What is an Air Force Nurse Practitioner? (Duties, Steps to Become & Salary)


Written By: Pattie TrumblePattie Trumble, MPP, MPH

Pattie Trumble is a nurse who worked in both California and New York for many years as an emergency room nurse. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley, and an Associate Degree in Nursing from the Samuel Merritt Hospital School of Nursing. Read Full Bio »»
, MPP, MPH

Looking for a nursing job that will allow you to serve your nation, make good money, take advantage of career advancement options, and travel the world? Consider becoming an Air Force nurse practitioner. What is an Air Force nurse practitioner? An Air Force nurse practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse who helps provide healthcare to service members and their dependents at military bases around the globe. As an Air Force NP, you can work in a variety of specialties, including family practice, mental health, and critical care. Ready to find out more? Keep reading for the inside scoop on the role of the Air Force nurse practitioner – what do they do, steps-to-become, and salary.


What Does an Air Force Nurse Practitioner Do? – 6 Primary Roles and Responsibilities


Air Force nurse practitioners are charged with providing comprehensive support in ambulatory, acute, and primary practice settings. Their responsibilities are similar to those of their civilian counterparts, and specific job responsibilities are based on the setting where they practice. An Air Force NP who is allowed to practice independently in the field, for example, may be supervised by a physician when working in a hospital. Here are six of an Air Force nurse practitioner’s primary roles and responsibilities:

1. Family nurse practitioners

Air Force family nurse practitioners collaborate closely with physicians and other members of a multidisciplinary healthcare team to provide primary medical care to Airmen and their families from infancy to adulthood.


2. Acute care nurse practitioners

You’ll find Air Force acute care nurse practitioners working in critical care, emergency services, and hospital-based specialty services such as cardiology, neurology, and infectious diseases, where they conduct physical exams, take medical histories, make diagnostic assessments, prescribe medications, order diagnostic tests, and perform invasive procedures.

3. Psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioners

Air Force psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioners provide comprehensive mental health support to Airmen, retired Airmen, and their families. They sometimes function independently and sometimes act in concordance with other psychiatrists and credentialed mental health professionals.

4. Pediatric nurse practitioners

Air Force pediatric nurse practitioners work with the infants, children, and adolescents of Airmen, conducting physical exams, diagnosing and treating common, non-life threatening illnesses and injuries, and managing chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes once they have stabilized.

5. Women’s healthcare nurse practitioners

Air Force women’s health nurse practitioners provide gynecological and obstetrical care to active Air Force service members and their families. Their services include family planning, cancer screenings, the diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, and counseling.

6. Nurse practitioners in the field

When Air Force nurse practitioners work at temporary medical facilities in war zones, they often operate with greater autonomy than they may in hospitals on Air Force military bases. They practice to the full extent of their training with little or no oversight from supervising physicians.


Where Do Air Force Nurse Practitioners Mostly Work? – Top 3 Work Settings


1. Air Force bases

The Air Force maintains 76 military treatment facilities (MTFs) in the U.S. and abroad, ranging in size from hospitals to clinics. MTFs on Air Force bases tend to be ambulatory care clinics offering only outpatient services. Air Force NPs working in these clinics function much as their civilian counterparts do, delivering family-focused care as part of a multidisciplinary team.

2. Military hospitals

Military hospitals are typically located off-base. Air Force nurse practitioners in military hospitals work according to their training, using their best clinical judgment to provide direct patient care. Air Force NPs in military hospitals are often specialists, focusing on specialty areas like critical care, emergency medicine, or neonatal intensive care. They also play a vital role in maintaining the health and military readiness of Airmen.

3. Mobile medical units

Air Force NPs can also be found on the front lines. In war zones, they set up medical triage units that assess and prioritize the treatment of the wounded, stabilizing the injured so they can be transported to hospitals. Air Force nurse practitioners also participate in on-the-ground global health initiatives and humanitarian missions in all parts of the world.


What is the Typical Work Schedule and Work Hours of an Air Force NP?


An Air Force NP’s work schedule is dictated by their practice setting. Air Force NPs who work in base clinics can anticipate a conventional 9-to-5 work week with an occasional Saturday thrown in if the clinic they work in is open on Saturdays. Since medical centers operate around the clock, Air Force NPs who work in hospitals can anticipate working 8- or 12-hour shifts that include evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Air Force NPs deployed in the field are expected to be working or on call the entire time they’re on the front line, with an occasional stretch of decommissioned time.


