10 Medical Careers In The Military You Should Know

Serving in the military can be a rewarding and challenging career path, and for those interested in the medical field, there are numerous opportunities to make a difference in the lives of fellow service members and civilians alike. The military offers a wide range of medical careers that cater to various skills, interests, and education levels. Here are 10 medical careers in the military you should know about:

1. Medical Officer

Medical officers are responsible for providing medical care to military personnel and their families. They work in hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities, diagnosing and treating patients, prescribing medications, and performing surgeries. To become a medical officer, one must earn a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree and complete a residency program.

Responsibilities and Requirements

• Provide medical care to military personnel and their families
• Diagnose and treat patients, prescribe medications, and perform surgeries
• Complete a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree
• Complete a residency program

2. Nurse Practitioner

Nurse practitioners work closely with medical officers to provide primary and specialty care to patients. They assess patients, develop treatment plans, and prescribe medications. To become a nurse practitioner, one must earn a Master's degree in nursing and obtain certification in a specific population focus area, such as pediatrics or gerontology.

Responsibilities and Requirements

• Provide primary and specialty care to patients
• Assess patients, develop treatment plans, and prescribe medications
• Earn a Master's degree in nursing
• Obtain certification in a specific population focus area

3. Physician Assistant

Physician assistants work under the supervision of medical officers to provide medical care to patients. They conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, and prescribe medications. To become a physician assistant, one must earn a Master's degree in physician assistant studies and obtain certification.

Responsibilities and Requirements

• Provide medical care to patients under the supervision of medical officers
• Conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, and prescribe medications
• Earn a Master's degree in physician assistant studies
• Obtain certification

4. Medical Laboratory Specialist

Medical laboratory specialists analyze blood, tissue, and other bodily fluid samples to diagnose diseases and conditions. They work in laboratories, using specialized equipment and techniques to examine samples and report results. To become a medical laboratory specialist, one must earn an associate's degree in medical laboratory technology and obtain certification.

Responsibilities and Requirements

• Analyze blood, tissue, and other bodily fluid samples to diagnose diseases and conditions
• Work in laboratories, using specialized equipment and techniques
• Earn an associate's degree in medical laboratory technology
• Obtain certification

5. Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists with dispensing medications, maintaining patient records, and performing administrative tasks. They work in pharmacies, clinics, and hospitals, ensuring that patients receive the correct medications and dosages. To become a pharmacy technician, one must earn a post-secondary certificate or associate's degree in pharmacy technology and obtain certification.

Responsibilities and Requirements

• Assist pharmacists with dispensing medications, maintaining patient records, and performing administrative tasks
• Work in pharmacies, clinics, and hospitals
• Earn a post-secondary certificate or associate's degree in pharmacy technology
• Obtain certification

6. Occupational Therapy Specialist

Occupational therapy specialists help patients develop skills and abilities to perform daily tasks and activities. They work with patients who have physical, emotional, or cognitive disabilities, creating customized treatment plans to promote independence and self-sufficiency. To become an occupational therapy specialist, one must earn a Master's degree in occupational therapy and obtain certification.

Responsibilities and Requirements

• Help patients develop skills and abilities to perform daily tasks and activities
• Work with patients who have physical, emotional, or cognitive disabilities
• Earn a Master's degree in occupational therapy
• Obtain certification

7. Physical Therapy Specialist

Physical therapy specialists help patients recover from injuries and illnesses, improving mobility, strength, and flexibility. They work with patients who have physical disabilities or impairments, creating customized treatment plans to promote healing and rehabilitation. To become a physical therapy specialist, one must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) degree and obtain certification.

Responsibilities and Requirements

• Help patients recover from injuries and illnesses, improving mobility, strength, and flexibility
• Work with patients who have physical disabilities or impairments
• Earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) degree
• Obtain certification

8. Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-language pathologists work with patients who have communication and swallowing disorders, helping them improve speech, language, and cognitive skills. They work in hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers, creating customized treatment plans to promote communication and independence. To become a speech-language pathologist, one must earn a Master's degree in speech-language pathology and obtain certification.

Responsibilities and Requirements

• Work with patients who have communication and swallowing disorders
• Help patients improve speech, language, and cognitive skills
• Earn a Master's degree in speech-language pathology
• Obtain certification

9. Prosthetic Manager

Prosthetic managers oversee the fabrication and fitting of prosthetic devices, ensuring that patients receive high-quality care and support. They work in prosthetic clinics and laboratories, collaborating with healthcare professionals to create customized prosthetic devices. To become a prosthetic manager, one must earn a bachelor's degree in prosthetics and orthotics and obtain certification.

Responsibilities and Requirements

• Oversee the fabrication and fitting of prosthetic devices
• Ensure that patients receive high-quality care and support
• Earn a bachelor's degree in prosthetics and orthotics
• Obtain certification

10. Health Services Manager

Health services managers oversee the administration of healthcare facilities, ensuring that patients receive high-quality care and support. They work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings, managing budgets, personnel, and resources. To become a health services manager, one must earn a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration and obtain certification.

Responsibilities and Requirements

• Oversee the administration of healthcare facilities
• Ensure that patients receive high-quality care and support
• Earn a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration
• Obtain certification

These 10 medical careers in the military offer a range of opportunities for individuals who want to serve their country while pursuing a career in healthcare. Whether you're interested in patient care, research, or administration, there's a medical career in the military that's right for you.

Medical Careers in the Military Image Gallery

What are the requirements to become a medical officer in the military?

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To become a medical officer in the military, one must earn a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree and complete a residency program.

What is the role of a nurse practitioner in the military?

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Nurse practitioners work closely with medical officers to provide primary and specialty care to patients. They assess patients, develop treatment plans, and prescribe medications.

What are the benefits of pursuing a medical career in the military?

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Pursuing a medical career in the military offers a range of benefits, including education assistance, career advancement opportunities, and the chance to serve one's country while making a difference in the lives of others.