Posted on Aug 7, 2022
Is it possible to change my MOS from 68C to 68W?
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I've finished basic in March, and just approved for 68C school in October. Long story, off topic why so long.
My question is... Is it possible to change my mos from 68C to 68W? And is there anything inaccurate or need to add in my reasons below for leaning 68W or 68C?
Reasons to change to 68W:
1. 68w seems to have more in field application than 68C.
2. 68W seems more like my future civilian career (trail building and wildland firefighting)
3. I can always do nursing (68C) when I'm older and more broken.
4. 68Ws have more schools available.
5. 68Ws have more ability to deploy more often as a reservist.
6. None of my role models are nurses. They're all paramedics or doctors.
Reasons to stay 68C:
1. More needed in disaster relief missions army and civilian side. (Not 100% sure about this)
2. More flexibility and choice in what they do, bc they are males (a minority) in a female dominated field.
3. Nurses get more free education ("the best in the army")
4. LPN Nurses get paid 30% more than EMTs.
5. More flexibility on civilian side bc travel nurses can work anywhere in the world. EMTs only certified in US.
Thanks for your time!
Mack
My question is... Is it possible to change my mos from 68C to 68W? And is there anything inaccurate or need to add in my reasons below for leaning 68W or 68C?
Reasons to change to 68W:
1. 68w seems to have more in field application than 68C.
2. 68W seems more like my future civilian career (trail building and wildland firefighting)
3. I can always do nursing (68C) when I'm older and more broken.
4. 68Ws have more schools available.
5. 68Ws have more ability to deploy more often as a reservist.
6. None of my role models are nurses. They're all paramedics or doctors.
Reasons to stay 68C:
1. More needed in disaster relief missions army and civilian side. (Not 100% sure about this)
2. More flexibility and choice in what they do, bc they are males (a minority) in a female dominated field.
3. Nurses get more free education ("the best in the army")
4. LPN Nurses get paid 30% more than EMTs.
5. More flexibility on civilian side bc travel nurses can work anywhere in the world. EMTs only certified in US.
Thanks for your time!
Mack
Posted in these groups: 
68C: Practical/Vocational Nursing
68W: Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic)
68C: Practical/Vocational Nursing 68W: Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic)
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 9
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It's possible, but your reserve contract put you in a para/lin for 68C.
You would need to talk to your command about moving to a 68W para/lin first.
For deployments, yes plenty of 68Ws deploy, and there are plenty of 68Ws to compete with for that, it's tougher to find someone in the low density jobs like 68C.
Also, everything you did and plan to do sounds like 12 series MOSes, other than needing an EMT basic for firefighting, which they provide for you.
You would need to talk to your command about moving to a 68W para/lin first.
For deployments, yes plenty of 68Ws deploy, and there are plenty of 68Ws to compete with for that, it's tougher to find someone in the low density jobs like 68C.
Also, everything you did and plan to do sounds like 12 series MOSes, other than needing an EMT basic for firefighting, which they provide for you.
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SGT (Join to see)
Thanks for clearing that up, may mean more deployments for a nurse. So does 68C provide EMT training as well?
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"None of my role models are nurses, they are all paramedics and doctors." I see my advice is not solicited.
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SGT (Join to see)
I just meant I've never met a male nurse in the military, and I don't know the profession, but I know a ton of male medics in the military. Sorry how that reads I guess. Do you have any advice?
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TSgt William Meyer
I know this question is 2 years old, but I was a 68C reservist, now retired, who was assigned to a Combat Support Hospital. I can say that there are absolutely Male RN’s in the regular Army and Reserves.
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Taking the 68W and getting whatever EMT training you can will help in both military and civilian life. Changing your MOS may not get you out of you current duty but emergency care and nursing are a great combination...
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Dear SGT (Join to see),
I am retired (1996) US Navy Chief Hospital Corpsman. METC (Medical Enlisted Training Command) at Fort Sam has been making great strides in connecting with civilian schools to help AD, NG, Res and Veterans take their training and with a few more credit hours get their degree. But it takes work!
You are a US Army Sgt and I 'assume' have some leadership skills. This said ask yourself what would one of my soldiers say if they asked me the same question and laid out their case for both 68W and 68C. Oh, my background is as an HM-8404 (Fleet Marine Corpsman) and HM-8432 (Operational Preventive Medicine/Occupational Health/Public Health Specialist).
All this said, have you looked at the 'METC' Degree Bridge Programs site?
Here's the link: https://www.metc.mil/Academics/Degree-Bridge-Programs/
Ask yourself:
Where do I want to be in my post-military life (or) you military life if you want to become an Army NC Officer -
- 1 yr after leaving service (or) after graduating from 68W/68C
- 5 yrs after leaving service (or) after graduating from 68W/68C
- 20 yrs after leaving service (or) after graduating from 68W/68C
The engagement of the WWW has allowed enlist men and women to take courses online 24/7/365. In the 'old days' I obtained an Associates before retiring, then retired and went on to finish a bachelors and work on 2-Masters. But had I had it to do all over I would not have retired and completed my bachelor's and master's before retiring and then retired to work on a PhD in healthcare analytics.
