Posted on Nov 27, 2018
SGT Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic)
2.72K
22
18
7
7
0
I'm going to become a Sergeant soon, as I am currently in BLC. I just want to know as a soon-to-be NCO what I can do to progress myself while in-service so that once I get out, i'll be set. I'm married with no kids at the moment.
Avatar feed
Responses: 15
2LT Infantry Officer
6
6
0
Gain certifications, the most directly applicable is NRP (Nationally Registered Paramedic), but all the others (ACLS, PALS, PHTLS/ITLS l, and so on) are helpful.
If you are thinking of college level education as well, look at what the requirements are for your program, and see what you can do to get some of it done now.
Also, look into programs like IPAP and USUHS if provider level is something you’re interested in.
(6)
Comment
(0)
SGT Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic)
SGT (Join to see)
>1 y
Thank you SMsgt
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
SFC Retention Operations Nco
2
2
0
Pick a long term goal. Medic is a good entry level introduction to medicine. You can see if you like medicine enough to make a career out of it, and if you don't, you haven't invested too much time. Plus, it will give you exposure to other medical areas of expertise. It's even a good military career. The promotion rates are good and you should be able to retire as an E7 with a broad range of experiences for your resume.

That being said, once you retire, your EMT-B certification isn't worth much. Plan on what you want your long term goal to be and prep for that. Get those letters of recommendation if you're going into a medical field. Maybe you prefer the patient admin or logistics side, get those certifications started before you leave.
(2)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
Lt Col Jim Coe
1
1
0
Education and certifications are important. If you can complete education requirements for most of an RN or PA curriculum, then you'll be way ahead when you transition to civilian life. Work with your post education office to see which schools give the most credit for your military training and certifications. A 2-year associate degree program in nursing will allow you to start working as an RN quickly and usually at the same starting pay as a BSN nurse. You can then use your remaining GI Bill to complete your BSN while you're working to support your family. If you want to be a PA, follow a similar track, but you'll need to plan on completing a 4-year degree first. I don't know of any 2-year PA programs. If you have a bigger aspiration and want to go to medical school, then hunker in for 8 to 12 years of schooling, internship, residency, etc., to complete your MD and a specialty.

Keep in mind when you complete your 4-year degree and certification as an RN or PA, that the Reserves or Guard might be happy to make you an offer providing additional income and continued service to your country. My daughter did the ANG SSgt, to Individual Ready Reserve, to Navy Reserve Nurse. Best of luck!
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.

close