****ENSURE WIDEST DISSEMINATION****

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE HEADQUARTERS AIR FORCE PERSONNEL CENTER JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH TEXAS MEMORANDUM FOR ALL FSSs, A1s, J1s, SG1 11 December 2014 PSDM 14-133 FROM: HQ AFPC/DPAW 550 C Street West JBSA-Randolph, TX 78150 SUBJECT: AY15 Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program (NECP) Request widest possible dissemination of this time-sensitive information in base newspapers, bulletins, education offices, and military personnel services (MPS) home pages. Vigilance should be taken to protect Privacy Act (PA) and Personally Identifiable Information (PII) when submitting or sending nominations, applications or other documents to DoD agencies whether through government internet systems (e-mail), postal methods, faxing or scanning. A link to this Personnel Services Delivery Memorandum will be posted on the following website: https://kx2.afms.mil/kj/kx1/afnurseeducation/pages/home.aspx 24 hours after the official release on mypers. MAJCOM/AFMOA POC Personnel: Please ensure widest dissemination to enlisted members under your purview. This message consolidates requirements and initiates execution of the AY15 NECP Selection Board. FSS: Please share with all NAF/CC, Wing/CC, Group/CC, Squadron/CC and equivalents. Ensure widest dissemination to assigned enlisted members. This message consolidates requirements and initiates execution of the AY15 AFPC hosted NECP candidate selection process. ****ENSURE WIDEST DISSEMINATION****

2 PART-I NECP OVERVIEW This includes information on the NECP program. The NECP program sponsors enlisted members to complete the upper division curriculum toward a baccalaureate degree in nursing. Applicants are responsible for meeting the eligibility requirements which include acceptance into an approved baccalaureate program, completing the academic prerequisites, and submitting their completed application by the published deadline. NECP offers active duty enlisted personnel the opportunity to earn a baccalaureate degree in Nursing. Reserve and ANG personnel are not eligible to apply. Upon successful completion of the baccalaureate degree, the passing of the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and receipt of their nursing license, members will be commissioned, attend Commissioned Officer Training (COT) and the Nurse Transition Program (NTP) and then PCS to a final assignment location. Applicants need to download the following documents at https://kx2.afms.mil/kj/kx1/afnurseeducation. Note: The AFMS Knowledge Exchange (KX) requires membership, you may be asked to join the KX to access the data below: A. NECP Guidelines B. Intent to Apply C. Most Frequently Asked Questions D. NECP Application E. Medical Qualifications Form F. AFPC Functional Release Letter Template PART-II CRITICAL DATES TO REMEMBER: A. Suspense date for notification of intent to apply: 27 Feb 2015 B. Suspense date for applicant to obtain conditional release from their AFPC career field functional: 27 Feb 2015 C. Suspense date for completion of all prerequisites (which are non-waiverable): 27 Mar 2015 D. Suspense date for submission of transcripts for academic evaluation: 27 Mar 2015 E. Suspense date for completion of the Chief Nurse Interview: 5 Apr 2015 F. Suspense date for Chief Nurse to submit NECP applicant Interview to AFPC: 10 Apr 2015 G. Suspense date for submitting completed application: 30 Apr 2015 H. Tentative selection board convening date: 13-15 May 2015 (NOTE: all documents must be legible, digitally scanned and sent via encrypted email to AFPC.DPANN1@us.af.mil) PART-III ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS. A. CONUS applicants must have two years (24 months) Time-On-Station (TOS). Overseas applicants may not submit an application until HQ AFPC/DPANN has received approval

