I'm considering a career in the military medical field and wondered about the types of jobs available in military hospitals. What roles are most common, and what kind of training would I need? Any specific recommendations for getting started?
There are many types of jobs available in military hospitals that span a wide range of healthcare fields. Here are a few examples:
1. Medical Corps Officers: They are essentially physicians who perform duties specific to their specialty, such as anesthesiology, psychiatry, dermatology, surgery, radiology, and more.
2. Nurses: These can be general nurses, nurse anesthetists, critical care nurses, or psychiatric nurse practitioners among others.
3. Medical Specialists: These include roles like radiologic technicians, laboratory technicians, or respiratory therapists.
4. Mental Health Professionals: These include psychologists and social workers, who provide therapeutic services to soldiers and their families.
5. Enlisted Medical Assistants: These roles include healthcare specialists who may offer basic nursing care, assist with surgeries, or serve as field combat medics.
Regarding training, if you're interested in becoming a physician or a nurse, you’ll need a relevant degree (MD, DO, BSN, etc.) and you'll need to pass your licensing exams. For enlisted roles, a high school diploma or GED is typically required, and you would receive your training during your service.
When it comes to getting started, you could consider enrolling in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program if you're still in high school or college. This program offers scholarships for students who commit to serving in the military after graduation. If you're enlisting after obtaining a healthcare degree, the Officer Candidate School (OCS) or basic training is usually your starting point.
It's important to talk with a military recruiter to discuss your interests and goals. They can provide information on different roles and what the training, commitment, and lifestyle entail.
Military healthcare careers can be fulfilling pathways that provide valuable experience, so it's worth researching and considering your options. Please make sure you understand the demands and commitments of military service before enrolling or enlisting.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.