I'm considering a career as a military surgical technician. What does the training look like, and are there specific pathways to enter this role after high school? Any advice on how to prepare would be helpful!
Joining the military as a surgical technician can be an excellent entry into the healthcare field. Here, I'll give you a general pathway for a high school student interested in this career, using the U.S. Army as an example.
1. High School Preparation: As with any career in healthcare, a strong foundation in science and mathematics in high school will serve you well. Courses in biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology will be particularly beneficial.
2. Enlistment: After graduation from high school, you would enlist in the U.S. Army. Prior to enlistment, you would take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test. You'll want to aim for a good score in the General Science and Mathematics sections to qualify for medical roles.
3. Basic Combat Training (BCT): Squads known as BCT (Basic Conglomerate Training) is an initial 10-week training program that helps you transition from civilian to soldier.
4. Advanced Individual Training (AIT): After completing BCT, you would then attend a 52-week Specialized Training Assistance Program (STRAP), a program where you learn everything from basic patient care to more advanced medical procedures.
5. Job-Specific Training: Depending on your specific job, you may need additional training. In the case of a surgical technician, there's an additional 9 to 10 months of training at the Army Medical Center of Excellence. You’ll learn a range of skills including sterilization procedures, preparing patients for surgery, and assisting in surgical procedures.
6. Experience and Continuing Education: After the initial training, you'll start gaining real-world experience. Over time, you may also have opportunities for additional education and skills development.
Remember, different branches of the military may have slightly different requirements and training paths, and the specific job you go into may also affect your training. The most important thing is to research thoroughly and speak to recruitment officers to find the best fit for your long-term career goals.
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.