2 answers
Corey
Student
1
Question
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What is the experience like as being a Health care administration specialist in the US Navy?
I'm curious about pursing this path
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Austin Masters
Commercial Executive at Microsoft
1
Answer
Redmond, Washington
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Austin’s Answer
Hi there! I personally don't have this lived experience, BUT my brother is exactly that - a Healthcare Administrator in the radiology department of a Navy hospital. He's been in the Navy for about 13 years at this point, and spent nearly all of that time working his way from being a med tech to now being one of the leads of the radiology department.
As far as what his experience has been like? It's a mixed bag, honestly. (though I'm sure most people say that about their jobs). During the pandemic, it was less than stellar (long hours, etc.) - but generally speaking my brother loves his job. He loves what he does. He's been stationed in Texas, San Diego, Washington, and Guam over the years. Not every duty station is great and each last 3-4 years - but he's gotten by the challenging times well enough I'd say. The 'bad side' of the experience lies mostly with not having as much control over your career/life because you're in the Navy. Also, not every duty station's leadership/direct bosses he's had have been great, so it comes with those challenges. It's a coin toss as to whether you'll have a good experience or not on that front.
However, there's quite a lot of positive things about it as well. He's very well equipped in his career. He has had all schooling paid for, he's got a job pretty much wherever he goes inside or outside of the Navy, so it's a really stable, safe field to be a part of from a career perspective. He's able to live fairly comfortably and doesn't really have much complaint about his lifestyle. He's got several years yet to retirement (he'll be able to retire from the Navy in his early 40s, get a pension, and health benefits), but once he's out - he'll have all the years of experience needed to get a job at any hospital wherever he decides to live.
As far as what his experience has been like? It's a mixed bag, honestly. (though I'm sure most people say that about their jobs). During the pandemic, it was less than stellar (long hours, etc.) - but generally speaking my brother loves his job. He loves what he does. He's been stationed in Texas, San Diego, Washington, and Guam over the years. Not every duty station is great and each last 3-4 years - but he's gotten by the challenging times well enough I'd say. The 'bad side' of the experience lies mostly with not having as much control over your career/life because you're in the Navy. Also, not every duty station's leadership/direct bosses he's had have been great, so it comes with those challenges. It's a coin toss as to whether you'll have a good experience or not on that front.
However, there's quite a lot of positive things about it as well. He's very well equipped in his career. He has had all schooling paid for, he's got a job pretty much wherever he goes inside or outside of the Navy, so it's a really stable, safe field to be a part of from a career perspective. He's able to live fairly comfortably and doesn't really have much complaint about his lifestyle. He's got several years yet to retirement (he'll be able to retire from the Navy in his early 40s, get a pension, and health benefits), but once he's out - he'll have all the years of experience needed to get a job at any hospital wherever he decides to live.
Zackary Keen
Career Counselor
4
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Zackary’s Answer
There’s no Healthcare Administration position in the Navy. There are Hospital Corpsman that take on various roles including administrative duties. Their working environments vary from working on ships medical bay, working in hospitals, and working with Marines in the field. Lots of opportunities to spread out specialized fields.