NROTC Navy Pre-Medical Option Scholarship Program (2025)

This guide provides information that will help you with your decision to become a Navy Officer through the NROTC Navy Pre-Medical option scholarship program during Fiscal Year 2025.

If you’re reading this article, it’s clear that you’re a motivated individual with aspirations of serving your country while pursuing a medical career.

Becoming a Navy Medical Officer is challenging, but the rewards of leading and serving in the military medical community make the journey worthwhile.

The NROTC Navy-Pre-medical option scholarship program is available to students interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree to prepare for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and admission to medical school via the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) or the Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program (AFHPSP). The program is managed by the Naval Service Training Command (NSTC).

But how do you get started on your path to becoming a Navy Medical Officer?

Keep reading to learn more about the NROTC Navy Pre-Medical Option Scholarship Program during Fiscal Year 2025.

What Does a Navy Medical Officer Do?

Navy Medical Officers play a critical role in maintaining the health and readiness of military personnel. They provide essential medical care, leadership, and support in various operational settings.

As a Navy Medical Officer, your responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Providing medical care and treatment to Navy and Marine Corps personnel.
• Leading medical teams in both peacetime and wartime settings.
• Conducting preventive medicine programs to enhance the health of service members.
• Participating in humanitarian missions and disaster relief operations.
• Engaging in medical research and training to improve healthcare delivery in military operations.

Navy Medical Officer Pay

In addition to regular military pay and allowances, Navy Medical Officers are eligible for bonuses and additional compensation based on their medical specialty. This combination of salary, allowances, and special duty pay positions Navy Medical Officers among the highest-paid officers in the Navy.

Navy Medical Officer Career Path

Becoming a Navy Medical Officer begins with being selected for the NROTC Navy Pre-Medical option scholarship. This specific program offers unique opportunities and challenges for motivated individuals pursuing a medical career while serving in the military.

Initial Officer Training

After selection, NROTC scholarship recipients must complete their undergraduate education while fulfilling the NROTC training requirements, including leadership training, naval science courses, and participation in summer training exercises.

Follow-On Medical Officer Training

Upon completion of their undergraduate degree and commissioning, newly minted Medical Officers will attend a Navy Officer Training program, followed by medical school.

Medical school training will prepare you to enter the medical field, focusing on primary care, surgery, or other specialties, depending on your interests and Navy needs.

Navy Medical Officer Career Progression

Navy Medical Officers typically serve in various assignments throughout their careers, including operational assignments with Navy and Marine Corps units, as well as positions in hospitals and clinics.

As you progress through your career, you may take on leadership roles, participate in advanced medical training, and contribute to medical research within the Navy.

Navy Medical Officer Requirements

To become a Navy Medical Officer, candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements. The requirements below are current as of December 2023, per the Navy Personnel Command.

Basic Eligibility for Navy Medical Officer

1. Citizenship
   Applicants must be citizens of the United States.
2. Age
   Applicants must be no older than 42 years old at the time of commissioning.
3. Education
   A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution is required, along with completion of the necessary pre-medical courses. Applicants must achieve a minimum high school GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, a minimum SAT score of 1300, or a composite ACT score of 28. Full-time college students not on an NROTC scholarship may apply through their educational institution’s NROTC unit for a Navy-Pre-medical option side-load scholarship if they maintain a college GPA of 3.5 or higher after their first or second academic year.
4. Physical Requirements
   Applicants must pass a medical examination to ensure they meet the physical standards required for military service.

Selection Process for Navy Medical Officer

Candidates interested in the Navy Medical Officer program must submit an application through their NROTC unit. The selection process includes an evaluation of academic performance, physical fitness, and leadership potential. The only waiver for a low GPA is a higher SAT/ACT score.

NROTC Navy Pre-Medical Officer Application Calendar

1. Application Submission
   Applications for the NROTC Navy Pre-Medical option scholarship are typically due in February.
2. Selection Panel
   The selection panel reviews applications and invites selected candidates to participate in interviews and assessments.
3. Final Selections
   Final selections are made in April, with notifications sent to candidates shortly thereafter.

NROTC Navy Pre-Medical Officer Application Contact Information

For more information regarding the application process, contact your NROTC unit or the Navy Medical Officer Community Manager.

More Information

If you want to know more about becoming a Navy Medical Officer, the next logical step is to contact a Naval Officer Recruiter.

Exploring this path can help you determine if becoming a Navy Medical Officer aligns with your career aspirations and life goals.