What is daily life like for a 68C? Do the majority of 68Cs go to a hospital setting or FST, etc.?

2018-07-21T00:30:27-04:00

I just got approved for reclassification from 11B to 68C, and am looking for every bit of helpful information I can get. I know there's some information out there already, but I'm trying to get the most recent and up to date info I can from any 68Cs that have been through it.

I'm not slotted to leave for phase I until May of next year, is there any idea of when I will be able to know my phase II site? Is that given during phase I, or will I know beforehand? I read that it depends on the time you go to phase I, but I don't know if that's true or not.

What is daily life like? Do the majority of 68Cs go to a hospital setting or FST, etc.

What should I do with the almost 10 months I have before beginning school. I've read about studying up on anatomy and physiology, as well as pharmacology. Does anyone have any particular books that would be helpful? Maybe specific NCLEX study material? Just whatever you think would be helpful to study so that I could get that edge before I begin the school would be great.

Also, for reclassing, is there any say or requesting a duty location after the phase II? I wouldn't think so, but if there's a chance there is that would be incredible.

Thank you in advance.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2018 7:16 AM

2018-07-21T07:16:07-04:00

Your phase II site is entirely dependent on your phase I start time. You will know in phase I where you will go barring you do not fail phase I or get in trouble holding you back. Majority of my class went to the hospital setting. You can request duty station but it works like the rest of the army where your request means nothing so good luck. Phase I is basic A&P so dont burn yourself out before you even start the year long process. It is draining. Word of advice for the Army you are coming from. MEDDAC is a whole different mentality, it is very political and keep in mind most of the soldiers you will be enduring this AIT with are IET straight out if high school so keep your cool and prepare for bullshit. Good luck to you.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2018 12:11 AM

2018-07-22T00:11:27-04:00

When I reenlisted to become (then it was a M6) my phase two site was listed. Depending on your phase one start date they already know your phase II site.
Next what you should do to prepare.
Medical Terminology is big. There is a military corespondence course that might help. Also there is an app called speed anatomy. I think it’s 1 buck. Get that to start learning a little about anatomy. Write these names down and start googling them and looking them up. Understanding your medical terminology will be really big though.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2018 12:14 AM

2018-07-22T00:14:57-04:00

Oh yea almost forgot, coming from a line unit as medic to Tradoc and then MEDCOM is a huge culture shock. Start cutting down on your swearing now. As prior service your going to be expected to hold yourself to a very high standard with the Initial Entry. Mind not just what you say, but how you say it.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2018 12:33 AM

2018-07-24T00:33:28-04:00

Don’t worry about the NCLEX until phase 2. Take the A&P correspondence courses. Remove social media from your phone when you get to Ft Sam so you have to use your computer if you access it. Be intentional with your time. Focus on 50 meter targets.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2018 4:32 AM

2018-07-26T04:32:13-04:00

The instructors provide you the tools to succeed. Conduct yourself as you would any other time in the Army. Right place,time, uniform and with all the necessary materials needed. Choose study partners wisely if you choose to study with others. The IET will look to you to set the example. Focus on one exam at a time and you will be set. Good Luck..... ps...remember to pick the best right answer out of all the right answers...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2018 9:23 AM

2018-07-26T09:23:47-04:00

SPC Horner; drop me an email on outlook. I will be able to better assist you. I’m one of the Senior NCOs in the 68C schoolhouse. [login to see]

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2018 11:40 AM

2018-07-26T11:40:57-04:00

I'm currently an IET student for the 68C program and we graduate from phase II in 2 and a half weeks. We've been going at it since July 2017 in Ft. Sam. Don't mind my rank, the 68C program is all I know for the army.
Anyway, if you do not have a medical/biological/A&P background, you may have a rough start in all honesty. It doesn't hurt to start reading about normal human processes right now. They give you all the textbooks you need for anything you will be tested on, so don't stress about getting books now. Cracking open an A&P book from a library or reading on the internet for a little bit will only help you so much if you retain it for a whole year before. Enjoy not being in a learning environment for a year because its rough. Phase I, which is down in San Antonio, will be strict didactic from 0630 to roughly 1700 with a few experimental classes M-F so hunker down and !!!stay awake!!! That's probably the hardest part for phase I. Study. You do not want to be the fool who never studies and fails out of phase I of all parts of the program. Your studying will only show in your test performances. Your tests STRONGLY reflect the power points and the textbook you are assigned so use your textbook with the slides up on your phone or computer, etc. Since you are prior service, I cant vouch for your after class lifestyle as I stayed in the Bays with some other 68D and 68Cs.

