6 answers
Summer
Student
Neosho, Missouri
1
Question
Asked
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What college classes should I take?
What classes should I take to join the military(Army) as a combat medic in college?
6 answers
Jeff Nguyen
Technical Recruiter + Mentor
17
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
Hi Summer!
As of right now, I do not believe that becoming a combat medic requires strict schooling. The training to become a combat medic, is a bit specialized and according to the Army National Guard website, it requires just basic training and additional advanced training. It does not currently list a required degree.
https://nationalguard.com/68w-combat-medic-specialist
However, according to the same website, those who venture into this career transition into civilian life in fields of healthcare, clinic work, research work, and first responder work. In these specific fields, college degrees in healthcare, health sciences, or nursing would be appropriate. Core coursework in most US Programs include healthcare, emergency care, anatomy, and physiology if you planned on getting a degree before going into the Army.
Your best course of action is to find a point of contact (an Army recruiter, for example) who can best go over the specifics of a particular position and help you plan for the best career path to becoming a combat medic! They might also be able to share with you specific programs that would expedite the process without you going through unnecessary steps.
Speak with an Army (NG) Recruiter about service and the Combat Medical Specialist position.
Confirm details / pre requisites needed to be admitted into the program.
Decide whether or not you'd like to enroll directly into the Army or you'd like to secure a college degree first.
See if it is possible to do both?
Most likely, secure a degree in health sciences/healthcare and completed necessary classes to graduate.
As of right now, I do not believe that becoming a combat medic requires strict schooling. The training to become a combat medic, is a bit specialized and according to the Army National Guard website, it requires just basic training and additional advanced training. It does not currently list a required degree.
https://nationalguard.com/68w-combat-medic-specialist
However, according to the same website, those who venture into this career transition into civilian life in fields of healthcare, clinic work, research work, and first responder work. In these specific fields, college degrees in healthcare, health sciences, or nursing would be appropriate. Core coursework in most US Programs include healthcare, emergency care, anatomy, and physiology if you planned on getting a degree before going into the Army.
Your best course of action is to find a point of contact (an Army recruiter, for example) who can best go over the specifics of a particular position and help you plan for the best career path to becoming a combat medic! They might also be able to share with you specific programs that would expedite the process without you going through unnecessary steps.
Jeff recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much! This makes finding classes so much easier!
Summer
Nathanael LoBosco
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician
9
Answers
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Updated
Nathanael’s Answer
Hello Summer,
If you are interested in joining the military, specifically the Army, as a combat medic, it's important to focus on building a strong foundation in both medical and physical skills. While specific requirements may vary, here are some general recommendations for classes you might consider:
Biology: Understanding human anatomy and physiology is crucial for a medical profession.
Chemistry: A foundation in chemistry can be beneficial for understanding medications and medical procedures.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course: Many combat medics start with EMT training, which provides essential pre-hospital care skills.
Anatomy and Physiology: Deepen your understanding of the human body and its functions.
First Aid and CPR: Gain practical skills in providing initial care in emergency situations.
Physical Fitness:
Physical Education or Kinesiology: Courses in these areas can help you understand the principles of exercise, fitness, and injury prevention.
Strength and Conditioning: Focus on building physical strength and endurance.
Military Science or ROTC:
Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC): If available at your college, participating in ROTC can provide leadership training and a pathway into the military.
Psychology:
Understanding the psychological aspects of trauma and stress can be valuable in a combat medic role.
It's important to note that meeting the specific requirements of the military is crucial. Therefore, before selecting your classes, consider reaching out to a military recruiter. Additionally, consider participating in extracurricular activities or volunteer opportunities related to healthcare or the military to enhance your application and gain relevant experience.
Best of Luck!
If you are interested in joining the military, specifically the Army, as a combat medic, it's important to focus on building a strong foundation in both medical and physical skills. While specific requirements may vary, here are some general recommendations for classes you might consider:
Biology: Understanding human anatomy and physiology is crucial for a medical profession.
Chemistry: A foundation in chemistry can be beneficial for understanding medications and medical procedures.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course: Many combat medics start with EMT training, which provides essential pre-hospital care skills.
Anatomy and Physiology: Deepen your understanding of the human body and its functions.
