Home / Military to civilian jobs / Coast Guard / HS
That is Coast Guard Rating HS. Civilian jobs, federal paths, and how the work reads on a resume.
What is in this guide
What the translation looks like
How it reads in service
Conducted daily sick call for 150-person cutter crew, screening 8-15 patients per day, triaging by severity, and providing treatment or referral
How a hiring manager reads it
Managed daily intake operations for a 150-person client base, screening 8-15 cases per day, prioritizing by urgency, and routing to appropriate resources or providing direct resolution
Roles this background maps to
Median pay, BLS OEWS May 2024
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Coast Guard Health Services Technicians (HS) are the primary healthcare providers for Coast Guard personnel. Unlike medical roles in larger branches, an HS often works as the only medical professional on a cutter or at a remote shore unit. That level of independence sets this rating apart from every other military medical job.
Training starts with a 22-week A-school at USCG Training Center Petaluma, California. The curriculum covers anatomy, physiology, clinical lab work, nursing fundamentals, pharmacy, wound care, and medical administration. After A-school, HSs can earn advanced qualifications in X-ray technology, pharmacy, behavioral health, and independent duty certification. Many HSs also earn their NREMT-EMT credential during training.
Day to day, an HS runs sick call, provides emergency medical care, assists medical and dental officers, performs lab tests and X-rays, manages pharmacy operations, gives immunizations, and handles medical records. On cutters and at small units, an HS handles all of this alone. That means making clinical decisions without a doctor down the hall. It means stabilizing a patient on a pitching deck in the middle of a patrol and coordinating a medevac. Few civilian healthcare workers get that kind of autonomy this early in their career.
The civilian healthcare industry values this experience. Hospitals, clinics, VA medical centers, and public health agencies need people who can assess patients, make decisions under pressure, and manage a clinical operation. Whether you stay in healthcare or pivot to something new, the clinical skills and independent judgment you built as an HS transfer directly. If you are exploring how other military medical ratings compare, check out the Navy Hospital Corpsman (HM) and Army 68W Combat Medic pages. You can also explore all military-to-civilian career matches on our career crosswalk tool.
CG HSs translate to civilian Medical Assistant roles plus VA and federal medical facility hiring at strong rates. The 0640 Health Aid and Technician series exists exactly for this background. I've worked across federal hiring and HSs consistently land in clinical roles when the resume highlights the credentialed-equivalency experience. — Brad Tachi, Navy Diver veteran & BMR founder
The number that decides most of this: how does civilian pay compare to what the paycheck looks like now?
Coast Guard mid-career
$58K to $82K
E-5 to E-7 total comp: base plus BAH, BAS and the tax advantage.
Civilian Health Services Technician
$41K to $133K
BLS median across the direct-match civilian roles on this page.
Federal, GS-9 to GS-13
$58K to $120K
5 matching GS series, plus locality pay and step increases.
Comparable on average
Civilian pay for Health Services Technicians lands in the same range as mid-career enlisted total comp.
Military comp is approximate and moves with location and dependents. Civilian is the BLS median. Federal includes locality pay. The real number depends on duty station, family status, GS step and overtime.
Healthcare is one of the strongest job markets in the country. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects healthcare occupations will grow much faster than average through 2032. As a separating HS, you have clinical experience that many entry-level civilian candidates lack. The key is matching your experience to the right role and getting the right certifications.
This is the fastest path to a paycheck after separation. Many HSs already hold NREMT-EMT certification from A-school. EMTs earn a median of $41,340 per year (BLS May 2024). Paramedics, who complete additional training, earn a median of $58,410. Fire departments, private ambulance companies, and hospitals all hire EMTs. Your experience running sick call and handling emergencies on cutters gives you a real edge over candidates who only trained in a classroom.
Medical assistants work in clinics and physician offices. They take vitals, draw blood, give injections, handle patient intake, and manage medical records. This is close to what you did every day as an HS. Median pay is $44,200 (BLS May 2024). Many states do not require formal certification, though the CMA (AAMA) or CCMA (NHA) credentials help you stand out. This role is a solid stepping stone while you pursue nursing or other advanced credentials.
LPN programs typically take 12 months and build directly on what you learned as an HS. Many community colleges and vocational schools offer accelerated tracks for veterans with military medical experience. LPNs earn a median of $62,340 (BLS May 2024). LPNs work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health, and clinics. Your clinical hours from Coast Guard service may count toward program prerequisites at some schools. The Army 68C Practical Nursing Specialist page covers this career path in detail.