What Education is Required to Become an Air Force Nurse Practitioner After High School?


Becoming an Air Force nurse practitioner takes five to nine years if you apply to the Air Force after being certified as an advanced practice registered nurse. However, it may take longer if you apply to the Air Force while you are still a nurse, hoping to attend the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) Graduate School of Nursing or a civilian graduate nursing program on an Air Force scholarship.

Before you can become an APRN, you must hold a registered nursing license, and to do that, you must graduate from a nursing program, preferably one that’s accredited. If you intend to enlist in the Air Force as an RN, you must have at least one year of professional experience. The Air Force offers its RNs graduate opportunities, but the timing varies with individual circumstances, such as available programs and the Air Force’s need for your present training as a registered nurse. If you are accepted into an Air Force-subsidized NP program, you will need to serve the number of years equivalent to your education on active duty.

The Air Force also accepts APRNs who are already nurse practitioners. If you enlist in the Air Force as an NP, you must serve at least three years on active duty once you’ve completed your training and are commissioned as an officer.


How Long Does It Take to Become an Air Force NP After High School?


Program TypeProgram Length
BSN36 to 48 Months
BSN-to-MSN (NP)12 to 24 Months
BSN-to-DNP (NP)36 to 48 Months


How Much Does It Cost to Become an Air Force NP After High School?


Program TypeProgram Cost
BSN$8,990 - $226,030
BSN-to-MSN (NP)$21,360 - $208,040
BSN-to-DNP (NP)$29,240 - $285,640


What is the Step-By-Step Process of Becoming an Air Force Nurse Practitioner After High School?

(The following is a step-by-step process to become an Air Force NP after high school.)


STEP #1: Attend nursing program

To become an Air Force NP, you must successfully graduate from either a two-year associate degree in nursing (ADN) program or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. A BSN is a prerequisite for enlisting in the Air Force, so if you start with an ADN, you’ll need to complete an RN-to-BSN bridge program at some point.


STEP #2: Attain RN licensure

Though requirements for RN licensure differ from state to state, one requirement is uniform in all 50: You must pass the NCLEX-RN examination developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.


STEP #3: Attain a civilian RN position

The Air Force requires RNs who want to enlist to have at least 12 months of professional experience, at least six months of which should be in a specialized area such as critical care, surgical care, mental health, etc.


STEP #4: Enlist in the Air Force

Military healthcare facilities have a serious nursing shortage, so the Air Force is interested in recruiting new members into its Nursing Corps. However, RNs must satisfy specific requirements. Candidates must be U.S. citizens between 18 and 48, with a BSN and a current, unrestricted nursing license. Candidates must also pass a background check and meet physical fitness requirements. The minimum enlistment contract is three years.


STEP #5: Complete the Commissioned Office Training course

Once you are accepted as an Air Force RN, you must complete a five-and-a-half-week Commissioned Officer Training program. Most Nursing Corps members begin their military service as Second Lieutenants.


STEP #6: Work as an Air Force RN

The Air Force supports registered nurse enlistees in progressing into advanced practice roles. However, the needs of the Air Force will come first, so you will work as a registered nurse for some indeterminate period of time before you are given the opportunity to continue your nursing education.


STEP #7: Pursue graduate nursing education

Once you’ve been approved to pursue your educational goal, you have two educational options for becoming an Air Force nurse practitioner. The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) Graduate School of Nursing has a family nurse practitioner track that prepares RNs specifically for military practice. Alternatively, if you want to pursue another NP specialty, you can attend a civilian graduate nursing program via the Nurse Health Profession Scholarship Program, which will pay all tuition and fees plus a living allowance.


STEP #8: Pass the nurse practitioner certification exam

Before you can be certified to practice as a nurse practitioner, you must pass a certification exam. These certification exams are overseen by either the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board or the American Nurses Credentialing Center and cover more common NP specialties such as family nurse practice, psychiatric/mental health nurse practice, and pediatric nurse practice.


STEP #9: Serve as an Air Force nurse practitioner

Once you are a certified NP, you can begin serving as an Air Force nurse practitioner.


What are the Required or Recommended Certifications For Air Force Nurse Practitioners?