First Aid and CPR: Gain practical skills in providing initial care in emergency situations.
Physical Fitness:
Physical Education or Kinesiology: Courses in these areas can help you understand the principles of exercise, fitness, and injury prevention.
Strength and Conditioning: Focus on building physical strength and endurance.
Military Science or ROTC:
Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC): If available at your college, participating in ROTC can provide leadership training and a pathway into the military.
Psychology:
Understanding the psychological aspects of trauma and stress can be valuable in a combat medic role.
It's important to note that meeting the specific requirements of the military is crucial. Therefore, before selecting your classes, consider reaching out to a military recruiter. Additionally, consider participating in extracurricular activities or volunteer opportunities related to healthcare or the military to enhance your application and gain relevant experience.
Best of Luck!
Karin P.
Lecturer
375
Answers
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Summer,
To become a combat medic you only need a high-school diploma. I have attached some more information on the requirements and training you'll receive below.
If you are already in college any health-related class as well as biology would be helpful.
I would think about what you want to do after the military and how your service can help you get there. If you would want to stay in the health field, what qualification and certifications would carry over to the civilian world? I guess the closest civilian job would be an EMT. I also saw somewhere that you could get a qualification as a physician assistant. Make sure you sign up for anything that will help you later. If you want to go to college for further education, would the army help with that? Make sure you ask those questions, and if possible get it in writing.
I hope this helps! Good luck!
KP
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/combat-medic
https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/career-match/science-medicine/intensive-care/68w-combat-medic-specialist.html
https://www.military.com/military-fitness/general-fitness/who-attends-the-special-operations-combat-medics-socm-course
To become a combat medic you only need a high-school diploma. I have attached some more information on the requirements and training you'll receive below.
If you are already in college any health-related class as well as biology would be helpful.
I would think about what you want to do after the military and how your service can help you get there. If you would want to stay in the health field, what qualification and certifications would carry over to the civilian world? I guess the closest civilian job would be an EMT. I also saw somewhere that you could get a qualification as a physician assistant. Make sure you sign up for anything that will help you later. If you want to go to college for further education, would the army help with that? Make sure you ask those questions, and if possible get it in writing.
I hope this helps! Good luck!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Jeff Poon
Financial Analyst
3
Answers
Columbus, Ohio
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
Hi Summer! I am really glad you found your passion in combat medic at such an early age. Unfortunately, I don't know too much about combat medic. But I do highly recommend you take your first year and explore in courses outside of the field that you are truly interested in. That is the time to explore and learn more about other topics you were not aware of. In fact, you might even have a change of mind after taking these classes. Definitely keep an open mind about your career path and best of luck in your future.
Kess French
Medical Student
109
Answers
Updated
Kess’s Answer
Hi, Summer!
I was an Army medic! I found that having taken first aid & anatomy and physiology were very helpful. But!! These are not required. The Army will train you. All you need is a good ASVAB score and to meet the requirements to join the Army. When I joined, recruits who had a fear or phobia of blood were disqualified since it can be a bit of a bloody job.
The training is challenging but a lot of fun, too. I'm guessing you'll be going to Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio since that's where most medics train. It's honestly a great place.
(I also found working out for a few months really helped when I got to basic training.)
This is the Army's actual website for Combat Medics: https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/career-match/science-medicine/intensive-care/68w-combat-medic-specialist.html
I was an Army medic! I found that having taken first aid & anatomy and physiology were very helpful. But!! These are not required. The Army will train you. All you need is a good ASVAB score and to meet the requirements to join the Army. When I joined, recruits who had a fear or phobia of blood were disqualified since it can be a bit of a bloody job.
The training is challenging but a lot of fun, too. I'm guessing you'll be going to Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio since that's where most medics train. It's honestly a great place.
(I also found working out for a few months really helped when I got to basic training.)
Kess recommends the following next steps:
Jose Guevara
Fixed-Wing Pilot
11
Answers
Yuma, Arizona
Updated
Jose’s Answer
Just make sure its in your contract when you join and DO NOT let your recruiter talk you into doing anything else. Do your research before you choose your MOS. Make sure its what you really want. I would also try and check out youth programs related to the medical field. Like a fire fighter explorer program. (Don't know if thats still a thing).
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