Medical Enlisted Commissioning
Program FAQ (Frequently Asked
Questions)
ALL APPLICANTS MUST TAKE THE SAT OR ACT TEST
Recommended Scores:
SAT - 1000 (Verbal & Math)
ACT - 42 (Eng & Math)
Applicants must be commissioned before their 42nd birthday.
(NO AGE WAIVERS)
1. What are the minimum requirements for the Medical Enlisted
Commissioning Program?
• U.S. Citizenship (No Waivers)
• Opened to all rates and rank
• Applicant must be commissioned prior/before reaching their 42nd birthday (No
Waivers)
• High school transcripts are NOT required. (NOT REQUIRED)
• At least 20 years of age.
• A minimum of 30 semester hours (or 45 quarter hours) of undergraduate courses
accepted for transfer towards a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) by the
institution(s) for which you are applying. Strongly suggest you visit the website
for the nursing school you wish to attend to ensure that you know the
prerequisites you should complete to be competitive. Courses such as English,
Psychology, Anatomy & Physiology I & II, Chemistry, Microbiology, Nutrition, etc.
are desirable.
• Cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
• SAT or ACT test taken within the past 3 years from application due date.
• Must be able to complete all requirements for a BSN within 36 months or less.
• No history of felony conviction or any record of drug abuse. A driving under the
influence (DUI/DWI) violation is disqualifying if within four years of the
application deadline, or convicted of any misdemeanors (except minor traffic
violations) within three years of the application deadline.
• Have no record of courts-martial convictions or civilian felony convictions.
• Security Clearance, contact your Security Management Office. JPAS security
investigation printout is acceptable.
• Favorable endorsement from commanding officer
2. What is the Medical Enlisted Commissioning Program (MECP)?
• MECP is a pathway to a commission in the Navy Nurse Corps. Qualified enlisted
men and women serving on active duty in the United States Navy and Marine
Corps may apply for an opportunity to participate MECP In-Service Procurement
Program. MECP gives those selected to the program a chance to earn an entry
level bachelor’s degree in nursing and be appointed as an Ensign, USN, Nurse
Corps. Passing the NCLEX is required to practice as a registered nurse.
3. When is my package due?
• See most current MECP NAVADMIN for dates.
4. Where should I send my packages?
All packages and addendums should be sent to the address below.
NAVMED PDC
Attn: Code O3C HMDT
8955 Wood Road
Bethesda MD 20889-5628
NOTE: If using any ground delivery other than USPS, the address MUST include:
Building Number, Room Number and telephone number.
NAVMED PDC
Attn: Code O3C HMDT
8955 Wood Road
BLDG 1 (Tower) Rm 16-141
Bethesda MD 20889-5628
5. How much time should I allow to prepare a complete package?
Preparing a quality package takes time. Applicants must depend on several others
for items such as transcripts, school letter of acceptance, degree completion plan,
medical examinations and interviews to name a few. It is recommended that
applicants allow several weeks lead time to meet the application deadline. The
package order and checklist from OPNAV 1420.1B, Appendix D should be used to
prepare your package.
6. Do I need a letter of acceptance, degree completion plan, and the number
of transfer credits in my package?
Letters of acceptance, degree completion plan, letters stating your intentions to
submit an application and potential for acceptance, number of transfer credits
accepted by the nursing school should be in your package.
7. Should I include a conditional/provisional or final letter of acceptance to
an accredited BSN program in my package?
Yes
8. Where should I place my SMART transcript? Do I need an official SMART
transcript for my package?
Place the unofficial transcript behind your college transcripts and before your test
scores. Your SMART transcript DOES NOT have to be an official SMART transcript.
9. Why do I have to extend for 6 years before entering the program?
So your active duty enlisted obligation will not disengage while you are in nursing
school/training. Also, it ensures that those who are not successful in completing
their degree will be retained on active duty to fulfill obligated service time related to
training.
10. Do I need a release letter in my package if I am in the Nuclear
Community?
Yes, your package must contain a letter of release from the Nuclear Community.
Please locate NAVADMIN 070/13: SUBJ: NUCLEAR TRAINED SAILOR APPLICATIONS TO
OFFICER COMMISSIONING PROGRAMS. The letter should follow the CO’s endorsement
before the application. Packages will be returned to the command if this letter is not
included.
11. Do Marine Corps applicants need a conditional release from MC to apply?
Yes, marine applicants must seek a conditional release from MC HQ and include this in
your package.
