68wM6

[martindb9]

I will be going to MEPS soon and want 68wM6 as my MOS. I have been told that it is only offered to you if you do well in whiskey school and i have been told you must have it in your contract. I have also been told that it is and is not offered to non-priors.
also i have read to not sign unless its in your contract and walk out of MEPS and then they will give it to you. (throw a hissy) lol

Does anyone have clear information on this?

[qcomer]

IT has to be it in your contract for you to get it.

If there is no units with that slot around you,d ont bother throwing a hissy fit. That works on Active Duty but not in the guard. IF they dont have a slot, they dont have a slot.

[martindb9]

could i join in a different state that has an opening? I live in SC but am from PA/MD so any would do for me

can i find out what states have slots available?

[qcomer]

could i join in a different state that has an opening? I live in SC but am from PA/MD so any would do for me

can i find out what states have slots available?
You would need to talk to a recruiter and get permission from the unit also. The recruiter will help with that.

[martindb9]

has anyone been through 68WM6 AIT

I know long it lasts but any other details would be helpful.

Do you get breaks to visit family since you are gone for basically a year?

Thanks

Martin

[eyemedic]

Being of a squidly nature, what is the M6 variant of 68W?

[7011USMC]

Being of a squidly nature, what is the M6 variant of 68W?

ASI M6 is Licensed practical nurse. Completion of the training you can take test and if you pass your NCLEX-PN then your a 68WM6 LPN.

[eyemedic]

Thank you!

[Firefighter1EMT-I]

Oregon does not have 68WM6

[QuantumRN]

M6 is mostly for active component. It's a dying program in the Guard because the guard doesn't have a need for LPN's. Everyone wants it, barely anyone get's it. I'm not saying it can't be done, but I would hold my breath trying to get it nor would I demand it when enlisting.

If someone REALLY wants to be a LPN/LVN, utilize the educational benefits that are available to you. It makes more sense to go straight for a BSN though, if you are looking to advance and get paid well.

[Firefighter1EMT-I]

M6 is mostly for active component. It's a dying program in the Guard because the guard doesn't have a need for LPN's. Everyone wants it, barely anyone get's it. I'm not saying it can't be done, but I would hold my breath trying to get it nor would I demand it when enlisting.

If someone REALLY wants to be a LPN/LVN, utilize the educational benefits that are available to you. It makes more sense to go straight for a BSN though, if you are looking to advance and get paid well.


That's if you can find a program to get into. I've tried for a couple of years now and at the community colleges here in my area, people with 3.9 GPA couldnt get in. Even the Tech schools are getting into the mix. Pioneer Pacific (Tech school) has an LPN program, but it'll cost the average guy $20k. In addition, they have submitted paperwork to also have the LPN to RN program in the near future. With these programs, it's all inclusive. Theres no need to have A&P's, Chem, Tech writing, etc. Granted, If you wanted to get your BSN for commission, it's not going to work unless you've completed normal Bachelors of Science lower and upper division requirements. Pioneer's class do not transfer.

[martindb9]

My recruiter keeps telling me that i will find out at meps if M6 is available and that he doesnt know how to find out.
Not sure if that is right. I would think there would be some way of finding out before i go up there and they put a contract in my face if its available.
Does that make sense?

Also Quantum
M6 would pay you to become an LPN in 1 year then you can transfer to ADN or BSN ASN completed in about 1 year BSN completed in 3 years with LPN license What doesnt make sense about that? Get paid to learn or use up GI bill to get degree when you could use GI to advance higher.

[QuantumRN]

Also Quantum
M6 would pay you to become an LPN in 1 year then you can transfer to ADN or BSN ASN completed in about 1 year BSN completed in 3 years with LPN license What doesnt make sense about that? Get paid to learn or use up GI bill to get degree when you could use GI to advance higher.

IF you can get M6 then go for it. It's just a long shot, that's all.

I always encourage people to go straight for their BSN, if possible. I have seen too many people stop at LPN or RN "thinking" that they will "finish up" later. Some do, most don't, and they ALL regret not going straight through when they had the chance. Life happens, and that's their excuse. I went through nursing school with a baby on my hip and finished my Masters with a full-time job and 3 kids. It wasn't easy, but I didn't give myself any other "out" except to keep going until I walked on stage, and degree was in my hand.

