If you’re interested in becoming an Army medic, you have a lot of work ahead of you. You’ll need to know the basics of anatomy and physiology, be able to use your hands with precision and care, and be able to handle pressure.
If you’re ready to take on the challenge, here’s what you can expect:
Basic Training
The first step is getting through Basic Training. This will help you develop the physical strength and endurance required for this position. You’ll learn how to march by keeping your back straight and heels together while carrying heavy packs on your shoulders. You’ll also learn how to shoot a gun accurately under pressure.
Advanced Training
After Basic Training, you’ll continue with Advanced Training where you will learn more about medical procedures such as CPR, first aid, wound care, oxygen administration, and more!
Becoming An Army Medic
After completing advanced training at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio TX , soldiers are assigned jobs based on their skillsets and preferences. For example, if someone wants to work in an ambulance then they would be assigned an ambulance job after graduating from advanced training at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio TX .
How To Become An Army Medic
Professionals in the U.S. Army can choose from a variety of roles and specializations. If you are interested in joining the U.S. Army and beginning a medical career, the U.S. Army medic position may be right for you. Learning more about this role, including the duties, skills and salary, could help you determine your next career steps. In this article, we explain what a U.S. Army medic is, what they do and what steps you can take to become one.
Read more: 25 Medical Careers in the U.S. Army
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What is a U.S. Army medic?
A U.S. Army medic is a healthcare specialist who works in the military. They are military professionals trained in treating illnesses, injuries and diseases. They may work in U.S. Army hospitals, ships or on the field in combat. U.S. Army medics may train in specific healthcare areas, such as combat medicine or ophthalmology.
Read more: All About the Branches of the U.S. Army: Descriptions and Roles
What does a U.S. Army medic do?
A U.S. Army medic provides medical care to military professionals. Common duties can include:
- Providing medical assistance and treating medical emergencies during combat, marches and training
- Assisting doctors and nurses with medical treatment in hospitals or healthcare clinics
- Preparing patients for healthcare procedures, tests and surgeries
- Collecting medical samples for lab tests
- Administering vaccinations and medications
- Performing initial screening before a doctor examines the patient
- Checking a patient’s vital signs, including their temperature and blood pressure
- Maintaining medical records and inputting information into medical files
- Managing the inventory of medical supplies
How to become a U.S. Army medic
If you are interested in becoming a U.S. Army medic, consider following these steps:
1. Complete high school education
Typically, a U.S. Army medic needs a high school diploma to begin their career, although a GED may be sufficient in some cases. You can discuss your education options with a recruiter to learn more about the U.S. Army’s requirements. In high school consider taking science classes, such as biology and anatomy, to help you develop your healthcare knowledge. This could help you begin your U.S. Army medic career.
2. Apply to join the U.S. Army
To become a U.S. Army medic, professionals must first enroll in the U.S. Army. To qualify, individuals must be between 17 and 34 years old. If an individual is under 18, they need consent from a legal guardian. To apply for the U.S. Army, you can speak with a local recruiter who can provide specific advice and requirement details. You will need to show the recruiter your identification documents, such as a driver’s license and social security card. You may also need to prove education with a copy of your diploma.
Read more: Joining the Military: Factors To Consider
3. Take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
After you submit your initial application, you can take the ASVAB test. This test includes a variety of questions related to math, science, technology and reading. Army professionals use this test to match candidates with suitable positions.
To become a U.S. Army medic, professionals must score at least a 101 on the Skilled Technical portion and a 107 or higher on the General Technical section.
Read more: How To Prepare for the ASVAB Test
4. Complete addition testing
After taking the ASVAB, you will also need to conduct a physical and mental exam. Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) offer this test to aspiring U.S. Army professionals. Typically, these tests involve an eye test, hearing test, physical exam and blood test. You may find a MEPS in your area to complete this step.
5. Complete U.S. Army and medic training
After passing the necessary tests, you can begin your medical and U.S. Army training. First, U.S. Army medics must complete basic combat training (BCT). This training takes 10 weeks to complete and focuses on physical and mental training.
After the BCT, the U.S. Army may choose you to become a medic. This decision depends upon the U.S. Army’s needs, your ASVB score and your educational background. If the U.S. Army chooses you to become a medic, you can begin individual training (AIT). Medics complete AIT in the medical field where they learn how to provide medical treatment and care. This program takes at least 16 weeks to complete.
Read more: What To Expect in U.S. Army Basic Training
6. Complete additional training
The U.S. Army may assign medics to various positions. For example, you may become a flight paramedic or a special ops combat medic. Some of these positions require advanced training and certifications. If the U.S. Army assigns you to one of these roles, you may need to complete additional training.
The U.S. Army also offers specializations based on various areas of medicine. For example, some U.S. Army medics specialize in physical therapy or cardiovascular health. To specialize in these areas, medics must complete additional training.
Important skills for U.S. Army medics
To succeed in their role, U.S. Army medics use a variety of hard and soft skills. Here are some skills U.S. Army medics may use during their careers:
- Communication: U.S. Army medics communicate regularly with soldiers and other healthcare professionals. They must be able to communicate effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Adaptability: Medics must think quickly to provide emergency medical help. This involves using adaptive thinking and creative problem-solving.
- Teamwork: Army medics collaborate with the U.S. Army professionals. They need excellent teamwork skills to perform their daily duties.
- Physical fitness: An U.S. Army medic must be physically fit to enroll in the Army and to assist soldiers.
- Resilience: U.S. Army medics are military professionals. They may need to work in high-risk areas. To succeed in this role, they must be resilient and willing to take challenging risks.
- Technical skills: U.S. Army medics are health care specialists who use a variety of medical knowledge and skills. They need to be able to perform medical procedures, such as applying bandages and providing emergency wound care.
Work environment for U.S. Army medics
U.S. Army medics can work in a variety of locations. They often work in the combat zones, providing emergency care to military professionals. They can also work in military hospitals and U.S. Army health clinics, assisting doctors and nurses with health care. Some U.S. Army medics specialize in certain health topics, such as civil affairs or combat medicine. Specialization may affect work environment placement. For example, a U.S. Army medic trained in combat may work in a combat zone more often.
Average U.S. Army medic salary
The average salary for U.S. Army medics can vary depending on the health care position. One type of U.S. Army medics, combat medics, make an average salary of $35,425 per year. Your salary can vary depending on your exact role, rank and years of experience.