Nursing is the highest-demand healthcare career in America. RNs earn a median of $93,600 (BLS May 2024). Getting there requires either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN, 2 years) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN, 4 years). Many nursing programs give credit for military medical training and clinical hours. The GI Bill covers both ADN and BSN programs. Some universities offer LPN-to-RN or military medic-to-RN bridge programs that shorten the timeline. This is a serious investment, but the payoff is real.
If you spent time managing medical records, patient data, and healthcare documentation as an HS, health information technology is a natural fit. These roles involve managing electronic health records (EHR), coding medical procedures, and ensuring data accuracy. Median pay is $67,310 (BLS May 2024). The RHIT credential from AHIMA is the standard certification. This path works well for HSs who prefer working with data over direct patient care.
HSs who managed pharmacy operations on cutters or at clinics already have hands-on pharmacy experience. Civilian pharmacy technicians earn a median of $43,460 (BLS May 2024). The PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) exam is the industry standard. Retail pharmacies, hospitals, and mail-order pharmacies all hire pharmacy techs. Your military pharmacy training gives you a head start on the certification exam.
Many HSs assisted dental officers as part of their duties. Dental assistants earn a median of $47,300 (BLS May 2024). Some states require certification (CDA from DANB), while others allow on-the-job training. Dental offices, clinics, and community health centers hire dental assistants. Your experience working chairside with dental officers translates directly.
HSs who handled preventive medicine, environmental health inspections, or workplace safety programs can pivot to occupational health. These specialists earn a median of $83,910 (BLS May 2024) with 12% projected job growth. The CSP (Certified Safety Professional) credential from BCSP is the gold standard. Your preventive medicine and environmental health training maps well to OSHA compliance and workplace safety programs. See how the Air Force 4N0X1 Aerospace Medical Technician page covers similar crossover paths.
For HSs willing to invest in education, the PA path offers a median salary of $133,260 (BLS May 2024). PA programs require a bachelor's degree plus prerequisite courses and patient care hours. Your military clinical hours count toward the patient care requirement at many PA schools. This is a 6-8 year path from separation to practicing, but the GI Bill covers most of the cost. Some PA programs specifically recruit military medics.
For help translating your HS experience into a civilian resume, build your resume with our military resume builder. It is free to start and built specifically for veterans.
| Civilian job title | Industry | BLS median salary | Outlook | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medical TechnicianO*NET 29-2042.00 | Emergency Medical Services | $41,340 | About as fast as average (5%) | strong |
| Medical AssistantO*NET 31-9092.00 | Healthcare / Clinics | $44,200 | Much faster than average (15%) | strong |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)O*NET 29-2061.00 | Healthcare / Hospitals / Long-term Care | $62,340 | About as fast as average (5%) | strong |
| Registered Nurse (RN)O*NET 29-1141.00 | Healthcare / Hospitals | $93,600 | Faster than average (6%) | strong |
| Health Information TechnologistO*NET 29-9021.00 | Healthcare / Health IT | $67,310 | Faster than average (16%) | moderate |
| Pharmacy TechnicianO*NET 29-2052.00 | Pharmacy / Retail / Hospital | $43,460 | About as fast as average (6%) | strong |
| Dental AssistantO*NET 31-9091.00 | Dental / Healthcare | $47,300 | Much faster than average (11%) | moderate |
| Occupational Health and Safety SpecialistO*NET 19-5011.00 | Government / Manufacturing / Healthcare | $83,910 | Faster than average (12%) | moderate |
| ParamedicO*NET 29-2043.00 | Emergency Medical Services / Fire Departments | $58,410 | About as fast as average (5%) | strong |
| Physician AssistantO*NET 29-1071.00 | Healthcare / Hospitals / Clinics | $133,260 | Much faster than average (27%) | moderate |
The largest integrated healthcare system in the U.S. with 171 medical centers and 1,100+ clinics. Actively recruits veterans for clinical and administrative healthcare positions. Veterans Preference applies.
One of the largest for-profit hospital operators in the U.S. with 180+ hospitals. Active military hiring program with transition support. EMT, medical assistant, and nursing positions nationwide.
Major integrated healthcare system operating in 8 states. Hires medical assistants, nurses, pharmacy technicians, and health information professionals. Offers tuition assistance for nursing degrees.
Largest pharmacy chain in the U.S. Hires pharmacy technicians, clinic medical assistants (MinuteClinic), and healthcare support roles. PTCB certification preferred. SkillBridge partner.
Largest private ambulance company in the U.S. Hires EMTs and paramedics nationwide. Your NREMT certification and military emergency medicine experience are directly applicable.
Federal agency providing healthcare to Native American communities, often in remote locations. Offers loan repayment up to $40,000 and recruitment bonuses. HSs who served independent duty understand remote healthcare delivery.
