EARLY CAREER INVESTIGATOR COACHING PROGRAM

The Early Career Investigator Coaching (ECIC) program is a 9-month program that invites new military nursing professionals to partner with seasoned nurse scientists and engage in clinical inquiry, scholarship, and the development of Evidence-Based Practice that helps solve challenges facing the Military Health System. Leveraging the expertise of experienced military nursing researchers, ECIC participants explore how nursing research can support their career goals. Plus, gain invaluable experience in research teams that expand the growing body of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) in operational nursing environments.

​

2026 Program

Applications Open: 7 Nov 2025

Applications Close: 9 Jan 2026 at 2359 ET

Acceptance Letters Sent: 19 Jan

Applicant Acceptance Due: 30 Jan by 2359 PT

 

Vision
To foster early military nursing professionals to engage in scientific scholarship and Evidence-Based Practice.

 

Who’s Eligible​

• U.S. Military Junior Nurses (O1 – O3) in good standing

• Graduated from an accredited Bachelor of Science in nursing program within three years of application

 

Benefits​

• Network in a supportive environment with accomplished nursing leaders and professionals across nursing specialties and military branches.

• Witness, develop and practice leadership skills and abilities to support your current and future roles in complex military  environments.

• Gain a mentor to help you identify and strategize career goals.

• Learn how to best transition from academia into military service.

• Build your resume and portfolio of experience.

• Collaborate with clinical mentors and experts across all military branches via Research Interest Groups.

​

Application Requirements

• Signed Letter recommendation from site CNO

• Signed Letter of Support from the Service Specialty Nursing Advisor

• Short Essay (less than 500 words) including:

  • Why you chose nursing

  • What military nursing service means to you

  • How the program will support your nursing career

  • Your future nursing career goals, including your interest in Evidence-Based Practice or research

  • Identify your topic of interest

  • Include your nursing areas of interest (e.g., family care, anesthesia, informatics, enroute care, etc.)

• All elements identified in the application requirements must be submitted before the application deadline.

• Incomplete applications will not be considered.

• All documents must be submitted in .doc, .docx, or PDF format.
   

Note: Program is dependent on available funding.