How to become a navy hospital corpsman?

How to Become a Navy Hospital Corpsman?

The Navy Hospital Corps is a vital part of the United States Navy, providing medical support to sailors and Marines around the world. As a Navy Hospital Corpsman, you’ll play a crucial role in keeping our nation’s military personnel healthy and ready for service. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in the Navy as a Hospital Corpsman, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements

To become a Navy Hospital Corpsman, you must meet the following basic requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be between the ages of 17 and 34 (with some exceptions for older candidates)
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Pass a physical exam
• Score well on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test

Step 2: Enlist in the Navy

Once you’ve met the basic requirements, you’ll need to enlist in the Navy. You can do this by visiting a Navy Recruiter or applying online. During the enlistment process, you’ll be asked to choose your rating (job) and specialty. For Hospital Corpsmen, your rating will be HM (Hospital Corpsman).

Step 3: Complete Basic Training

After enlisting, you’ll attend Basic Training (Boot Camp) at the Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois. This 8-week course will teach you the basics of Navy life, including naval customs, traditions, and core values.

Step 4: Attend "A" School

After Basic Training, you’ll attend "A" School at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. This 17-week course will teach you the skills you need to become a Navy Hospital Corpsman, including patient care, first aid, and medical procedures.

Step 5: Choose Your Specialty

As a Navy Hospital Corpsman, you’ll have the opportunity to choose from several specialties, including:

• Critical Care: Provide critical care to patients in intensive care units and emergency departments
• Dental: Assist dentists with patient care and perform dental procedures
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): Provide emergency medical care to patients in the field and in hospitals
• Nurse: Assist nurses with patient care and perform nursing procedures
• Operating Room Technician (OR Tech): Assist surgeons and anesthesiologists with surgical procedures
• Pain Management: Provide pain management care to patients

Step 6: Complete Clinical Training

After completing "A" School, you’ll attend clinical training at a Navy medical facility. This hands-on training will give you the opportunity to practice your skills in a real-world setting.

Step 7: Advance Your Career

As a Navy Hospital Corpsman, you’ll have opportunities to advance your career and take on new challenges. You can earn promotions, attend specialized training courses, and take on leadership roles.

Benefits of Being a Navy Hospital Corpsman

So, what are the benefits of being a Navy Hospital Corpsman? Here are a few:

• Job Security: As a member of the Navy, you’ll have a secure job with a steady paycheck
• Travel Opportunities: As a Navy Hospital Corpsman, you’ll have the opportunity to travel the world and see new places
• Personal Growth: You’ll have the opportunity to develop new skills and take on new challenges
• Camaraderie: You’ll be part of a tight-knit community of Navy personnel
• Education Benefits: You’ll be eligible for education benefits, including the GI Bill

Salary and Benefits

As a Navy Hospital Corpsman, you’ll earn a competitive salary and receive a range of benefits, including:

• Basic Pay: $2,000-$3,000 per month
• Allowances: $100-$500 per month (depending on your location and rank)
• Housing Allowance: $500-$1,000 per month (depending on your location and rank)
• Food Allowance: $250-$500 per month (depending on your location and rank)
• Education Benefits: Eligible for the GI Bill
• Health Insurance: Eligible for TRICARE
• Retirement Benefits: Eligible for Navy retirement benefits

Conclusion

Becoming a Navy Hospital Corpsman is a challenging but rewarding career path. With the right training and skills, you’ll be well-prepared to provide medical support to sailors and Marines around the world. Remember to meet the basic requirements, enlist in the Navy, complete Basic Training, attend "A" School, choose your specialty, complete clinical training, and advance your career. With hard work and dedication, you’ll be well on your way to a successful career as a Navy Hospital Corpsman.

Additional Resources

• www.navy.com – Official website of the United States Navy
• [www.navy medicine.navy.mil](http://www.navy medicine.navy.mil) – Official website of the Navy Medicine
• www.hmctraining.navy.mil – Official website of the Navy Hospital Corps Training

Table: Navy Hospital Corpsman Training

Bullets: Navy Hospital Corpsman Responsibilities

• Provide medical care to sailors and Marines
• Conduct patient assessments and develop treatment plans
• Administer medications and injections
• Perform surgical procedures
• Assist with childbirth and postpartum care
• Provide emergency medical care in the field
• Collaborate with other medical personnel to provide comprehensive care

Bullets: Navy Hospital Corpsman Skills

• Basic life support and first aid
• Advanced life support and critical care
• Phlebotomy and blood banking
• EKG and other diagnostic tests
• Wound care and suturing
• Medical terminology and coding
• Communication and teamwork skills