Posted on May 15, 2020
What are some relevant careers for combat medics (68W)?
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I’ve been out of the Army since mid 2018, and like many, have been struggling to find fulfillment in the civilian work-force.
Since discharge (honorable), I’ve found work in minor medical jobs such as medical assistant, ER Tech, phlebotomist, EMT, etc. These jobs are often low-paying, menial, and below the skill level of my military training in ALS interventions and TCCC theory. Not to mention, I find I’m not well-suited to the tediousness office work or interpersonal office-political niceties.
I was wondering if other Medics on this board had found careers that match, or at least, come close their experience in the military. I like working outside, with my hands, I have a passion for prehospital emergency care, and to be perfectly frank, miss the tight-knit sense of camaraderie in the forces.
I’ve looked into security work as well, and would be more than willing to work overseas... if anybody could give me some pointers from their own personal reference or experience, I’d greatly appreciate it. I want to still get out there before I get too old and complacent.
Since discharge (honorable), I’ve found work in minor medical jobs such as medical assistant, ER Tech, phlebotomist, EMT, etc. These jobs are often low-paying, menial, and below the skill level of my military training in ALS interventions and TCCC theory. Not to mention, I find I’m not well-suited to the tediousness office work or interpersonal office-political niceties.
I was wondering if other Medics on this board had found careers that match, or at least, come close their experience in the military. I like working outside, with my hands, I have a passion for prehospital emergency care, and to be perfectly frank, miss the tight-knit sense of camaraderie in the forces.
I’ve looked into security work as well, and would be more than willing to work overseas... if anybody could give me some pointers from their own personal reference or experience, I’d greatly appreciate it. I want to still get out there before I get too old and complacent.
Posted in these groups: 
68W: Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic)
Civilian Career
68W: Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic) Civilian Career
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 15
Paramedic school is a great option. Many states have bridge programs to nursing as well. EMTs can't do as much outside of the military. I still maintain my national registry and volunteer with the Red Cross, but couldn't take trying to work a rig as an EMT / driver.
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SPC (Join to see)
I worked as an EMT-B for an ambulance company before I enlisted and I can understand your assessment. EMS professionals are overworked and criminally underpaid in the US. The responsibilities and scope of practice of an EMT-B don’t hold a light to what we’re taught in service.
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SPC Chas Carr
I worked as an EMT-B before and for a time while I was in the WVARNG as a 68W. What I can tell you is that I hated the fact that when I was working civilian side, I had one set of protocols that I had, and when I was on drill I had a second set I could follow. There was no overlap for my whiskey to the civilian side in the advance portion. Definitive airway for me on the ambulance at work, ng tube or combitube. Definitive airway for military, crycothyroid. EMS patient needs an IV, had to call for a paramedic. Military patient needs an IV, somebody spike this bag for me while I find a vain (all our personnel had to have TC3 and for a time it included starting an IV so the people in my state all knew how to start a line and spike bags).
There was only one opportunity when I was in for something that would have carried over from military to civilian. They were offering whiskeys the chance to go to paramedic school. It was a civilian paramedic school just as if you were Joe Smith wanting to work EMS as an EMT-P only the guard was paying for the cost of the school so whiskeys could attend and test national registry. I think they did it so it would also help while in the military, allowing for 68W3 to go to 5 I think, flight medic slots, etc. But I didn’t have enough time left and was getting out so I wasn’t eligible for it or I seriously would have gone for it. The cardiology alone would have been great. Paramedic, need to RSI somebody ok you got that. Whiskey, RSwhat?
There was only one opportunity when I was in for something that would have carried over from military to civilian. They were offering whiskeys the chance to go to paramedic school. It was a civilian paramedic school just as if you were Joe Smith wanting to work EMS as an EMT-P only the guard was paying for the cost of the school so whiskeys could attend and test national registry. I think they did it so it would also help while in the military, allowing for 68W3 to go to 5 I think, flight medic slots, etc. But I didn’t have enough time left and was getting out so I wasn’t eligible for it or I seriously would have gone for it. The cardiology alone would have been great. Paramedic, need to RSI somebody ok you got that. Whiskey, RSwhat?
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I'm going to be using my GI Bill Luther go to nursing school. Not sure if that's something you're interested in. I'm gonna get into the critical care side of the house.
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
SPC (Join to see) ever thought about flight medic civilian side or doing overseas contracting?
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SPC (Join to see)
SGT(P) (Join to see) I have thought about contracting... not sure where I would even start, though. Any tips, Sergeant?
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
SPC (Join to see) you can look at
beyondthemeatwagon.com
It is subscription based but they do post job opportunities.
beyondthemeatwagon.com
It is subscription based but they do post job opportunities.
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
SGT(P) (Join to see) indeed.com and USAjobs.com will also have some, but beyondthemeatwagon.com is specific for medical opportunities.
I know some state police departments hire paramedics to fly on their medical helicopters as well. You can try searching your state for opportunities like that.
I know some state police departments hire paramedics to fly on their medical helicopters as well. You can try searching your state for opportunities like that.
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If you have your paramedic, you can also contract with cruise ships to provide medical care. Another option is things like Remote Medical International, which does have EMT positions open.
Also consider school for things like surgical tech, hyperbaric chamber operator etc. These jobs do tend to pay more with generally better hours.
Also consider school for things like surgical tech, hyperbaric chamber operator etc. These jobs do tend to pay more with generally better hours.
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