Selection and Eligibility
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Application: Candidates may apply for a four-year scholarship through the National Scholarship Program. Those already in college may apply for 1-, 2-, or 3-year "side-load" scholarships via a nomination from their Professor of Naval Science (PNS), which must address their admission status to a nursing school.
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Requirements: Eligibility standards match the general National Scholarship requirements, including U.S. citizenship, age limits, and moral qualifications. Recipients must attend an NROTC-affiliated school with an NSTC-approved nursing program.
Academic Requirements
Nurse Option midshipmen follow a modified curriculum compared to Navy Option (Unrestricted Line) students:
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Naval Science Courses: Required courses include Introduction to Naval Science, Sea Power and Maritime Affairs, Leadership and Management, and Leadership and Ethics. Midshipmen must also participate in Naval Science Laboratory every term.
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Academic Waivers: The PNS may waive the Leadership and Management course if a similar course is taught within the nursing school and approved by the Dean of the School of Nursing.
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University Courses: They must complete six semester hours of English and three semester hours of World Culture and Regional Studies.
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Exemptions: Unlike other Navy scholarships, Nurse Option midshipmen are not required to take calculus or calculus-based physics.
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GPA: They must maintain a cumulative and term GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, or higher if required by their university’s School of Nursing.
Summer Training (Cruises)
Nurse midshipmen follow a unique summer training track focused on healthcare:
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CORTRAMID: Nurse Option midshipmen do not attend Career Orientation and Training for Midshipmen (CORTRAMID).
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Third Class Cruise: This is an at-sea training period where midshipmen are assigned to the medical department of a ship.
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Second Class Cruise: Required for those who did not attend a Third Class cruise.
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First Class Cruise: Conducted at a naval hospital, focusing on hospital organizational structure and Navy healthcare concepts.
Professional Licensure (NCLEX-RN)
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Requirement: Successful completion of the National Council Licensure Exam-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) is mandatory. Midshipmen typically begin the licensing process 2-3 months before graduation and must pass within approximately 45 days of graduating.
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Funding: The NROTC unit funds the first attempt at the NCLEX-RN, including travel to the nearest examination site if necessary. Subsequent attempts are the student's financial responsibility.
Physical and Financial Specifics
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Physical Standards: Midshipmen must pass the Navy Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) with a "Good Low" score, using the 20–24 year age group standards regardless of their actual age. Body fat must not exceed 23% for males or 34% for females.
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Uniforms: While the Navy provides standard military uniforms, Nurse Option midshipmen must furnish their own nursing uniforms and shoes required by their specific university.
Change of Option
Navy Option Unrestricted Line (URL) midshipmen may request a transfer to the Nurse Scholarship if they have completed one academic year and apply no later than the end of their sophomore year. They must be accepted into an accredited nursing school and complete the required Nurse Option Naval Science courses and cruises. If a Nurse Scholarship student is disenrolled from their nursing program, they may request a transfer to the College Program as an alternative to full disenrollment
Requirements by College year
Freshman Year (Fourth Class - 4/C)
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Naval Science Courses: Midshipmen must complete Introduction to Naval Science and Sea Power and Maritime Affairs.
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University Requirements: Begin completing six semester-hours of English and three semester-hours of World Culture and Regional Studies.
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Physical Requirements:
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Complete New Student Indoctrination (NSI) at Naval Station Great Lakes the summer before reporting to the unit.
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Qualify as a Swimmer 3rd Class by the end of the first year.
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Pass the Navy Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) with a score of "Good Low" (using the 20–24 year age group standards).
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Summer Training: Complete a Third Class Cruise, which consists of at-sea training where the midshipman is assigned to the medical department of a ship.
Sophomore Year (Third Class - 3/C)
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Naval Science Courses: Complete Leadership and Management. Note: This course may be waived by the PNS if a similar course is taught in the nursing school and approved by the Dean of Nursing.
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Academic Milestone: Must be accepted into an accredited nursing school affiliated with an NROTC Program. If a student is a Navy Option Unrestricted Line midshipman requesting a change to the Nurse Option, they must apply no later than the end of this year.
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Summer Training: Participate in a Second Class Cruise (at-sea training) only if the Third Class cruise was not attended.
Junior Year (Second Class - 2/C)
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Professional Training: Begin a minimum of 20 hours of Command and Leadership Training (CALT) per year.
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Summer Training: Complete a First Class Cruise conducted at a naval hospital to learn organizational structure and gain appreciation for Navy healthcare.
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Milestones: Maintain progress toward the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
Senior Year (First Class - 1/C)
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Naval Science Courses: Complete Leadership and Ethics.
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Professional Licensure: o Start the NCLEX-RN licensing process approximately two to three months prior to graduation.
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Successfully complete the NCLEX-RN within approximately 45 days after graduation. The NROTC unit funds the first attempt at this exam.
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Professional Training: Complete the final 20 hours of CALT.
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Milestones: Complete the Service Assignment process for commissioning into the Navy Nurse Corps.
Ongoing Requirements (All Years)
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Naval Science Lab: Mandatory attendance every academic term.
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Academic Standards: Maintain a cumulative and term GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (or higher if required by the university's School of Nursing).
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Physical Standards:
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Pass the Navy PFA twice per year.
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Maintain body fat percentages not exceeding 23% for males or 34% for females.
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Exemptions: Unlike other Navy options, Nurses are not required to take calculus or calculus-based physics.
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Financial/Supply: Nurse Option midshipmen must furnish their own nursing uniforms and shoes required by their specific institution.
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Counseling: Meet with a class advisor at the beginning and end of each term to review academic and professional progress.
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