Has anyone completed one of the Army medical programs?

2017-05-29T18:08:47-04:00

I am looking into a career change as far as life outside the military goes, granted that's until the army no longer needs my services. However I am looking to become a Doctor, a pilot had told me about some army medical programs where the army pays for me to get my degree, I commission in the medical officer corps and move on from there? Any advice is appreciated.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made May 29 at 2017 7:05 PM

2017-05-29T19:05:17-04:00

That pilot was probably referring to the Health Professions Scholarship Program. That program pays for your entire med school (tuition, books, fees, stipend, etc.). You should talk with an AMEDD recruiter to get more details.

You can learn more about the HPSP at this link:

https://www.goarmy.com/amedd/education/hpsp.html

You can find an AMEDD recruiter through this link:

https://www.goarmy.com/locate-a-recruiter.html

Healthcare School Scholarships

Earn a full-tuition health education scholarship for an accredited medical, dental, veterinary, optometry or clinical and counseling psychology program.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2017 8:50 PM

2017-05-29T20:50:25-04:00

Not sure how far along you are in your studies, but this may be an option. It's a program specifically geared towards helping enlisted folks gain admission to medical school. Not only do you knock out your med school prereqs, but they do a lot of MCAT prep as well. I almost went this route myself, but I was in my early 30s and I couldn't see myself sludging through this program, then medical school, then a residency, and so on. I'd be into my 40s before I even started practicing. I know people do it, but I didn't have it in me. I decided to go to the Army's physical therapy program instead. Getting into that program was no walk in the park, but I think I'm happy with my decision.
https://www.usuhs.edu/emdp2

Enlisted to Medical Degree Home | Uniformed Services University

The mission of the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences is to educate, train, and comprehensively prepare uniformed services health professionals, scientists, and leaders to support the Military and Public Health Systems, the National Security and National Defense Strategies of the United States, and the readiness of our Uniformed Services.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2017 10:13 PM

2017-05-29T22:13:33-04:00

The army PA program is great, so is the ACEP tiger your RN. Med school is much harder

Response by SFC Rich Combs made May 29 at 2017 10:42 PM

2017-05-29T22:42:46-04:00

Try this, many of my former medics went this route, some of them in the mid to late 40's...

https://www.usuhs.edu/medschool/somadmissionrequirements

Admission Requirements | Uniformed Services University

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2017 7:58 AM

2017-05-30T07:58:53-04:00

Kevin, good to see you still active in here. PFC Sword, I would add a few things. Medical school, any medical school, is life consuming for four years. Followed by residencies that keep you in the hospital overnight multiple times a week. It is not for the feint of heart. Have you also considered the IPAP program? The Interservice Physician Assistant Program may be a good way to go. You obtain your associates on your own. Over 18 months, you obtain your Masters Degree as a PA. Again, labor intensive to go from an associates to a Masters in 18 months, but less time than 4 years of med school and residencies. Typical assignments are more TOE/ field based than a traditional MD. Lot's of opportunities at Battalion Aid Stations, etc. I'd discuss the opportunities with your flight surgeon.
Finally, as a nurse, I'd endorse the Army Enlisted Commissioning Program (AECP), as shown below. Again, need your first two years of college (no associates), then go to school as an E5, full pay and allowances, for two years as you work towards your BSN. Less intense from my perspective.

Response by MAJ William Dolen made May 30 at 2017 4:01 PM

2017-05-30T16:01:25-04:00

I did HPSP, and have no regrets. Yes, medical school is tough. I had no trouble doing the specialties of my choice, but of course had little control over where I was assigned. Best of luck in your career.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2018 9:52 PM

2018-12-17T21:52:27-05:00

Listen to LTC Broom - Right now, you do EXACTLY what a physician does. You listen to the symptoms, you do an exam, sometimes surgery. I’m not kidding here. You, decide what bird needs what, and how to provide what it needs. You won’t be happy as sombody’s assistant or nurse. If you’re under 50, go for MD.

Response by 1stLt M Cara made Dec 19 at 2018 10:32 PM

2018-12-19T22:32:53-05:00

The Army also has a good Physician's Assistant Program.