Aerospace Medical Services

[HawkJ2010]

Hey everyone this is my first thread so bear with me.

 

I'm looking for some solid pre-pa experience within the military and found plenty of information about Navy Corpsman and Army Combat Medics but what do you think about Aerospace Medical Service in the Air Force? Is that the kind of direct patient care some PA schools are seeking?

 

I'm also looking into joining the reserves/guard so that I may finish up my degree while also getting valuable experience. Any pro's/con's there?... would a PA school look down upon a "part-timer"?

 

 

Thanks.

[gubernaculum]

I don't think being in the reserves would be looked down upon. I googled aerospace medical services and it looks like you are par with an LVN. That's great experience. Good luck

[HawkJ2010]

I read up on the AFSC description and it mentioned working in the same general duties as a LVN however not being certified in the Civilian world. Would any of you suggest becoming an Army Combat Medic (68W) otherwise? Better experience?

[CAdamsPAC]

I read up on the AFSC description and it mentioned working in the same general duties as a LVN however not being certified in the Civilian world. Would any of you suggest becoming an Army Combat Medic (68W) otherwise? Better experience?

 

Health Care Specialist is the "correct" term. Combat Medic is not reflective of the full spectrum of the MOS it pertains to medical personnel assigned or attached to a ground combat manuver unit. It's a pet peeve of mine for MEDCEN,MEDDAC,GH, EVAC Hosp,CSH, Med. Co. , Ambulance Co. folks to claim this moniker!!!BTW I've met a lot of PAs who were medical personnel in the Reserve Components.

[HawkJ2010]

I apologize, CAdams. Health Care Specialist from here on out. Seeing as how you know quite a few PA's that have had links within the Reserves... do you think is the best route? I have about 1-1.5 years of prerequisites left before I can apply to PA school. I believe the Reserves would be a great opportunity for me. I would be open to finish college at a local university, obtain some forms of tuition assistance, get great experience overseas and stateside, and possibly apply to the IPAP program. Seems like a win-win when I look at the big picture.

 

Thanks.

[Will352ns]

It will do just fine for HCE. The only civilian cert you will get out of it is EMT-B, but overall, any branch of military medic (corpsman, 68W, AF 4N0X1) is viewed as a higher level of experience.....from everything I have read and hope.

 

I am a current 4N071C (IDMT). I was a basic medic for nine years prior to doing the IDMT gig.

[HawkJ2010]

Will, were you saying you will receive EMT-B cert out of 68W or 4N0X1? Or both? I have always been interested in the Air Force but the 68W position is more publicized than 4N0X1 therefore I do not know a whole lot about the AFSC and feel as though one is more superior than the other when it comes to quality experience. I'm not saying this is true at all and I am actually hoping you can provide some information that proves otherwise!

 

Also, if I look into the Guard/Reserves do you happen to know if all units provide IDMT positions (upon promotion) because all the recruiter has told me so far is they have the 4N0X1 MOS.

 

Thanks!

[Will352ns]

Will, were you saying you will receive EMT-B cert out of 68W or 4N0X1? Or both? I have always been interested in the Air Force but the 68W position is more publicized than 4N0X1 therefore I do not know a whole lot about the AFSC and feel as though one is more superior than the other when it comes to quality experience. I'm not saying this is true at all and I am actually hoping you can provide some information that proves otherwise!

 

Also, if I look into the Guard/Reserves do you happen to know if all units provide IDMT positions (upon promotion) because all the recruiter has told me so far is they have the 4N0X1 MOS.

 

Thanks!

 

NREMT-B is required and taught in the initial 4N0X1 tech school. I'm pretty sure it isn't in the Navy and I want to say it is taught in the Army. Dont let that fool you. A requirement for NREMT-B isn't a reflection of the quality of the training. I would never say an AF 4N0 is "better" than a corpsman based on NREMT-B as it has little bearing on military medicine. I think most ADCOMs know that.

 

As far as quality experience, it all depends on your units' mission. You may end up simply working a small clinic or you could be one of the units that rotate in and out of the AOR. Many reserve units are involved in the Aerovac system. Aerovac is a good option (if you are in the USAF you might as well fly) but may not be good for school.

 

Quality versus the different branches? I have found that the basic schools (Army, Navy, USAF) pretty much give folks similar'ish skill sets during the initial schools. The real difference comes once you get to your unit and you focus on the units mission and training. Some are more robust than others.

 

IDMT options are limited in the reserves. There are some units that have us, but they are few and far between. They are usually attached to the reserve Rescue Squadrons. In order to be an IDMT you have to be at least an Sra and have 4 years clinical experience. One of the main reason for the lack of IDMTs in the reserves are the sustainment requirements we have. Most of your drill time would consist of nothing but IDMT sustainment in order to stay current. They are rewiting our Reg now and littles birds tell me it is only going to increase our annual training stuff. If you are planning on PA school within the next couple of years, IDMT may not be an option.

[HawkJ2010]

Do you think I would have to wait until I have completed my service commitment before I start PA school or could I manage both (not saying it would be easy)? If I have to wait until the 4 years is complete and then do a 2 year PA program that is fine. I am curious if I could do both concurrently seeing as how I will want to go back and serve.

 

 

I have also looked into Active Duty as well it just seems as though I would not have time to complete the prerequisites needed for PA school while fulfilling my full-time commitment. If you believe that is not the case then please let me know.

[HawkJ2010]

Also, I was wondering whether or not it would be okay to receive "credit-by-exam" through the military's CLEP program for my general biology/chemistry course? I realize I would receive a pass/fail instead of a letter grade and don't know how graduate schools would look upon that.

 

If the CLEP program is a no-go... another question I had concerned whether or not to take my credits at a community college? I have already received my Bachelors with a high GPA so I believe that shows I have the potential to withstand a university's academic rigor, however, tuition is much higher at a 4-year rather than a 2-year/CC.

 

Thank you.

[JohnConner]

Hawk,

 

I finished my active duty enlistment as a 4N0x1 last July. Joining the air force was hands down one of the best decisions I ever made for multiple reasons. To answer your question; yes, you will gain a plethora of hands one experience. You will spend time in the ER, ICU, Med Surg, Peds, Immunizations, Pacu, L&D, etc. as part of your training. I'm not sure about guard or reserves, but as active duty, you will be assigned to either a clinic or ward upon graduation of training. I was assigned to L&D at my base and it was actually GREAT experience. Additionally, expect to be deployed for 6 months at a time. When I got out, there was a steady flow of 4N0x1's going to Afghanistan. During deployment's you will get further experience with combat injuries. I loved the military, but it's not for everyone. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.

 

Respectfully,

 

Matt