Air Force nurse practitioners only need to pursue the certifications that are relevant to their APRN specialty.


Are There Any Fellowship or Residency Programs Available For Air Force Nurse Practitioners?


As part of its commitment to encouraging the professional development of its officers and Nurse Corps members, the Air Force does offer fellowship opportunities to nurse practitioners. However, no civilian fellowships or residency programs are specifically designed for Air Force NPs.


What is the Starting Salary of a New Grad Air Force Nurse Practitioner?


An Air Force nurse practitioner fresh out of graduate school can expect to earn $86,990 a year, which breaks down to $41.82 an hour, $1,673 a week, or $7,250 a month. The base pay for an Air Force NP just starting out is lower than a civilian NP’s base salary. However, it may be supplemented with cost of living stipends and hazard pay.

Hourly$41.82
Weekly$1,673
Monthly$7,250
Annual$86,990


What is the Average Salary of an Air Force Nurse Practitioner?


The average Air Force nurse practitioner salary is $118,240 annually, equivalent to $56.85 hourly, $2,274 weekly, or $9,850 monthly. Most Air Force NPs will hit this benchmark in their 10th year as an Air Force Nursing Corps nurse practitioner.

Hourly$56.85
Weekly$2,274
Monthly$9,850
Annual$118,240


What is the Salary By Level of Experience of an Air Force NP?


Experienced Air Force nurse practitioners earn higher salaries than their colleagues who are just starting out because they have better executive leadership skills, more advanced critical thinking, and practical hands-on nursing skills. An Air Force NP with one to four years of experience makes $98,430 a year, which is 13 percent higher than newly commissioned Air Force NPs ($86,990.) Air Force NPs with five to nine years of experience make 34 percent more ($116,190), while Air Force NPs with 10 to 19 years of experience make 49 percent more ($129,390.) By the time you’ve served two decades, you can anticipate earning a salary that’s 78 percent higher than a new grad’s salary ($154,630.)

Level of ExperienceHourlyWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Entry-Level$41.82$1,673$7,250$86,990
1-4 Years of Experience$47.32$1,893$8,200$98,430
5-9 Years of Experience$55.86$2,234$9,680$116,190
10-19 Years of Experience$62.21$2,488$10,780$129,390
20 Years or More Experience$74.34$2,974$12,890$154,630


What is the Average Salary of an Air Force NP By State?


StateHourlyWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Alabama$48.67$1,947$8,440$101,240
Alaska$55.82$2,233$9,680$116,110
Arizona$58.65$2,346$10,170$121,990
Arkansas$50.17$2,007$8,700$104,360
California$71.47$2,859$12,390$148,650
Colorado$53.97$2,159$9,360$112,260
Connecticut$60.60$2,424$10,500$126,050
Delaware$58.00$2,320$10,050$120,650
Florida$52.96$2,118$9,180$110,160
Georgia$53.60$2,144$9,290$111,490
Hawaii$58.67$2,347$10,170$122,030
Idaho$55.10$2,204$9,550$114,610
Illinois$56.14$2,246$9,730$116,780
Indiana$54.56$2,182$9,460$113,480
Iowa$57.88$2,315$10,030$120,380
Kansas$52.77$2,111$9,150$109,760
Kentucky$48.83$1,953$8,460$101,570
Louisiana$52.50$2,100$9,100$109,200
Maine$54.39$2,176$9,430$113,130
Maryland$56.63$2,265$9,820$117,780
Massachusetts$63.71$2,548$11,040$132,520
Michigan$53.39$2,136$9,250$111,050
Minnesota$59.73$2,389$10,350$124,240
Mississippi$51.98$2,079$9,010$108,120
Missouri$51.62$2,065$8,950$107,370
Montana$55.14$2,206$9,560$114,700
Nebraska$53.83$2,153$9,330$111,970
Nevada$65.77$2,631$11,400$136,810
New Hampshire$57.84$2,314$10,030$120,310
New Jersey$64.16$2,567$11,120$133,460
New Mexico$60.51$2,420$10,490$125,860
New York$63.19$2,528$10,950$131,440
North Carolina$53.79$2,152$9,320$111,890
North Dakota$56.52$2,261$9,800$117,570
Ohio$54.36$2,174$9,420$113,070
Oklahoma$55.00$2,200$9,530$114,410
Oregon$64.13$2,565$11,120$133,390
Pennsylvania$56.38$2,255$9,770$117,280
Rhode Island$59.04$2,362$10,230$122,810
South Carolina$51.74$2,069$8,970$107,610
South Dakota$53.52$2,141$9,280$111,330
Tennessee$45.89$1,836$7,950$95,450
Texas$57.52$2,301$9,970$119,640
Utah$56.55$2,262$9,800$117,620
Vermont$55.79$2,232$9,670$116,040
Virginia$53.48$2,139$9,270$111,230
Washington$64.33$2,573$11,150$133,800
West Virginia$50.19$2,008$8,700$104,400
Wisconsin$56.77$2,271$9,840$118,090
Wyoming$54.66$2,187$9,480$113,700