12. Should marines submit their “master brief sheet” in their package?
Yes, the master brief sheet is required for all marines applying to MECP.
condmc.pdf
13. What is the age Requirement to apply to MECP?
Applicants must be able to complete nursing school and get commissioned BEFORE
reaching their 42nd birthday. NO AGE WAIVERS
14. I have a lot of active duty service time. How soon may I retire after I
am commissioned as an officer?
MECP participatants receive a "permanent" appointment with no option to revert
back to enlisted status to retire. The law requires 10 years of active
commissioned service for retirement eligibility, 8 years with a waiver. All officers
must serve the minimum 20 years active commissioned service per Title 10 U.S.C.
6323 to be eligible for retirement. (Example-you may have 10 years of enlisted
service at the time of selection, add the 10 years plus 36 months of nursing school;
at the time of commissioning you will have 13 years of enlisted service; you must
complete 10 years of commissioned service to retire as an officer; this means you
may retire at 23 years of service.)
15. Where can I get more information on this program?
Read the instruction, OPNAVINST 1420.1B Chapter 5 dtd 14 Dec 2009 and Appendix
D. and MECP website -
http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/navmedmpte/Pages/MedicalEnlistedCommissioningProgram.aspx
Use the following as resources:
Command Career Counselor
NAVMED PDC: Commercial (301)319-4520/295-0925 or DSN 285-4520/295-0925,
16. What were some of the common characteristics of selectees?
• Demonstrated Performance, consistently maintains superior performance.
• Aptitude to become a NC officer; has anyone discussed your potential to
become an officer?
• Diversity of assignments (Operational, OCONUS, MTF)
• Demonstrated positions of leadership, have you had hard jobs?
• Strong command endorsement and interview appraisal sheets
• Very well written personal statement
• Excellent grade point average
• Competitive ACT/SAT test scores
• Top ranking status on evaluations, are you the EP? Why aren’t you the
EP?
• A "can do" personality
• No court violations or NJP infractions, within three years of application.
• Personal awards
17. What should I do if I am selected for MECP?
A NAVADMIN (https://www.npc.navy.mil/channels) will announce selectees and
alternates and outline the action required. Selectees will contact Code 03C (HMDT)
at NAVMED MPT&E in Bethesda, MD. DSN 285-4520/295-0925 or COM: (301)319-
FTS Selects MUST reenlists at Branch 11 Active Duty. Orders cannot be requested
until reenlistment is complete.
18. When are selection results announced?
The MECP Board routinely convenes during the month of November; results may be
available four to eight weeks after the Board adjourns.
19. Where may I find the results of the MECP Selection Board?
The results of the MECP board or any board will be posted on the NPC BUPERS
website under messages; (https://www.npc.navy.mil/channels)
20. I have a bachelors degree, do I need to take the SAT or ACT?
Yes, the SAT or ACT is a Navy requirement and is one of the minimum
requirements that EVERYONE MUST meet.
21. My nursing school does not require the SAT or ACT do I still need to
provide test scores?
Yes, test scores are required.
EVERYONE applying to MECP MUST take either the SAT or ACT test.
22. Is my nursing school accredited?
You should check to see if your school is accredited.
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) -
http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Accreditation/index.htm
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) - http://acenursing.org/
23. When will I begin nursing school if I am selected?
The majority of selects will begin school in the fall per your degree completion plan
and the instructions governing the program.
24. Is there a certain Grade Point Average (GPA) that I must maintain while
attending school to remain in MECP?
Yes, you must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.50. If your GPA falls below
2.50, you will be placed on academic probation; if your grades do not improve you
may be returned to the FLEET.
25. Can I complete a master’s degree while in MECP?
Yes, MECP participants may complete their bachelor’s degree (BSN) and master’s
degree if both degrees can be completed in thirty-six (36) months.
26. Are high school transcripts required?
NO, high school transcripts are NOT required for MECP.
27. Can I still apply to MECP if I am pregnant?
Yes, pregnancy is a temporary condition.
28. Will I receive all pay and benefits while going through the program?
Yes, you will continue to receive your full pay, BAH, BAS, medical/dental benefits,
and commissary/gym privileges.
29. Am I eligible for advancement while in MECP?
Yes, you are eligible for the advancement while in MECP. All MECP students will take
their advancement exam for career progression. Unfortunately, not all MECP
students complete their program and get commissioned. You will also participate in
the PRT twice a year and remain within body fat standards, as well as complete any
GMT training requirements as necessary.
30. Do I have to take the PRT while in school?
Yes, you remain on active duty and are governed by rules for active duty sailors and
marines.