Most of the advice I give on here requires long term gratification. Given the choice, I would rather graduate with 80K in school loans with a bachelors in nursing (like in my case) and direct commission (you could use SLRP), than to spend a year, (even if getting paid), to get my LPN, then go from school to school finishing a RN, then a BSN. There are way too many opportunites to quit along that road. Remember, there are many ways to one destination. This is just my opinion of the best route based on my 10+ years in this profession. I have seen who succeeds, and who doesn't.

I work with a nurse right now who went LPN> RN and the state took a direct commission nurse with a bachelors over hers for the one slot they had left in the unit. Right now, she is a 68WM6, an E-5, and just got her 20 year letter. Why? Because "she was going to do that later" and "later" never came. She got promoted to E-6, then lost it because she didn't go to BNOC. Why? Because she had a packet in for a DC and didn't think she needed to go. She is now submitting another DC packet.... and this is not an isolated case. It happens all the time.

The medical profession needs good nurses. Just make sure you have plan "B" ready if M6 is not available.

Good Luck! :)

[martindb9]

Nice post Quantum

I'm still not sure about M6 availaility or how to find out if it's available for the Guard or just the Army, I have heard so much different information.
My recruiter doesnt know how to find out.

[Firefighter1EMT-I]

Nice post Quantum

I'm still not sure about M6 availaility or how to find out if it's available for the Guard or just the Army, I have heard so much different information.
My recruiter doesnt know how to find out.

It's a total mess. I posted earlier that Oregon does not have 68WM6, however, a very good friend of mine, that works at the State Guard office and deals with the budgets for all units. Said to me yesterday that Oregon does have M6 at the Charlie Medical Company, by the way he is also a 68w and EMT-I. So what the right answer? when you get to MEPS, whatever you can get on your contract....eventhough you will sign a contract with your recruiter and will redo one at MEPS...is the final determination.

[QuantumRN]

It's a total mess. I posted earlier that Oregon does not have 68WM6, however, a very good friend of mine, that works at the State Guard office and deals with the budgets for all units. Said to me yesterday that Oregon does have M6 at the Charlie Medical Company, by the way he is also a 68w and EMT-I. So what the right answer? when you get to MEPS, whatever you can get on your contract....eventhough you will sign a contract with your recruiter and will redo one at MEPS...is the final determination.

M6 as in someone that did it? or a slot in the class? or what exactly?

M6 school is at fort Sam Houston. There may be 68w's that have the identifyer, but they could have gotten it in RA, the reserves, or went to LPN school on their own.

My best guess on the process is that M6 exists for the RA and reserves. Any extra slots, if there are any, may be given or offered to the Guard.

[eyemedic]

That's if you can find a program to get into. I've tried for a couple of years now and at the community colleges here in my area, people with 3.9 GPA couldnt get in. Even the Tech schools are getting into the mix. Pioneer Pacific (Tech school) has an LPN program, but it'll cost the average guy $20k. In addition, they have submitted paperwork to also have the LPN to RN program in the near future. With these programs, it's all inclusive. Theres no need to have A&P's, Chem, Tech writing, etc. Granted, If you wanted to get your BSN for commission, it's not going to work unless you've completed normal Bachelors of Science lower and upper division requirements. Pioneer's class do not transfer.

If you get your LPN through a tech school there are other ways of getting your RN and then BSN. I have been working on my RN for a number of years now. (Had to stop for a while due to family issues). B ut if it helps there are ways that will help you break into nursing schools that have competative enrollment processes.

[martindb9]

giving a new bump since i havnt got the answer im lookin for but a lot of other good info

I'm still not sure about M6 availaility or how to find out if it's available for the Guard or just the Army, I have heard so much different information.
My recruiter doesnt know how to find out.

Is it that difficult to find out availability for each state?