As for phase II, this will depend when you are enrolled into the program. They cycle through their sites. If I remember, it goes something like Ft. Lewis, Ft. Gordon, Ft. Bliss, Walter Reed D.C., Ft. Sam. My class is in Walter Reed which, all in all, is pretty cool. Occasionally you get some VIPS like Obama and trump come by so all hell closes down for them. This part of training is heavy didactic and Clinical rotations. DO NOT STRESS ABOUT THE NCLEX UNTIL THE END. I'm taking my NCLEX here on August 6th and that's 1 week before graduation. They will prepare you appropriately for the NCLEX if you listen and put in the effort to pass. Focus on each test that is given to you as each test brings their own challenges. Learn to take tests and devisee a test taking strategy. Just like phase 1, you're going to receive a fat purple book (we call it the nursing bible) which will be used in phase 2 as well. READ THAT THING. The test corresponds with the textbooks you receive. Do not doubt your resources. All the answers on your tests are easily found in the textbooks. Having the PowerPoints and that textbook in class is all you need to pass the tests. Just pay attention, and when you start to daydream, look at the textbook, take notes, standup and stretch; keep your brain awake. Its engaging information, but it is very repetitive. Get a study group because discussing amongst your classmates helps bring everything together. (Know your med classes, disease processes, electrolytes, lab values, and nursing processes - they will make sense when you get there). Don't put yourself down if you fail a test. Swipe yourself off and take the retake the next day. It happens.

Your life here at WRNMMC is 0630 to 1530 in the routine portion. In the beginning it was 0630 to 1700/1800 at times, but it will eventually cut down. There will be some early days (rare - so enjoy them) but more late days than anything. These are usually for doing your Nursing care plans, DCWs, and reading. EXERCISE. Nobody will make you PT so keep up with your fitness. Most programs here if you get over 270, you don't have to PT with the class which is nice time to study or go home and sleep. I usually spend my weekends downtown DC riding bikes, working out, and reading for the next weeks classes. Think of it as highly organized college where you cant skip the classes.

Clinicals are the root of your education; at least it is here at WRNMMC. Your first few clinical rotations are going to be stressful and you're going to be a deer lost in headlights, but let me assure you, if you listen to your preceptors, they will teach you everything you need and want to know. Volunteer to do everything because nobody will make a student do anything. OR is cool as hell. Open heart surgeries and craniotomies (thumbs up).

I think you are making a fantastic decision. You wont see it in the beginning, but the light is at the end of the tunnel for us and all the education finally seems worth it. I'm being stationed to BAMC (Ft. Sam Houston) for my first duty station. Most of my class is going to Korea and Hawai'i. Im one of the few staying CONUS :( .You're going to walk away with a license in medicine to practice and some of the best knowledge you can get from intelligent individuals. Ask stupid questions because sometimes the responses you get will blow your mind.

If you have any questions reach out to people to reach out to you because they will only help!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2018 9:15 PM

2018-07-29T21:15:57-04:00

I’m a 68C, I graduated from 17-05 the last two numbers tell you where your phase 2 will be. I’m stationed in fort Sam so I actually do nursing when as most of my classmates went to cache so they don’t do anything medical related. Good luck!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2018 3:59 PM

2018-08-06T15:59:27-04:00

I'm curious to see all of the responses. I'm slotted to go May 2019 as well, so I will see you there. Also, for Phase II, I was notified that I was going to Fort Gordon. I'm guessing that's where you're going as well.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Dec 4 at 2019 10:32 PM

2019-12-04T22:32:20-05:00

How did the course turn out for you?