from the candidate s HQ AFPC Career Field Functional Manager of the candidate s DEROS curtailment, if necessary. (It is the applicant s responsibility to seek this approval.) All TOS requirements must be met by the departure date IAW AFI 36-2110, Assignments. B. CONUS and OCONUS applicants must also have release approval from their individual HQ AFPC Career Field Functional Manager. Applicants may not submit an application without securing written approval, and this written approval must be received by HQ AFPC/DPANN. The NECP AFPC Functional Release Letter is found at https://kx2.afms.mil/kj/kx1/afnurseeducation. C. Applicants must have a minimum grade of E4 (non-waiverable) by board date or any time during the board month (May 2015). D. Applicants must be United States citizens. E. Applicants must be commissioned by age 42 (non-waiverable). F. Applicants must have a current Security Clearance: Evidence of Entrance National Agency Check (NAC or NLNAC). If clearance is more than 10 years old, action must be initiated to revalidate clearance prior to submitting application. G. Applicants must be world-wide qualified and have a current AF Form 422 (Physical Profile Serial Report). The following statement is mandatory and must be included in the remarks section of the AF Form 422: Based upon review of the applicant s records, I certify the applicant has no history of emotional instability and is fully qualified for world-wide duty IAW AFI 48-123. H. Candidates with an Assignment Limitation Code (ALC) C-1 may apply. An NECP Medical Assessment Form is attached and must be signed by the Medical Treatment Facility, Chief of Medical Services (SGH) and accompany the application and AF Form 422. I. Applicants must attend a school that: 1. Has an AFROTC detachment on campus (Host School) or an AFROTC detachment with a cross-town agreement with the campus or host school. 2. Is nationally accredited; applicants can search the following websites to confirm accreditation: The Accreditation Commission for Nursing Education (ACEN) http://acenursing.org or the Commission on Collegiate Education (CCNE) http://www.aacn.nche.edu/accreditation. 3. NECP student scholarships cover tuition and fees up to $15,000 per year in addition to an annual textbook allowance of $600. The use of the Montgomery G.I. Bill and/or other outside scholarships or financial aid is not authorized. AFROTC controls disbursement and payments by contract to schools, so outside or personal money cannot be used. 4. Is not an exclusively online school. PART-IV INELIGIBILTY A. Members convicted by court-martial or received an Article 15 during current enlistment. B. Members with a UIF. C. If identified as having a critically manned AFSC, a projected PCS assignment, receiving Selective Reenlistment Bonus (SRB), or is identified for retraining (NCORP); member must gain approval from your HQ AFPC Career Field Functional Manager prior to submitting the application. D. Members with non-passing Fitness Evaluations. 3

4 PART-V NECP PREREQUISITES: A. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale B. Applicants must have completed 59 semester hours of graded college coursework from regionally accredited college or university (does not include CLEP or CCAF credits). C. Applicants must include an approved plan of study on an Administrative Data Form (AFROTC IMT 48) demonstrating their ability to complete the academic requirements for the entry level Baccalaureate in Nursing degree within 24-months. D. Applicants must have completed the following courses with a passing minimal grade (part of the above mentioned 59 hours). NOTE: The courses below must be completed by 27 March 2015. 1. General Psychology 2. Anatomy and Physiology I & II (labs required) 3. Microbiology (lab required) 4. Chemistry I & II (labs required) 5. Nutrition 6. Statistics 7. If your nursing school does not require any of the above listed academic prerequisites, your degree plan will need to reflect that they are not a requirement, or provide evidence from the school. 8. Any of the above mentioned coursework to include on-line courses will be accepted as long as the respective nursing school will accept them. However, the applicant must show on the AFROTC IMT 48 that the college/university will accept and grant credit for these classes toward their degree. E. Applicants must complete AFROTC IMT 48 (NOTE: Selects attend summer sessions (minimum of 6 semester hours). If a school does not offer full-time nursing courses during the summer, students will be required to take electives during the summer session. If the school does not have summer sessions, members are required to work at the AFROTC Detachment. Members not completing the program in 24 months will be returned to their enlisted AFSC. Waivers are considered on a case-by-case basis. Prior to enrollment, ensure your school is nationally accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). F. Applicants must obtain full acceptance into a selected university as well as full acceptance into an accredited nursing school in order to be eligible to meet the NECP board. These requirements must be met by the listed suspense date. If the school has additional requirements/classes required for admission (in addition to the 59 hour prerequisites and the required nursing courses), the applicant must complete the coursework prior to the school start date (i.e. English Literature and World History II). In this instance only, the applicant may be given a conditional acceptance, but this must be conveyed to the board by outlining the details in the application cover letter. G. Applicants MUST request an academic evaluation from AFPC/DPANN for consideration for entry into the program once all requirements/prerequisites are met. Complete the NECP Intent to Apply document found at https://kx2.afms.mil/kj/kx1/afnurseeducation and forward to the AFPC/DPANN1 workflow via AFPC.DPANN1@us.af.mil.

