Pharmacists serve in the Army, Navy and Air Force as commissioned officers. The Coast Guard does not have a military occupational specialty fora pharmacist, and the Marine Corps pharmacists are classified under the Navy rules. Each military branch offers scholarship programs, loan repayment programs and sign-on bonuses for pharmacists.

Army Benefits

The U.S. Army offers pharmacists a sign-on bonus and loan repayment program. As of 2014, pharmacists qualify for a lump sum bonus of up to $30,000. The Pharmacist Health Professions Loan Repayment Program offers officers up to $120,000 to repay student loans obtained during pharmacy school.

The Navy offers pharmacy students the Navy Health Services Collegiate Program. As of 2014, students receive up to $134,600 over a maximum of 24 month. The scholarship includes a stipend and housing allowance. Pharmacy graduates who commission in the Navy receive a $30,000 sign-on bonus and an opportunity to participate in the Navy Health Professions Loan Repayment Program. This program offers up to $80,000 over a two-year period to repay pharmacy student loans.

Air Force Programs

Pharmacy students enlisting in the Air Force may participate in the Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program. This program pays for tuition and books and provides a monthly living stipend. Alternatively, pharmacy graduates who commission as active-duty officers may participate in the Air Force Active Duty Health Professions Repayment Program which offers up to $40,000 to repay student loans, as of 2009.

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