Explore Careers

Advanced Practice Nurses

Explore Careers

Advanced Practice Nurses

Health Science
Enlisted Role

Service Branches with this Role

  • Army logo
  • Navy logo
  • Air Force logo
  • Space Force logo

What do Advanced Practice Nurses do in the Military?

Advanced practice nurses are highly educated health professionals who provide direct patient care, such as conducting health assessments, diagnosing disease, and prescribing medications and other treatments.

Where do Advanced Practice Nurses work?

Advanced practice nurses work in hospitals and clinics. Some work in sick bays aboard ships or in mobile field hospitals. Others work in airplanes that transfer patients to medical centers.

How much do they make?

Median Military Salary

This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.


Note that the median salary does not include bonuses, special pays, health or dental benefits — which are a standard part of military compensation.

$99,411

Military Salary Range

This is the range based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location.


Note that the median salary does not include bonuses, special pays, health or dental benefits — which are a standard part of military compensation.

$24,244 - $358,842

How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary

Base pay is the standard income you'll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.

  • Set based on rank and years of service.
  • Paid every month.

Allowances are additional payments to help cover living expenses like housing and food.

  • Tax-free payments.
  • Varies by location and family status.

Special pay provides extra compensation for unique skills, hazardous duties, or challenging assignments.

  • Based on specialized roles.
  • Varies by position and duty.

What training do Advanced Practice Nurses gain in the Military?

Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Advanced practice nurses have a graduate degree in nursing. Job training for advanced practice nurses primarily consists of on-the-job learning in various healthcare environments. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Job-specific training content may include:

  • Practices and principles of military nursing
  • Care of emotionally disturbed patients
  • Healthcare for children
  • Nursing techniques
  • Anesthesia, respiratory therapy, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Military Training for Enlisted Service members

All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training.

What skills help Advanced Practice Nurses succeed?

  • Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely
  • Desire to help others
  • Self-confidence and the ability to remain calm under pressure

What are possible career paths after the Military?

  • Psychiatric Aides
  • Midwives
  • Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
  • Psychiatric Technicians
  • Emergency Medicine Physicians
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Nurse Midwives
  • Nurse Anesthetists

Interested? Take Your Next Step!