H. Electronic official transcripts (E-Scripts) must be emailed to AFPC/DPANN1 workflow via AFPC.DPANN1@us.af.mil. If unable to accomplish electronically, then the member must request unofficial copies sent to themselves and then scan a clearly legible copy and send via email to AFPC.DPANN1@us.af.mil. I. Emailed transcripts must arrive at HQ AFPC/DPANN NLT 27 March 2015. DPANN will review transcripts (those sent directly from Registrar s office to DPANN to the above email, or unofficial transcripts emailed from applicant) from each nursing school, college, and university attended post-high school. J. Once transcripts are reviewed, HQ AFPC/DPANN will email the academic evaluation letter (AEL) to the applicant. PART-VI APPLICATION PROCESS A. The application package should be routed through the chain of command. The package must include: 1. The completed NECP application (SEE BELOW for a list of required documents) and NECP Intent to Apply and Academic Evaluation Letter (AEL) forms. 2. Cover letter with Letters of Recommendation from the immediate supervisor, first sergeant and squadron commander. Letter should include: a. Applicant s name, grade, SSAN, DOB, DOR, TAFMSD, HYT, organization/office symbol, duty station, duty phone, fax, reliable cell or phone number, and reliable email that you check regularly (even when on leave or deployed) b. AFROTC Detachment you will be assigned to (include number), degrees awarded (i.e. CCAF-Allied Health Science, BS-Sociology, MS-Religion, etc.). c. First sergeant s comments must include (but not limited to) applicant s professional image and disciplinary actions pending (if any). d. Commander s endorsement must include (but not limited to) a detailed assessment of the applicant s leadership potential as an officer and the following statement I would/would not recommend this individual to be an officer in my command. (The content of the letter should address leadership skills, professional qualities, organizational skills, judgment and decisionmaking ability, and communication skills). 3. Applicant Essay: Please restate each essay question, and then answer with your personal statement. Limit statements; two 250 words or less, Times New Roman 12 font and double spaced pages. This is to be submitted electronically with your completed application package. 4. NECP Checklist 5. Chief Nurse (SGN) Interview a. SGN interview must be completed prior to the suspense date. A SGN interview must be conducted by an active duty graduated or sitting boardvetted SGN at a local medical treatment facility (MTF) or Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron (AES). Contact your local MTF or AES to request an interview with the SGN. If your assignment location does not have a local approved SGN, contact HQ AFPC/DPANN at DSN 665-0674 or commercial at 210-565-0674 to coordinate an interview. 5

6 b. The member must provide the SGN performing their interview a copy of their transcripts, their personal essay, their SURF, and their last 5 EPRs to review prior to the SGN interview. c. Note the date the interview was completed on the NECP checklist, which must be reviewed and signed by the unit training manager (UTM) B. When submitting the completed NECP application package, scan the items below in the following order as a continuous PDF and email to AFPC.DPANN1@us.af.mil by suspense date provided: 1. Letter of Intent 2. Academic evaluation letter (AEL) 3. Cover letter 4. Member s personal essay Limit statement to two 250 words or less, Times New Roman 12 font, double spaced pages titled WHY I WANT TO BE A NURSE CORPS OFFICER. (Note: Essay must also be provided to the Chief Nurse (SGN) prior to the interview) 5. NECP Checklist 6. AF Form 2030 Drug and Alcohol Abuse Certificate 7. A copy of current Data Verification Brief (DVB) 8. Copies of last 5 Enlisted Performance Reports (EPRs) (Note: the 5 EPRs must also be provided to the Chief Nurse (SGN) prior to the interview) 9. Medal narratives downloaded from ARMS/vMPF (most current first) 10. Fitness report plus history (to include historical scores and height/weight. If less than Excellent, AF fitness assessment must be accomplished within 90 days of the NECP selection board date {Tentative selection board convening date: 13-15 May 2015}. Member must have minimum passing score of Good (75 or higher). This is NON-WAIVERABLE 11. AF form 422 12. Copy of birth certificate or passport (proof of citizenship to be eligible for commissioning) 13. Letter of acceptance from school(s) and nursing program(s) 14. Other school correspondence you feel necessary and important for us to have. 15. Approved Plan of study (degree plan) showing plan to complete program in 24 mos (on AFROTC IMT Form 48) signed by the program/academic advisor. Applicant must attend a school that: a. Has an AFROTC detachment on campus (Host School) or an AFROTC detachment with a cross-town agreement with a host school. b. Is nationally accredited; applicants can search the following websites to confirm accreditation: The Accreditation Commission for Nursing Education (ACEN) http://acenursing.org or the Commission on Collegiate Education (CCNE) http://www.aacn.nche.edu/accreditation. 16. Copy of the nursing school s tuition and fees rates (most schools have this on their website), print and scan the page with the charges/fees per semester or credit hour compute tuition costs. 17. Official or unofficial transcripts from all schools attended, to include the degree awarding transcript (No student copies will be accepted). All transcripts should be in rank order of attendance with most recent school attended on top.

