APPLICATION PROCESS

Q: On the 4187, who signs it, my Company or Battalion commander?
A: Your Battalion Commander.

Q: If you already have a Bachelor’s degree can you still participate in this
program?
A: Yes.

Q: If you already have a Bachelor’s degree can you get TA for the required
prerequisite classes?
A: Yes. See MILPER message 06-348 dated 12/11/2006.

Q: If I already have a Bachelors Degree, can I pursue a Masters in Nursing
Degree through the AECP?
A: No. The AECP is only for the completeion of a Bachelors of Science in
Nursing (BSN-RN)

Q: Can I apply to the program if I have a permanent profile?
A: Yes, as long as your profile does not prohibit you from deploying. Keep in
mind that all profiles are subject to review by the USAREC Surgeon
General.

Q: Can I use MFR format type letters of recommendation from my
Commander, First Line Supervisor or the Chief Nurse?
A: No, you must utilize the UF 195 form. You are allowed up to 2 other
Letters which may be in MFR format but the required format is still the UF
195 for these.

Q: I am currently deployed. Do I need to include a DA photo in Class A’s, as
there are no facilities where I am assigned?
A: SOLDIERS should exhaust all possible means to obtain a DA photo in Class
A’s. However, if no facilities are available then SOLDIERS will at a
minimum submit a ¾ length photo taken of themselves in ACU’s only (No
vests, headgear, weapons, etc.)

Q: Do I need to provide all of my transcripts with my application?
A: Yes, otherwise your application will not be reviewed by the board.

Q: Is the GT score requirement waiverable?
A: No. No waivers will be considered with regards to this requirement.

Q: Is there an age cut off for AECP?
A: Yes and No. If you will be over the age of 32 at the time of
commissioning, then you will need a Age waiver. If you will be over the
age of 42 at the time of commissioning, then you will need a age waiver
and a Mandatory Removal Date waiver (MRD). See AR 601-100 par. 1-9.

Q: Do I have to have been at my current duty station for 12 or more months
in order to apply?
A: No. The Time on Station (TOS) requirement only applies if you are
accepted by the AECP board and by an acreditted BSN program (as
defined in the AECP Guidelines). Then at that point it is up to your Branch
whether or not to release you (waive the TOS requirement).

Q: Will the ARMY PCS me if I am accepted to a school located somewhere
other than my current duty station?
A: Yes.

Q: Does the AECP offer any Cash Bonus or Loan Repayment?
A: No and No.

Q: Does time in the AECP still count as Active Duty years of service towards
retirement?
A: Yes.

Q: Can I be commissioned at a higher rank for any reason?
A: No. Completion of a BSN-RN are the minimum Active Duty requirements
for a ARMY Nurse Officer. All AECP graduates will be commissioned as
2LT’s.

Q: If I am married to a Service Member, does the ARMY Married Couples
Program guarantee that my spouse will be able to PCS with me?
A: There are no guarantees with this, especially if your chosen school isn’t
near an ARMY post.

Q: Once I complete my BSN-RN, will I be able to choose my next duty
location?
A: The ARMY Nurse Corps will ask for your preferences for a next
Assignment, but the decision rests with the ARMY Nurse Branch.

Q: Is there a USAR or National Guard option for AECP?
A: No. USAR and National Guard members may apply for the AECP, but they
will be brought back into the Active Duty component through MEPS and
once they graduate the AECP have a 4 year Active Duty Service Obligation
(ADSO).

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I AM SELECTED

Q: Can I be deployed after I have been selected?
A: Yes. This decision is up to your unit and your Branch Manager.

Q: What happens if I am deployed while waiting to start school?
A: One of two things can happen; your Branch may release from theater to
come home and attend school or if your Branch will not release you to
come back then you may be deferred until your return. Being deployed
does not preclude you from applying to schools in order to get a
unconditional letter of acceptance.

Q: What are my chances of being activated if I am put on the OML?
A: If you are activated off of the OML do not expect it to be any earlier than
the June through Sep time frame. Request from you school that your
acceptance into their program be in line with this.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I START SCHOOL

Q: I am currently on jump status or other special duty; do I continue to
receive jump pay and special duty pay?
A: No, you are no longer entitled to any special pays.

Q: Do I still receive MY BAQ? What about BAS?
A: Yes, it will be based on the zip code of your school and your E grade. Yes.

Q: Can I live in or stay in government quarters if my school is near an
installation?
A: It is up to the installation’s policies.

Q: Who is my main point of contact while I am in school?
A. The AECP Program Director at Fort Sam Houston. See the Post Board
Guide lines.

Q: How often do I make contact with the Program Director?
A: At a minimum monthly, more often if you are having any problems that
would impact your ability to stay focused on your studies and/or to
complete your program on time.

Q: What if I change addresses or phone numbers during my program?
A: YOU MUST immediately notify the Program Director of any changes in
your contact information.

Q: What paperwork do I need to send to the Program Director at the end of
each semester?
A: A DA form 2125 listing the courses just completed with the grades and the classes (and costs of) that you will be taking in the next semester.

Q: Is my tentative assignment offer (next duty location) etched in stone?
A: No, at this point you are a “place holder” and until you pass your
program, NCLEX and OBLC your assignment can change. This does not
happen often but be aware it could.

Q: I am married to another service member or I am planning on getting
married, how will this affect my assignment?
A: If you are already married to a service member (Army, Air Force, Marine
or Coast Guard etc.), you must make sure that you are enrolled into the
Army’s Married Couples Program (Joint Domicile). When submitting your
Assignment request; in the comments section list the Branch manager’s
contact information (phone, email and address) for your spouse.

Q: If I am an E4 or E5 in the program, is there any possibility that I
may be boarded for the next rank? What about E6-E8?
A: No, the Student Detachment does not conduct or convene E5 or E6
promotion boards. Yes, but keep in mind that you will not be currently
serving in your MOS nor receiving an NCOER during the time that you are
in school.

Q: Can I change schools while in the program?
A: 99.9% of the time the answer is no unless there is some drastic
Circumstance or reason e.g. your school loses it’s accreditation.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I GRADUATE

Q: Once I graduate what do I do next?
A: You have 30 days to study and apply for your NCLEX. After you obtain your authorization to test (ATT) letter schedule your test date (the time will not exceed 45 days after graduation) and inform the Program Director of the date.

Q: What happens if I fail the NCLEX?
A: You will be given a second opportunity to take the NCLEX. The wait time in between test depends on the state but it is usually 30 – 45 days later.

Q: What if I fail the NCLEX a second time, will I be able to retake it a third?
A: Unless there are extraordinary mitigating circumstances the answer is no;
you would receive orders returning you to your MOS at the needs of the
ARMY. The final decision on this situation rests with the Program Director
at Fort Sam Houston.