FAQs
If you’re interested in becoming a Healthcare Professional in the U.S. Air Force, you’ll likely have many questions about the program. A few of the most frequently asked questions are answered here, but please feel free to contact us with specific inquiries.
What Is the Pay Like as a Healthcare Professional?
Air Force healthcare professional pay varies by profession. Some will qualify for professional pay and/or yearly bonuses above their base pay and benefits. A few high-need professions may also receive sign-on bonuses. There are also many educational and professional opportunities unique to the Air Force.
How Does the Air Force Compare to a Private Practice?
There are an enormous number of opportunities as an Air Force healthcare professional. Many work in settings very much like a private practice, but without many of the headaches. There are opportunities involving day-to-day management issues, but there are many more opportunities to concentrate on patient care, education and research. Every clinic and hospital has an administrative staff dedicated to it, so you can focus on medicine.
Will the Air Force Pay for My Medical School?
Yes, there are a number of exciting graduate scholarship programs available to qualified applicants—including programs that will pay for medical school.
Will the Air Force Help Supplement My Residency Pay?
Depending on your specialty, the Air Force Financial Assistance Program (FAP) gives you a way to complete your residency and concentrate on becoming your best, not worrying about finances.
Can I Train to Be a Doctor Right out of High School?
There are many interesting enlisted medical jobs; however, none lead directly to medical school or a medical degree. To become a doctor, you must first complete an undergraduate college degree in pre-medicine. After that, you can apply for the Health Profession Scholarship Program (HPSP). The HPSP will pay for your medical school and has an internship program. There are many financial assistance programs available to help pay your education, including Air Force ROTC and the Air Force Academy.
What Do Air Force Healthcare Professionals Do in Peacetime?
Our mission is the healthcare of our service members and their families. A majority of Air Force healthcare professionals work in clinics and hospitals much like our civilian counterparts. There are some exciting opportunities in many kinds of humanitarian missions both at home and abroad. Some healthcare professionals pursue education or medical research during peacetime.
Where Can I Find Information About Nursing Programs in the Air Force?
We have positions for just about any nursing specialty:
- Clinical Medical Surgical Nurses
- Medical/Surgical Nurses
- Nurse Anesthetist
- Critical Care Nurse
- Mental Health Nurse
- Nurse/Midwife
- OB Clinical Nurse
- Operating Room Nurse
- Pediatric Nurse
- Women’s Healthcare Nurse
- Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse (NICU)
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
- Operating Room Nurse (OR)
- Women’s Healthcare Practitioner
- Obstetrical Nurse
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
What Is the Air Force Active Duty Health Professions Loan Repayment Program (ADHPLRP)?
The purpose of the Air Force Active Duty Health Professions Loan Repayment Program (ADHPLRP) is to provide a direct accession incentive to maintain adequate numbers of commissioned officers of the armed forces on active duty, who are qualified in various health specialties within the Medical Corps, Nurse Corps and Biomedical Sciences Corps.
ADHPLRP participants receive repayment of loans used to finance their health profession education. Repayment may consist of loan amounts for principal, interest and reasonable educational and living expenses. The maximum repayment is $40,000, less tax liability. Payments are sent directly to the lending institution on behalf of the ADHPLRP participant.
Participants incur an active duty obligation (ADO) consisting of a minimum of two years, or one year of ADO for each annual repayment, whichever is greater.