Healthcare job opportunities in the US military?

I'm thinking about healthcare careers in the US military. What are some of the roles available in this area, and what kind of training or education would I need to pursue these opportunities?

There are many roles you can take on within healthcare in the U.S. military, and each branch, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force, has a medical department. Here are a few roles common in each branch:

1. Physician: You could strive to become a general physician or specialize in an area such as surgery, dermatology, or internal medicine. To pursue this, you'd need to complete an undergraduate degree, followed by medical school, and ultimately a residency program. The military typically looks for individuals that are already trained and can provide immediate services, so they often offer scholarships and loan repayment programs for those willing to commit to military service after completion of their medical training.

2. Registered Nurse: Nurses in the military provide medical care in various settings including military bases, hospitals, and clinics. They also could be deployed to war zones or disaster areas. To become an RN, you'll need to secure a nursing degree (either an associate's or bachelor's degree), and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

3. Psychiatrist: Military psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental health disorders in service members, and often help manage the psychological impact of being in the military. A bachelor's degree followed by medical school and a psychiatric residency program is required. Similar to physicians, there are financial incentives for those willing to sign a service agreement.

4. Medical Technician: Med techs perform critical support services such as lab work, radiology, and emergency medical support. The training for these roles depends on the specific job but typically ranges from a certification program to a bachelor's degree. Often, the military will provide technical training after enlistment.

5. Healthcare Administration: Those in this role ensure that medical services operate smoothly. They can work in areas such as patient records and information management, medical logistics, and facility management. A bachelor's degree in healthcare administration or a related field is typically required.

It's important to note that joining the military, in any capacity, is a significant decision and involves more than just determining a career path. Agencies like the U.S. Army Medical Department and the Navy Bureaus of Medicine and Surgery have recruitment and career counselors available to provide additional detailed information on these career opportunities. It's a good idea to reach out to these departments, or a recruitment officer, to get more detailed advice on these roles, and the best educational path to achieve them.