So, while you have a nice checklist for each, again ask yourself at the end of the end of the day where do you really want to be?
BTW, many nurses I have known have gotten their EMT and Paramedic licenses. In fact, I know the medical director (a physician) locally and she is always looking for highly trained paramedics or nurses that she can hire. I bet with both 68W and 68C plus a BSN she'd hire you yesterday into her LifeFlight program!!! With the right attitude.
Just saying..................
Recommendations:
1. Look at the schools via the METC portal to get your BSN and go on to get your MSN.
2. Consider doing both 68W and 68C by being #1 in your class in whichever one you start with
3. Have a passion to be a "WARRIOR-HEALER"
4. Read the MoH Citations for men who were medics and corpsman and ask yourself what will make you the best and what are you willing to sacrifice to be the best 68W or 68C
5. Don't use language like "I can always do nursing (68C) when I'm older and more broken" it POs me! And suggest something else, besides, I am married to a nurse, so think before you write. Have pride in choosing to be a nurse or become something else!!!
If I have offended, you...suck it up...but if I have made you think then great. Frankly, I would not have responded except for reading the "I can always do nursing (68C) when I'm older and more broken".
Oh, between my wife and I we have > 80 years in healthcare both in and outside the military.
Finally, take a close look at the female nurses and medics shown here. Do you measure up???
Just saying.................................................
Respectfully,
Nate Szejniuk
HMC (SW/AW), USN (Ret)
PS I wrote the graphic for women's history month a few years ago and published it on Linked-In.
I am retired (1996) US Navy Chief Hospital Corpsman. METC (Medical Enlisted Training Command) at Fort Sam has been making great strides in connecting with civilian schools to help AD, NG, Res and Veterans take their training and with a few more credit hours get their degree. But it takes work!
You are a US Army Sgt and I 'assume' have some leadership skills. This said ask yourself what would one of my soldiers say if they asked me the same question and laid out their case for both 68W and 68C. Oh, my background is as an HM-8404 (Fleet Marine Corpsman) and HM-8432 (Operational Preventive Medicine/Occupational Health/Public Health Specialist).
All this said, have you looked at the 'METC' Degree Bridge Programs site?
Here's the link: https://www.metc.mil/Academics/Degree-Bridge-Programs/
Ask yourself:
Where do I want to be in my post-military life (or) you military life if you want to become an Army NC Officer -
- 1 yr after leaving service (or) after graduating from 68W/68C
- 5 yrs after leaving service (or) after graduating from 68W/68C
- 20 yrs after leaving service (or) after graduating from 68W/68C
The engagement of the WWW has allowed enlist men and women to take courses online 24/7/365. In the 'old days' I obtained an Associates before retiring, then retired and went on to finish a bachelors and work on 2-Masters. But had I had it to do all over I would not have retired and completed my bachelor's and master's before retiring and then retired to work on a PhD in healthcare analytics.
So, while you have a nice checklist for each, again ask yourself at the end of the end of the day where do you really want to be?
BTW, many nurses I have known have gotten their EMT and Paramedic licenses. In fact, I know the medical director (a physician) locally and she is always looking for highly trained paramedics or nurses that she can hire. I bet with both 68W and 68C plus a BSN she'd hire you yesterday into her LifeFlight program!!! With the right attitude.
Just saying..................
Recommendations:
1. Look at the schools via the METC portal to get your BSN and go on to get your MSN.
2. Consider doing both 68W and 68C by being #1 in your class in whichever one you start with
3. Have a passion to be a "WARRIOR-HEALER"
4. Read the MoH Citations for men who were medics and corpsman and ask yourself what will make you the best and what are you willing to sacrifice to be the best 68W or 68C
5. Don't use language like "I can always do nursing (68C) when I'm older and more broken" it POs me! And suggest something else, besides, I am married to a nurse, so think before you write. Have pride in choosing to be a nurse or become something else!!!
If I have offended, you...suck it up...but if I have made you think then great. Frankly, I would not have responded except for reading the "I can always do nursing (68C) when I'm older and more broken".
Oh, between my wife and I we have > 80 years in healthcare both in and outside the military.
Finally, take a close look at the female nurses and medics shown here. Do you measure up???
Just saying.................................................
Respectfully,
Nate Szejniuk
HMC (SW/AW), USN (Ret)
PS I wrote the graphic for women's history month a few years ago and published it on Linked-In.
The Official Website of the Medical Education & Training Campus
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SGT (Join to see)
Thank you Chief! I really appreciate all of what you've explained. I have looked into METC and found the 68C school graduates with a LPN lisence for state of Texas. That's great, I'm sure it would do well for a flight nurse program as your medical director is looking for.
And yes sorry about the broken statement I guess I'm offending many people here, like you said I need to be more diplomatic. I like your graphic, it shows great wome. In service. Not sure I'm trying to "measure up" to anyone else in military medicine etc, just trying to open doors for myself in a career in fire service and trailbuilding.
