07/17/2026
Public Service Announcement â FY26/FY27 Army Medical Programs - Once a year boards coming up
Iâve seen a lot of questions across Reddit about Army medical programs, so I figured Iâd put together a quick timeline of some of the once-a-year selection boards coming up. If one of these interests you, itâs worth starting the process now rather than waiting until the last minute.
September 2026 (End of FY26)
Army Enlisted Commissioning Program (AECP) â For currently serving Soldiers who want to earn a BSN and commission into the Army Nurse Corps. If becoming an Army nurse is your goal, this is one of the best opportunities available.
72C Audiology â For licensed audiologists interested in serving as Army officers. Requirements vary depending on your education and professional qualifications, so itâs worth talking with a medical recruiter to see if you qualify.
October 2026 (Beginning of FY27)
66H Medical-Surgical Nurse â This is the annual board for Active Duty applicants. One misconception I see fairly often is that you need nursing experience to apply. You do not. Experience certainly makes a packet more competitive, but new graduates can absolutely be eligible.
Also expected during this timeframe:
71E Clinical Laboratory Officer
72D Environmental Science/Environmental Engineering Officer
67E Pharmacy Officer (U.S. Army Reserve only)
Each of these specialties has different qualification requirements, so eligibility depends on your degree, licensure, and experience.
November 2026
73A Social Work Program â Another great opportunity for currently serving Soldiers interested in earning an MSW and commissioning as an Army Social Worker.
What about HPSP?
The Medical Corps Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) is different. It has boards throughout the year, so if youâre a medical student (or accepted to medical school), you donât have to wait for one annual board. Most of the other AMEDD corps also have recurring monthly boards.
Timing
The September boards are getting close, so if youâre interested, youâre behind the ideal timelineâbut itâs definitely not too late.
For the October and November boards, now is the time to start. Building a competitive packet takes time, and starting early gives you the opportunity to fix any issues before the board convenes.
If you have questions about any of these programs or youâre trying to figure out whether youâre eligible, feel free to send me a DM.