Job Description
Must be between the age of 17-39.
Medical emergencies happen and we need people who can take charge when they do. Whether you're in a hospital or clinical setting, on a ship or submarine, or out in the field alongside fellow Sailors or Marines, you will use advanced medical training to save lives. The bravest fighters in the world put their lives in your hands. And it's your job to ensure they have the care they need.
Responsibilities for Hospital Corpsmen (HM)
- Perform emergency medical treatment on SEALs, Seabees, Marines and other military personnel injured in the field
- Perform emergency dental treatment as well as construct dental crowns and bridges, process dental X-rays and operate X-ray equipment
- Serve as an operating room technician for general and specialized surgery
- Help administer a wide range of preventive care and medications, including immunizations and intravenous fluids
- Maintain patient treatment records, conduct research and perform clinical tests
Work Environment
In medical support, you have the most diverse range of work environments in the Navy. Your job will likely take you all over the world-and far out of your comfort zone.
As a Hospital Corpsman, you could be assigned to a Navy medical treatment facility, like an on-base hospital or clinic. You could also work on an aircraft carrier in the middle of the ocean, or a submarine in the depths of the sea. You will work alongside Navy nurses and other medical professionals to be trained as a skilled first responder, whether your skills are needed bedside or in the field. Serving part-time as a Reservist, your duties will be carried out during your scheduled drilling and training periods. During monthly drilling, Hospital Corpsmen in the Navy Reserve typically work at a location close to their homes. For Annual Training, Hospital Corpsmen may serve anywhere in the world, whether on a ship at sea or bases and installations on shore.
Training and Advancement
After you attend Boot Camp, you'll report to Fort Sam Houston, TX to attend "A" school for 14 weeks. Here, you'll develop a working knowledge of basic principles and techniques of patient care and first aid procedures in preparation for your first assignment. Throughout your career, you'll have ample opportunity to gain advanced medical skills from radiology, to physical therapy, to dental care, to heart surgery. These skills will be necessary to maintain the physical health, and on occasion, save the lives of Sailors and Marines across the fleet. You could even deploy overseas with the Marines as a Fleet Marine Force Corpsman, which requires specialty training.
Education Opportunities
Beyond offering access to professional credentials and certifications, Navy training in the field of medical support can translate to credit hours toward a bachelor's or associate degree through the American Council on Education. You may continue your education through:
- Navy College Program and Tuition Assistance
- Post-9/11 GI Bill
- Hospital Corpsman (HM)
Qualifications and Requirements
General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you're currently serving, whether you've served before or whether you've never served before. Any illegal involvement with drugs may be disqualifying. Hospital Corpsman (HM)
To become a Hospital Corpsman you must have U.S. citizenship, a high school diploma or equivalent, normal color perception, vision correctable to 20/20 and meet eligibility requirements for a security clearance.
Automatic promotion opportunities are available but are competitive and based on completion of pipeline. It's also important to note that specialized training received and work experience gained in the course of service can lead to valuable credentialing and occupational opportunities in related fields.
Post-Service Opportunities
There's no better way to begin a successful career in healthcare than by serving in the medical support division of America's Navy. You'll receive training in everything from surgery to radiology, physical therapy to respiratory medicine, and more. Beyond this, you'll have many opportunities to get the hands-on experience and credentials medical assistants require in the civilian world.
