations such as:
- San Diego, California
- Bethesda, Maryland
- Portsmouth, Virginia
- Jacksonville, Florida
- Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
- Okinawa, Japan
- Guam
- Rota, Spain
- Naples, Italy
- Hawaii
Operational and humanitarian assignment opportunities may also be available.
Qualifications
To apply for the Nurse Candidate Program, applicants must generally:
- Be a United States citizen
- Be enrolled full-time in an accredited BSN nursing program
- Have at least 1–2 years remaining before graduation
- Maintain strong academic standing
- Meet Navy medical and physical standards
- Be eligible to obtain a nursing license upon graduation
- Meet commissioning requirements for the United States Navy
To become a Navy Commissioned Officer, applicants must also:
- Demonstrate strong moral character and leadership potential
- Pass a background screening
- Meet Navy height/weight standards
- Successfully complete the commissioning process
Pay and Benefits
As a commissioned Navy Officer, benefits may include:
- Competitive salary and annual rises
- Tax-free housing allowance (BAH)
- Tax-free food allowance (BAS)
- Comprehensive healthcare coverage
- 30 days paid vacation annually
- Retirement plan opportunities
- Continuing education opportunities
- Tuition assistance opportunities
- Worldwide travel opportunities
- Leadership and management experience
Why Navy Nursing?
Navy Nursing offers a unique opportunity to combine leadership, medicine, service, and adventure. Whether providing patient care in a military hospital, participating in humanitarian missions abroad, or pursuing specialty training opportunities, Navy Nurses play a critical role in supporting operational readiness and global healthcare.
If you are looking for a career that offers purpose, leadership, professional growth, and financial stability, we encourage you to apply or contact NCC Edward Gahl at edward.t.gahl.mil@us.navy.mil or 714-824-0426 for additional information regarding eligibility, benefits, and the commissioning process.
