Explore Careers

Advanced Practice Nurses

Health Science

Service Branches

  • Army logo
  • navy logo
  • Air Force logo

Work Environment

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.

  • Military Status

    Officer

  • Average Military Salary

    $87,016

Overview

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. They may specialize as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse midwives, or nurse anesthetists. In the Military, advanced practice nurses provide a wide range of care, from treating illness to caring for the wounded or assisting in disaster relief.

Military Training

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

Helpful Attributes

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

Related Civilian Careers

  • Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
  • Psychiatric Technicians
  • Critical Care Nurses
  • Nurse Midwives
  • Registered Nurses
  • Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
  • Clinical Nurse Specialists
  • Nurse Anesthetists