I’m currently trying to direct commission 70B. Is it possible to do the prerequisites, and then IPAP or HPSP while active?

2018-02-05T07:29:48-05:00

Extremely interested in medicine so want to get my feet wet as a 70b. Prior service with a bachelors and masters in business.

Is it possible to do my pre reqs then IPAP or HPSP as an active duty 70b? Or is your schedule far to busy?

I know I’ll most likely have to pay for pre reqs out of pocket because TA doesn’t cover lesser education according to recruiter, is there any loan repayment?

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Feb 5 at 2018 8:40 AM

2018-02-05T08:40:31-05:00

This is possible, but it will be tough.

Regarding the IPAP, you can go to it directly without serving a 70B. However, getting 70B experience and then transitioning to the IPAP is much more difficult. The Medical Service Corps (within which the 70B field falls) will have to be willing to release you to attend the IPAP, and that is no slam dunk. Also, the Specialist Corps would have to be willing to accept you. I suspect that won't be a problem. I taught in the Grad School at Fort Sam (where the IPAP resides) for five years and I'm not aware of any 70Bs who transitioned into that program. The Medical Service Corps has their own long-term schooling opportunities, and they don't include the IPAP. For 70Bs, those long-term schooling opportunities are focused more on the business side of the house (graduate degrees in health administration, business administration, logistics management, information management, human resources management, etc.).

Regarding HPSP, you might have to leave the service to go that route. Again, the Medical Service Corps would have to be willing to release you, and the Medical Corps would have to be willing to accept you. In this case, chances are low that the Medical Service Corps will release you to attend a college/university under HPSP. What's more likely is applying to attend medical school at the USUHS.

I don't know about the loan repayment option. Can't help you there.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2018 5:27 PM

2018-04-07T17:27:46-04:00

Yes. I did it, so it is not impossible.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2018 1:13 PM

2018-04-11T13:13:38-04:00

Hey just following up, did you go to the board?

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 4 at 2018 12:03 PM

2018-07-04T12:03:43-04:00

I'm going the 70B route and then pursuing Baylor DPT program. Like the PA program it's competitive- I figured too that 70B gets your feet wet. When I toured Baylor I spoke with admissions, cadre, & students (some took a similar path of 70B to specialist). I was told essentially the very beginning of medical BOLC's are the same and the experience can be beneficial... Not to mention you go ahead and commission. I spoke to one CPT who was grateful he went ahead and commissioned because he had to apply for 3 cycles before he was actually accepted into the DPT program.. That's years of experience under your belt/time in service.