[QuantumRN]

This is from the AMEDD course catalog:
300-M6
PRACTICAL NURSE Phase: 1
Location School Code: 081 Length: 8 weeks
Description: This three-phased course trains the 68W Soldier in skills and knowledge necessary to become a
proficient entry level licensed practical nurse (68WM6). The student's training encompasses nursing for
in/outpatient care, emergent and minor acute treatments, and casualty care management. The 68W Soldier will
be trained to the licensing standards of the Texas Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners. Additionally, the
student receives specific training in military hospital field nursing, force medical protection, deployable medical
systems and equipment and critical care. This course is taught in three Phases:
Phase 1 at the Academy of Health Sciences, Fort Sam Houston (8 weeks) and Phase 2 and 3 at designated
MTF's (44 weeks). The total course length is 52 weeks.
Phase 1 provides an expansion of basic Anatomy and Physiology presented in the primary MOS Healthcare
Specialist Course and introduces the fundamentals of microbiology, nutrition, and pharmacological mathematic
concepts, fundamentals of nursing, train field-nursing skills/tasks, allow for set-up and use of ICU field medical
equipment, instruction on set-up and storage of DEPMEDS, and introduce computer/information systems used
for patient tracking and documentation such as Medical Communications for Combat Causality Care (MC4)
and Composite Healthcare System (CHCS I and II).
Phase 2 affords the student the opportunity to acquire the skills necessary to be a practical nurse in a variety of
community-based and acute care settings. This training includes advanced anatomy and physiology; expanded
use of principles in microbiology; integration of pharmacology and nutrition care; as well as pathophysiology of
170
the body systems and its manifestations. Medication administration is an essential component throughout
training. The nursing process provides the framework for the acquisition of knowledge and application of skills.
Special Information: 300-M6 is a three phased course, Soldiers must successfully complete all three phase
to be awarded the M6 ASI.
Reserve Component Soldiers will arrive at Fort Sam Houston with the following items MPRJ 201 file, Medical
Record, Dental Record and complete basic clothing issue, to include running shoes.
Active Army Soldiers must request training by submitting a DA Form 4187 to PERSCOM. A copy of their ERB
and letters of recommendation from either a practical nurse, registered nurse, physician's assistant, or a
physician evaluating the Soldier's potential and ability to complete this course should be included in their
packet.
All requests for waivers must be submitted to: CDR, AMEDDC&S, AMEDD Personnel Proponent Directorate,
ATTN: MCCS-DE, 2427 Hood St Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234-7584.
This training program replaces the 300-91C10 Course. Prior to completion of the course students will be
required to sit for and complete the NCLEX-PN examination. Practical Nurse course graduates must obtain
licensure as a Practical Nurse or a Vocational Nurse to maintain the ASI M6 IAW AR 40-68, DA PAM 611-21,
and MEDCOM Circular 40-14. The NCLEX examination fee is $200.00, and Texas licensure fee is $88.00 for
each student completing course requirements. To retain the M6 ASI, Soldiers must maintain their 68W MOS,
EMT certification, and hold a current, valid, unrestricted Practical or Vocational Nurse license.
300-M6
PRACTICAL NURSE Phase: 2
Location School Code: 830, 831, 834, 836, 837 Length: 38 weeks 3 days
Description: Phase 2 affords the student the opportunity to acquire the skills necessary to be a practical
nurse in a variety of community-based and acute care settings. This training includes: advanced anatomy and
physiology; expanded use of principles in microbiology; integration of pharmacology and nutrition care; as well
as pathophysiology
of the body systems and its manifestations. Medication administration is an essential component throughout
training. The nursing process provides the framework for the acquisition of knowledge and application of skills.
Phase 2 affords the student the opportunity to acquire the skills necessary to be a practical nurse in a variety of
community-based and acute care settings. This training includes: advanced anatomy and physiology;
expanded use of principles in microbiology; integration of pharmacology and nutrition care; as well as
