ACADEMIC AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Military Science is an elective curriculum that ROTC students take in conjunction with their required college classes. It prepares them with the tools, training and experiences for succeed in any competitive environment.
From nurses to engineers, pilots to the famous Special Forces, from humanitarian relief to Wall Street, ROTC is the stepping stone for people who want to make a difference, and a path to leadership. Classes are designed to develop leadership skills through classroom and practical exercises that can be applied to all facets of school, work and personal life. Additionally, students will be oriented to what the Army is and how it works.
Villanova's Army ROTC program is part of a school partnership. Widener University is the host school—although Villanova students take all courses at Villanova—and other schools in the partnership include Bryn Mawr College, Immaculata University, Penn State Brandywine, Penn State Abington, Neumann College and West Chester University
MILITARY SCIENCE
If nursing is your professional goal, there is no better place to begin your career than in Army ROTC. Army ROTC offers you the unique opportunity to gain practical experience while receiving financial assistance for college. Army ROTC provides an opportunity for college nursing students to receive practical, hands-on leadership experience. As an ROTC nursing student, you will be able to combine college electives in military science and an invaluable nurse summer training experience with the Villanova nursing program.
In order to complete the Army Nurse Corps requirements you must:
- Enroll in Army ROTC classes and complete all requirements.
- Maintain a GPA of 2.0 or better on a 4.0 scale.
- Receive a BSN and pass the national board examination (NCLEX).
After graduation you will be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army Nurse Corps. You will attend the Army Medical Department Officer Basic Course at Fort Sam Houston, Texas en route to your first clinical assignment as an Army nurse. The active duty commitment is four years, you then will have an option to exit active duty, while completing the remainder of your eight year commitment in either the active or inactive reserves.
After just one year at your initial assignment, you may have the opportunity to attend a clinical specialty course in one of the following areas:
- Critical Care Nursing
- Emergency Nursing Course
- Pre-operative Nursing
- Obstetrical and Gynecological Nursing
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing
- Community Health Nursing
In addition to the specialty courses listed above, Army Nurse Corps officers who are in a "career status" can apply for a graduate education program of their choice. Some of the more popular selections include anesthesia nursing, the family Nurse Practitioner, and health care or nursing administration.
ADDITIONAL AND ADVANCED TRAINING
All cadets are expected to pass the Army Fitness Test (AFT) once per semester. The ACFT consists of 3-repetition deadlift, pushups, sprint drag carry, plank, and a two mile run.
ROTC Cadets receive hands-on training in leadership tactics, outdoor survival, first aid, land navigation (map reading), and other basic military skills. Below are just a few of the potential training opportunities available.
Qualified cadets have access to a wide range of elite and challenging opportunities. They may earn Airborne qualification and become paratroopers, conducting static-line jumps from military aircraft, or attend Air Assault School to rappel from helicopters and master sling-load operations. Cadets can also explore specialized fields such as Psychological Operations (PSYOP), gaining exposure to influence operations and information warfare. Additionally, through Cadet Troop Leader Training (CTLT), cadets can spend part of their summer embedded with active-duty units around the world, shadowing lieutenants and gaining real-world leadership experience before commissioning.
Ranger Challenge is the Army ROTC’s premier competitive team, often referred to as the “varsity sport” of ROTC. This elite team is composed of highly motivated cadets who volunteer to train at an advanced level beyond standard program requirements. Ranger Challenge members dedicate additional hours each week to rigorous physical training, land navigation, weapons proficiency, tactical lanes, rope bridge construction, and endurance events.
The team competes against other universities in events that test physical fitness, mental toughness, and small-unit leadership under pressure. Participation in Ranger Challenge builds resilience, discipline, and an unmatched level of camaraderie, while preparing cadets to excel at advanced Army schools and future leadership roles.
Project GO is a Department of Defense initiative aimed at improving the language skills, regional expertise, and intercultural communication skills of future military officers. Cadets can win a scholarship to study over 15 different languages domestically or abroad.
