USAF nurses wanted. Apply now

Air National Guard 2nd Lt. Sarah Kathe, 116th Medical Group (MDG) nurse, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., fills out a patient chart while other members of the medical team treat a simulated injured baby during Operation Sunrise Rescue at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center, Fla., Nov. 18, 2011. The 116th MDG received a perfect score in the joint force exercise to test their skills as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and High Yield Explosive Enhanced Response Force Package. (National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Roger Parsons/Released)

Enlisted airmen who are interested in becoming nurses and getting their commission have to declare their intention to apply by Jan. 29.

In a Wednesday release, the Air Force Personnel Center said that eligible active-duty airmen can get their bachelor’s degree and an officer’s commission through the Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program. If selected, the Air Force will cover up to $15,000 in tuition and fees per academic year, and pay for up to $600 in textbooks.

To be eligible, applicants must be active-duty senior airmen and above with less than 10 years of service. They must meet other academic and administrative criteria. They also must be able to complete the program within 24 consecutive months, earn their commission by the time they are 42 years old and be U.S. citizens. They also must have a current security clearance and be qualified to serve anywhere around the world.

If selected for the program, airmen will begin their studies in the fall.

AFPC said applicants will have to choose a nationally accredited school with either an Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps detachment on campus or a cross-town agreement with one of those detachments.

Interested airmen must let AFPC know via send an “intent to apply” email to AFPC by Jan. 29. For more information, visit the MyPers website.

Stephen Losey is the air warfare reporter for Defense News. He previously covered leadership and personnel issues at Air Force Times, and the Pentagon, special operations and air warfare at Military.com. He has traveled to the Middle East to cover U.S. Air Force operations.