What is the Job Outlook Like For This Career?


Like all federal healthcare programs, the Air Force is experiencing a significant shortage of nurse practitioners and has plenty of employment opportunities. Between 2022 and 2032, demand for Air Force NPs is expected to increase by 45 percent. Keep in mind, however, that the hiring process involved here can be very lengthy and complex.

2022-32
+44.54%


Useful Organizations and Associations

1. Society of Air Forces Nurses

2. American Association of Nurse Practitioners



My Final Thoughts


What is an Air Force nurse practitioner? As the name implies, it’s a nurse practitioner who belongs to the Air Force’s Nursing Corps. This article has described the role of the Air Force nurse practitioner – what do they do, steps-to-become, and salary. As an Air Force NP, you’ll earn a comfortable salary with outstanding benefits, plus the opportunity to work in a wide variety of practice settings both inside the United States and around the globe. Professional development is an Air Force priority, so you can expect institutional support for your career growth. Remember, though, that the military is a highly structured environment, and while you’re enlisted, the Air Force will make all your career-related decisions. Contact an Air Force recruiter to learn more about this nurse practitioner pathway.


Frequently Asked Questions Answered


1. On Average, How Much Does An Air Force NP Make Per Hour?

The average salary of an Air Force Nurse Practitioner per hour is $56.85.

$56.85


2. On Average, How Much Does An Air Force NP Make Per Week?

The average salary of an Air Force Nurse Practitioner per week is $2,274.

$2,274


3. On Average, How Much Does An Air Force NP Make Per Month?

The average salary of an Air Force Nurse Practitioner per month is $9,850.

$9,850


4. On Average, How Much Does An Air Force NP Make Per Year?

The average salary of an Air Force Nurse Practitioner per year is $118,240.

$118,240


List of Sources Used For This Article


1. Health.mil: Military nursing highlighted during National Nurses' Week: https://health.mil/News/Articles/2021/05/11/Military-nursing-highlighted-during-National-Nurses-Week
2. Family Nurse Practitioner: https://www.airforce.com/careers/healthcare/family-nurse-practitioner
3. Journal of Nursing Education and Practice: The army nurse practitioner transition to practice program: file:///Users/patriziadilucchio/Downloads/13503-49539-2-PB%20(1).pdf
4. Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: https://www.airforce.com/careers/healthcare/adult-psychiatric-mental-health-nurse-practitioner
5. Pediatric Nurse Practitioner: https://www.airforce.com/careers/healthcare/pediatric-nurse-practitioner
6. Women’s Healthcare Nurse Practitioner: https://www.airforce.com/careers/healthcare/womens-healthcare-nurse-practitioner
7. The Role of the Nurse Practitioner in Military Deployment: https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/AD1011519.pdf
8. Air Force Medical Service: https://www.airforcemedicine.af.mil/Organizations
9. RegisteredNursing.org: Air Force Nurse Corps: https://www.registerednursing.org/military/air-force-nurse-corps/
10. NurseJournal: There’s a Serious Nursing Shortage at Military Healthcare Facilities. A New Federal Proposal Could Help: https://nursejournal.org/articles/nursing-shortage-military-healthcare-facilities-legislation/


Pattie Trumble, MPP, MPH
Pattie Trumble is a nurse who worked in both California and New York for many years as an emergency room nurse. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley, and an Associate Degree in Nursing from the Samuel Merritt Hospital School of Nursing. After 10 years of providing direct care, she went back to school and earned concurrent Master’s degrees in both public policy and public health from the University of California, Berkeley. Thereafter, she worked for various public health agencies in California at both the community and state levels providing economic and legislative analysis.