pathophysiology of the body systems and its manifestations. Medication administration is an essential
component throughout training. The nursing process provides the framework for the acquisition of knowledge
and application of skills. Emphasis is placed on the student's ability to integrate concepts and perform skills in
a variety of clinical settings. The clinical rotations include, but are not limited to, medical-surgical, pre-and
postoperative settings, pediatrics, obstetrics, gerontology, emergency room, and critical care management
environments.
Special Information: 300-M6 is a THREE PHASED Course; the Soldier MUST SUCCESSFULLY
COMPLETE ALL THREE PHASES to be awarded the M6 ASI.
Reserve Component Soldiers will arrive at Fort Sam Houston with the following items MPRJ 201 file, Medical
Record, Dental Record and complete basic clothing issue, to include running shoes.
Active Army Soldiers must request training by submitting a DA Form 4187 to PERSCOM. A copy of their ERB
and letters of recommendation from either a practical nurse, registered nurse, physician's assistant, or a
physician evaluating the Soldier's potential and ability to complete this course should be included in their
packet.
Soldiers not having a Skills Technical score of 102 or higher and a General Technical score of 110 or higher
must submit an approved waiver with their packet.
All requests for waivers must be submitted to: CDR, AMEDDC&S, AMEDD Personnel Proponent Directorate,
ATTN: MCCS-DE, 2427 Hood St, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234-7584.
Prior to completion of the course students will be required to sit for and complete the NCLEX-PN examination.
Practical Nurse course graduates must obtain licensure as a Practical Nurse or a Vocational Nurse to maintain
the ASI M6 IAW AR 40-68, DA PAM 611-21, and MEDCOM Circular 40-14. The NCLEX examination fee is
$200.00, and Texas licensure fee is $88.00 for each student completing course requirements.
To retain the M6 ASI, Soldiers must maintain their 68W MOS, EMT certification, and hold a current, valid,
unrestricted Practical or Vocational Nurse license.
300-M6
PRACTICAL NURSE Phase: 3
Location School Code: 830, 831, 834, 836, 837 Length: 5 weeks 3 days
Description: Phase 3 affords the student the opportunity to acquire the beginning skills necessary to function
in a critical care environment. The training includes 40-hours of classroom instruction focusing on advanced
anatomy and physiology; pathophysiology of critical disease processes and integration of pharmacology, and
medical and nursing management/treatment modalities for the critically injured/ill patient. Students will also
receive 80-hours of clinical instruction in a critical care or intermediate care environment. In addition, during
this phase the student will receive NCLEX preparation through a structured review and NCLEX predictor exam.
Prior to completion of Phase 3, students will be required to sit for and complete the NCLEX-PN examination.
Special Information: 300-M6 is a THREE PHASED Course; the Soldier MUST SUCCESSFULLY
COMPLETE ALL THREE PHASES to be awarded the M6 ASI.
Reserve Component Soldiers will arrive at Ft Sam Houston with the following items MPRJ 201 file, Medical
Record, Dental Record and complete basic clothing issue, to include running shoes.
Active Army Soldiers must request training by submitting a DA Form 4187 to PERSCOM. A copy of their ERB
and letters of recommendation from either a practical nurse, registered nurse, physician's assistant, or a
physician evaluating the Soldier's potential and ability to complete this course should be included in their
packet. Soldiers not having a Skills Technical score of 102 or higher and a General Technical score of 110 or
higher must submit an approved waiver with their packet.
All requests for waivers must be submitted to: CDR, AMEDDC&S, AMEDD Personnel Proponent Directorate,
ATTN: MCCS-DE, 1400 E. Grayson Street, Ft Sam Houston, TX 78234-5052.
Prior to completion of the course students will be required to sit for and complete the NCLEX-PN examination.
Practical Nurse course graduates must obtain licensure as a Practical Nurse or a Vocational Nurse to maintain
the ASI M6 IAW AR 40-68, DA PAM 611-21, and MEDCOM Circular 40-14. The NCLEX examination fee is
$200.00, and Texas licensure fee is $88.00 for each student completing course requirements.
To retain the M6 ASI, Soldiers must maintain their 68W MOS, EMT certification, and hold a current, valid,
unrestricted Practical or Vocational Nurse license.