7 C. Completed applications must be scanned as one continuous PDF, in the order listed above, be sent Encrypted, or through AMRDEC Safe, and MUST arrive at AFPC/DPANN at AFPC.DPANN1@us.af.mil NLT 30 Apr 2015. PART-VII NECP STUDENT REQUIREMENTS: A. Members must maintain a 3.0 GPA in the nursing program. B. Members who enter training with an ALC C1 who become a C2 while in student status will be disenrolled and returned to their enlisted AFSC. Additionally, graduates with an ALC C1 Code must remain classified in C1 status (or be cleared of all ALC Codes) at the time of commissioning, otherwise that graduate will be returned to his/her enlisted AFSC. C. Members with a medical condition of any kind, to include pregnancy, that causes the loss of three (3) days of training or more or prevents the member from attending Commissioned Officer Training (COT) or the Nurse Transition Program directly upon graduation, may be removed from the NECP program and returned to his or her enlisted AFSC, or experience delayed commissioning. HQ AFPC/DPANN is the final elimination authority. D. Applicants are required to attend school year-round for up to 24 consecutive calendar months to include summer sessions. If the school does not have summer sessions, members are required to work at the AFROTC Detachment. The NECP May 2015 selection board considers applicants for the fall of 2015. No online degrees will be accepted, the nursing program must be resident-based. E. Members are required to complete degree requirements and take the NCLEX exam, and obtain their nursing license in no more than 24 consecutive calendar months and attend school on a full-time, year-round basis beginning in the fall of 2015 (minimum 12 hours credit for the fall and spring semester, 6 credit hours in the summer). Summer or spring starts for NECP are not allowed. F. Students will be attached to a local AFROTC unit for tracking and administrative functions as required while attending school full-time. Search AFROTC detachment locations at http://www.afrotc.com/colleges/detlocator.php G. Within 45 days after graduation, members are expected to test for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). H. While awaiting NCLEX results all students will remain in student status attached to the ROTC detachment for duties and responsibilities. Leave is authorized during this time with approval of the AFROTC detachment commander. Once the student is a licensed RN, he or she will be commissioned and proceed to Commissioned Officer Training (COT). The following link may be helpful: http://www.airforce.com/joining-the-airforce/commissioned-officer-training/ I. Following completion of COT, members will enter the Nurse Transition Program (NTP) prior to their first duty assignment as a Nurse Corps Officers. NTP is a 10 week clinical course for nurses with fewer than six months clinical experience as an RN. The course begins with mandatory in-processing and lectures. Please go to the following link for more information regarding the NTP program: Nurse Transition Program (NTP) and Residency Programs http://uchealth.com/education/air-force-nurse-transition-programuh/. During NTP the members are placed on an inpatient unit with a preceptor, either 1:1 or 1:2. NTP is the time members need to hone the nursing skills learned in nursing

8 school. It is also a time to learn about being an Air Force Nurse Corps officer. The following are the current NTP locations: a. 59th Medical Wing, Lackland AFB, San Antonio, TX b. University Hospital, Cincinnati, OH c. Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn Medical Center, Scottsdale, AZ d. Tampa General Hospital, Tampa, FL J. All NECP graduates will be assigned to facilities with inpatient beds, also referred to as a bedded facility. The following bases have bedded facilities that can accommodate new graduates (list is current as of Nov 2014). HQ AFPC/DPANN will make assignments based on the needs of the Air Force. a. Eglin AFB, FL b. JB Elmendorf-Richardson, AK c. Keesler AFB, MS d. Fort Sam Houston, TX e. JB Langley-Eustis, VA f. Nellis AFB, NV g. Travis AFB, CA h. Wright-Patterson AFB, OH K. Commissioning commitment: After completion of NECP, students will receive an active duty service commitment (ADSC) IAW AFI 36-2107 (Active Duty Service Commitments), Attachment 3, Table 1.2, Rule 14. L. Members formally dropped or eliminated from NECP at any time, either for academic or administrative reasons or who voluntarily withdraw, will incur an ADSC of two (2) years. Members who complete the program will incur a four-(4) year ADSC IAW AFI 36-2107, *Table 1.1. Officer and Enlisted ADSCs, rule 19, Note 2. Members will be issued PCS orders to a new assignment in their enlisted AFSC to complete their active duty service obligation. M. The majority of correspondence for the NECP process will be via email. Therefore, it is essential that you provide up-to-date contact information including email address and phone number that you can check often. AFPC will send you an email when we receive your packet and will email you if we need additional information. If you have additional questions during the process, you may call HQ AFPC/DPANN at 210-565-2715 or DSN 665-2715 and someone will get back with you as soon as possible. N. If you are in a location where scanning and email is not possible, if your file exceeds email limits, or if you do not have encryption capability for PII, you may upload documents into AMRDEC Safe at https://safe.amrdec.army.mil/safe/welcome.aspx, and have all documents sent to AFPC.DPANN1@us.af.mil.. O. Members are encouraged to direct inquiries and requests for assistance to their chain of command. Questions that cannot be answered by the chain of command, other available resources, or by consulting the NECP Frequently Asked Questions page located at https://kx2.afms.mil/kj/kx1/afnurseeducation/pages/home.aspx can be referred to the AFPC/DPANN1 organizational box at AFPC.DPANN1@us.af.mil.