Funny timing,, just found out yesterday from my SSG my reenlistment contract said 68C, so no choice at this point.... I'll just take pride in the opportunity to be a nurse. And as you mentioned... get my EMT after I finish next year. Thanks for yours and your wife's help Chief!
And yes sorry about the broken statement I guess I'm offending many people here, like you said I need to be more diplomatic. I like your graphic, it shows great wome. In service. Not sure I'm trying to "measure up" to anyone else in military medicine etc, just trying to open doors for myself in a career in fire service and trailbuilding.
Funny timing,, just found out yesterday from my SSG my reenlistment contract said 68C, so no choice at this point.... I'll just take pride in the opportunity to be a nurse. And as you mentioned... get my EMT after I finish next year. Thanks for yours and your wife's help Chief!
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CPO Nate S.
SGT (Join to see) - You are welcome! I agree, yes, take great-pride in your career! But always remember those who have gone before you to pave the way!
I am happy you reacted in such a professional manner. I am glad you learned something.
BTW, while flipping through channels last night I located the movie Hacksaw Ridge about Desmond Doss (https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/desmond-t-doss) a MoH awardee and USA Army Medic from WWII. As military medics and corpsmen we stand on the shoulders of some of the bravest and humblest of those who have shown us the real heart of our chosen profession. Always seek to honor their memory!
Finally, remember that what you are doing in the fire service and trailblazing takes great courage and few are able to do what you can do. As a nurse you will be able to bring together a host of skills others cannot come close to having. Use this combination to set the example!
Oh the "measure up" commentary was designed to get your attention for the "more broken up" language. The only measure you have to achieve is against the standards of "excellence" you set for yourself. Are you seeking to be the best and by being the best are you setting the kind of example for others to follow? Be at the top of your class as a 68C.
Take care,
Just an ole salt!
I am happy you reacted in such a professional manner. I am glad you learned something.
BTW, while flipping through channels last night I located the movie Hacksaw Ridge about Desmond Doss (https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/desmond-t-doss) a MoH awardee and USA Army Medic from WWII. As military medics and corpsmen we stand on the shoulders of some of the bravest and humblest of those who have shown us the real heart of our chosen profession. Always seek to honor their memory!
Finally, remember that what you are doing in the fire service and trailblazing takes great courage and few are able to do what you can do. As a nurse you will be able to bring together a host of skills others cannot come close to having. Use this combination to set the example!
Oh the "measure up" commentary was designed to get your attention for the "more broken up" language. The only measure you have to achieve is against the standards of "excellence" you set for yourself. Are you seeking to be the best and by being the best are you setting the kind of example for others to follow? Be at the top of your class as a 68C.
Take care,
Just an ole salt!
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In my experience as a Unit Administrator I would look at the available/qualified W and C. If I have a shortage of qualified C I would not recommend a slot change. Good luck
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Seek out those who are the decision makers. Maybe they flip flop you if the MOS you seek is understregth. I won't contact the proponent that first approved your initial request.
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SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM
I would contact the folks that previously approved your class attendance
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SGT (Join to see)
I see find someone who has the authority who approved class attendance. Thank you SFC!
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While keeping your C doesn’t mean you lose opportunities to deploy as a W. You are are more of an asset since you can deploy as either. You don’t have to work as a nurse in the civilian sector, but you do have the option to work in the ER. That will give you the the experience you’re looking for while maintaining your MOS. You can ask the command to place you in a W slot prior to any deployment, but it will be up to the command and depending on how many C are qualified to deploy. Something to think about.
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SGT (Join to see)
These are all great points, thank you SSG. I have heard of 68Csdoing 68W work. So if I understand right... 68C gets all the training a 68W would get plus more?
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SSG Sofia Cardenas
SGT (Join to see)
I was trained as a 91C (68C now) and prerequisite for a C is to have a valid W certification/national registry and most of your continued training will be mostly W and some C. As long as you maintain both you will have the most training and more options. Sometimes assignments only require W personnel, but with you having both you can opt to take those assignments as well as C assignments. When I deployed to Afghanistan I had some C’s assigned to a FST (Forward Surgical Team) which I believe would be something for you, but you would not have this option if you are just a W. Just think about what opportunities you would miss without your C license. Do your research before giving up your license. Good luck
I was trained as a 91C (68C now) and prerequisite for a C is to have a valid W certification/national registry and most of your continued training will be mostly W and some C. As long as you maintain both you will have the most training and more options. Sometimes assignments only require W personnel, but with you having both you can opt to take those assignments as well as C assignments. When I deployed to Afghanistan I had some C’s assigned to a FST (Forward Surgical Team) which I believe would be something for you, but you would not have this option if you are just a W. Just think about what opportunities you would miss without your C license. Do your research before giving up your license. Good luck
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SGT (Join to see)
SSG Sofia Cardenas Roger, I see what you're saying. C gives you qualifications for units that maybe Ws would be required if the need was there like FST, or my unit would slot me into a W position for a deployment. And don't give up the LPN before doing research. Copy. Thanks for your guidance SSG!
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