[QuantumRN]

Here's what I found on atrrs:

This course is available to Active Army and Army Reserve Soldiers Sergeant and below, whose primary MOS is 68W. Active Army soldiers requesting course 300-M6 must have a minimum of 24 months experience as a 68W prior to enrollment into the course. SGT (P) and above must request a waiver from APPD to attend this course. The service-remaining requirement (SRR) for in-service AA Soldiers upon completion of this course is 30 months, IAW AR 614-200, Chapter 4, Table 4-1. All students must have a current and valid NREMT-B certification and must maintain through the course in order to be awarded the ASI M6. The service remaining requirement for Army Reserve and National Guard must be referred tothe unit Career Counselor or Retention NCO for the latest SRR.
Prior to departure from home station, Soldiers are required to re-enlist or extend their term of enlistment in order to meet the SRR. Soldiers reporting to the AMEDDC&S not meeting this requirement will not be enrolled for training. Students cannot have been on probation for any reason within the past three years. Students cannot have been convicted, adjudged guilty by a court, plead guilty, or no contest to a felony in any state, territory or country, whether or not a sentence was imposed, including any pending criminal charges. Prior criminal offenses may necessitate the need to submit a "Petition for Declaratory Order" to the Texas State Board of Nursing. If a Petition is warranted, the student must be prepared to pay a fee of $150 to the Texas State Board of Nursing by the end of Phase 1 (first 8 weeks). Students cannot within the past five (5) years been addicted to and /or treated for the use of alcohol or any other drug; been diagnosed with, treated, or hospitalized for schizophrenia and/or psychotic disorder, paranoid personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder or bipolar disorder. Students cannot have a restricted nursing license in any state. Women who become pregnant prior to arrival or during the 300-M6 Phase 1 Course will be processed IAW AR 40-501. The physical demand for this ASI has a lifting requirement of 40 lbs.

[QuantumRN]

Here's the link:

https://www.atrrs.army.mil/atrrscc/courseInfo.aspx?fy=2009&sch=081&crs=300-M6&crstitle=PRACTICAL+NURSE&phase=1

[martindb9]

thanks Q

but what about the people that said they were guard and got it? and how would i find availability?
there's posts in here where i thought i understood that some people were straight outta BCT to M6 with no waiting period.

[QuantumRN]

That's a difficult one.
It states specifically, "Active Army soldiers requesting course 300-M6 must have a minimum of 24 months experience as a 68W prior to enrollment into the course."

So anyone that got it in their contract (if that's even true) might have been subject to different regulations, had prior experience as a 68w/91w, or was at the right place at the right time and got the slot.

If you want to exhaust every avenue to get a slot, you must make sure that your state has an opening for a 68w and your state has a NEED for a LPN. Once you have determined this, the course codes are all right there. Your recruiter and probably someone from your med det/com will have to see if there is availability in the 300-m6 course for someone in the Guard, and if so, how to waiver the 24 months experience requirement. It's A LOT of work, and like I said before, a long shot. I would suggest being very, VERY, VERY nice to your recruiter.

Remember, many states are overstrength with 68w and it's a very desirable MOS and easy to fill. Without a huge shortage, states have no reason to dangle a m6 "carrot" to get people to join.

[martindb9]

Im in South Carolina and have been told that there are 68w slots for me from my recruiter.
He's told me he doesnt know how or where to check for LPN slots.
Whats the med/det com and what would they do for me?
Yeah ive been very nice to my recruiter, but also want him to find out the info im looking for or give me a way to find it myself

[QuantumRN]

Every unit has an MTOE. It's a listing of how many slots of each type of MOS is authorized for that unit. If a medical detachment or command needs a 68w, then there is no soldier name on that line, hence, an opening.

If the MTOE doesn't list a 68wM6, then they have no specific need for one. That doesn't mean that they won't take one that is already qualified. You can put a 68wM6 in a 68w slot, but it is unlikely that they will take a new recruit and send you to training that is not needed for that particular MOS.

If, and this is a big IF, a slot did come up, they are more likely to give that to an exisiting 68w with outstanding evals and demonstrated performance. BCT+AIT+M6 schooling is a looooooong time and a heck of a lot of money to spend on someone who may complete the training, but not pass the NCLEX. (Yes, that happens.) It's not like handing out Airborne or Air Assault slots, and it's nothing personal either. It's just like any good business, the Army is looking for a return on their investment, and in this case, a big one.