How do I pursue a career in military healthcare administration?

I’m interested in military healthcare admin jobs. What are the educational or training requirements for these positions? Is there a specific path I should take after graduating high school?

To pursue a career in military healthcare administration, you typically need a bachelor’s degree at the minimum, with some positions requiring a master's degree in healthcare administration, business, or a related field. Military healthcare administrators are responsible for overseeing the daily operations of military medical facilities, and they need a solid understanding of healthcare laws, regulations, technology, and policy, as well as management and leadership skills.

Here are the steps you could consider:

1. Complete a Bachelor's Degree:

After graduating from high school, you would generally need to enroll in a bachelor's degree program. While there's no specific bachelor's degree required for this career, studying subjects such as business administration, public health, or healthcare administration could be beneficial.

2. Internship or Work Experience:

Gaining work experience in the healthcare field can enhance your understanding of the industry and make you a more viable candidate for medical administration roles. This could include internships in hospitals, clinics, or healthcare organizations.

3. Obtain a Master's Degree (Optional):

Many military healthcare administrators go on to pursue a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration or a related field. This is not a requirement for all military healthcare administration roles, but it could lead to more advanced opportunities.

4. Join the Military:

To get into military healthcare administration, you'll need to join the military. Each branch (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force) has its own requirements and processes for enlistment or commissioning, so you'd need to research your preferred branch and speak with a recruiter.

5. Military-Specific Training:

Upon joining, you will undergo basic training also known as boot camp. You may also receive additional training pertaining to your specific healthcare administration role.

6. Credentials and Continuing Education:

Credentials, such as Certified Medical Manager (CMM) or Certified Health Care Financial Professional (CHFP), may be beneficial. Keeping up with changes in healthcare laws and technology through regular continuing education is also important.

Bear in mind there are different ways to navigate this pathway and individual journey's may vary. It might be beneficial for you to connect with military professionals in this career field to get more personalized advice.