POC for NECP is Nurse Utilization and Education Branch, HQ AFPC/DPANN at 210-565-2715 or DSN 665-2715, email: AFPC.DPANN1@us.af.mil. 9 //Signed// Director, Assignments AEF Operations Attachment 1 Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program Application Checklist

10 Attachment 1 NURSE ENLISTED COMMISSIONING PROGRAM (NECP) SELECTION BOARD APPLICATION FINAL CHECKLIST INSTRUCTIONS: The applicant s unit training manager (UTM) will review the NECP education application package against the criteria listed below. When all questions are answered YES, the UTM must sign/date the checklist to validate that all required documents are present. Email the completed NECP checklist and the Intent to Apply to AFPC.DPANN1@us.af.mil no later than 30 April 2015 CRITERIA Has applicant provided official or unofficial college transcripts to AFPC to AFPC.DPANN1@us.af.mil (for the AEL) by the published due date? Has the applicant completed the NECP application and Intent to Apply submitted as a scanned PDF files to AFPC.DPANN@us.af.mil by the published due date? Has the applicant gained release from their AFPC Career Field Functional by the published due date? Has the applicant obtained an assignment availability Code 05? Has the applicant submitted a Cover Letter? Has the applicant completed all prerequisites by the published due date? Has the applicant provided proof of US citizenship? Has the applicant provided a copy of current awards & decoration brief and the medal narratives? Has the applicant provided the completed AF Form 422 (Physical Profile Serial Report) with the following statement? Based upon review of the applicant s records, I certify the applicant has no history of emotional instability and is fully qualified for worldwide duty IAW AFI 48-123. *Candidates with an ALC C-1 may apply. A NECP Medical Assessment Form is attached and signed by the MTF SGH and accompany the Application and AF Form 422. STATUS Yes No Has the applicant provided a signed copy of AF IMT For 2030 Drug and Alcohol Abuse Certificate? Has the applicant provided a copy of current year s Data Verification Brief (DVB)? Is member placed on Code 05, assignment availability code?

11 Has the applicant provided a copy of his/her last five EPRs or all previous EPRS if less than five years in service? Has applicant provided copies of either official or unofficial college transcripts in their completed application package? Has applicant provided a letter of acceptance from the university and its nursing school? Has applicant provided the plan of study (degree plan) to complete program in 24 months on the AFROTC form 48 and signed by the program/academic advisor. Note: This form DOES NOT have to be signed by the AFROTC Detachment Commander. Does the application include the applicant s personal essay (250 words or less, single spaced), WHY I WANT TO BE A NURSE CORPS OFFICER? Has the applicant provided copies of their personal essay, SURF, and last 5 EPRs to the Chief Nurse prior to the Chief Nurse Interview? Has applicant completed the Chief Nurse interview prior to 5 Apr 2015? What date? (Note: Chief Nurse Interview will be forwarded directly to HQ AFPC/DPANN by the interviewer.) Has applicant provided a copy of the latest Air Force Fitness Management (AFFM) report including entire fitness history? - Must have a minimum passing score of Good (75 or higher) recorded in the (AFFM) system (non-waiverable). - Fitness assessment must be completed within 90 days of board date. Note: If applicant is deploying within this timeframe, a fitness assessment must be submitted no earlier than 30 days prior to deployment.

12 Does the application include the Supervisor s Letter of Recommendation with 1 st and 2 nd endorsement? Letter of Recommendation from the Immediate Supervisor: Must include applicant s name, grade, SSAN, organization/office symbol, duty station, duty phone, fax, and email address. In addition to the supervisor s recommendation, content should also include any organizational awards, quarterly awards, etc. First Endorsement from the First Sergeant: The first endorsement must indicate the following: - Does the member present a professional image? - Does member have any pending disciplinary actions? Second Endorsement from the Squadron Commander: The second endorsement must include, at a minimum, an assessment of the member s leadership potential as an officer and the following statement I would / would not recommend this individual to be an officer in my command. DO NOT submit additional letters of recommendation, the only recommendations we accept are from the immediate supervisor and the first and second endorsers. All other letters will be removed. Does this member have all required document listed in exact order ready to be scanned as a completed package? (All documents must be scanned into one PDF, must be readable, and facing the same direction for legibility at the selection board) UTM Review Signature: Date Signed: //