The Coast Guard employs civilian healthcare workers at clinics and bases. As a former HS, you already know the system, the mission, and the patients. Apply through USAJobs for DHS/USCG positions.
Major pharmacy chain hiring pharmacy technicians and clinic staff. PTCB certification required for most pharmacy tech roles. Locations nationwide.
Disaster medical response teams, port health screening, and immigration health services. Your CG medical experience with search and rescue and disaster response is directly relevant.
Major medical device companies hire veterans for sales, field service, and clinical support roles. Your clinical knowledge and hands-on experience with medical equipment translates to medical device careers. Strong SkillBridge options.
BMR rewrites your HS experience for any of the roles above, in the language the people reading actually scan for.
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“I used the resume your site built for me to apply for my first-ever position on USAJOBS, and I was selected for a GS-13 position writing policy for the same type of work I did while on active duty. First pitch- Home Run!”
Christopher · Chief Petty Officer (E-7) · Coast Guard · Federal Policy
The federal government is one of the largest healthcare employers in the country. VA medical centers, Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities, USCG civilian clinics, and DHS all hire people with your exact background. As a Coast Guard veteran, you already understand how federal healthcare works from the inside. Build your federal resume here to get started on USAJobs applications.
GS-0640 Health Aid and Technician: The most direct match for separating HSs. These positions perform clinical support tasks at VA hospitals, military treatment facilities, and federal clinics. Patient care, vital signs, specimen collection, and clinical documentation. GS-4 through GS-7 entry range depending on experience.
GS-0645 Medical Technician: Lab-focused positions for HSs with clinical laboratory training. Blood draws, specimen processing, and diagnostic testing at VA and DoD labs.
GS-0620 Practical Nurse: If you earn your LPN license, this series covers federal LPN positions at VA hospitals and IHS clinics. VA is the largest employer of LPNs in the country.
GS-0610 Nurse: For HSs who earn their RN license. VA nurses earn competitive salaries with federal benefits, loan repayment programs, and guaranteed pension. The VA has special hiring authorities for nurses that can speed up the process.
GS-0681 Dental Assistant: Federal dental assistant positions at military dental clinics and VA facilities. Your experience assisting dental officers transfers directly.
GS-0660 Pharmacist / GS-0661 Pharmacy Technician: For HSs with pharmacy experience. VA pharmacies and military treatment facility pharmacies hire technicians with your background.
GS-0679 Medical Support Assistance: Front desk, scheduling, patient intake, and medical records management at VA and DoD healthcare facilities. A strong match for HSs who handled medical administration.
GS-0675 Medical Records Technician: Health information management positions. Coding, records maintenance, and data quality at federal healthcare facilities.
GS-0301 Miscellaneous Administration: Broad administrative series that covers healthcare administration roles at VA, DHS, and other agencies. Your medical office management experience applies.
GS-0343 Management and Program Analyst: For senior HSs with program management experience. Healthcare program analysis, policy review, and operational improvement roles.
GS-0018 Safety and Occupational Health: Workplace safety positions across all federal agencies. Your preventive medicine and environmental health training maps directly to OSHA compliance roles. Growing demand across DoD, VA, and DHS.
GS-0690 Industrial Hygiene: Environmental and occupational exposure monitoring. HSs with environmental health inspection experience are well qualified.
GS-0601 General Health Science: Broad public health and health science positions. Epidemiology support, health education, and disease prevention roles at CDC, IHS, and VA.
GS-0030 Sports Specialist / GS-0637 Manual Arts Therapist: Niche roles at VA rehabilitation centers that value hands-on clinical backgrounds.
VA Medical Centers: The Veterans Health Administration runs 171 medical centers and over 1,100 outpatient clinics. They actively recruit veterans for healthcare positions and offer Veterans Preference. Many VA positions do not require civilian certifications for entry-level roles.
USCG Civilian Health Services: The Coast Guard employs civilian healthcare workers at clinics and bases. As a former HS, you already know the system, the patients, and the mission. This is an often-overlooked option.
Indian Health Service (IHS): IHS operates hospitals and clinics on tribal lands, often in remote locations. HSs who served independent duty at remote stations understand this environment well. IHS offers loan repayment and recruitment bonuses for healthcare workers.
DHS / FEMA: Disaster medical response teams, port health screening, and immigration health services. Your Coast Guard medical experience with search and rescue and disaster response is directly relevant.
Federal resumes are 2 pages max. They need specific details like hours per week, supervisor name and phone, and detailed duty descriptions. Read our guide to writing a federal resume with no civilian experience for step-by-step instructions. Also see why hours per week matter on a federal resume.
| Series | Federal job title | Typical grades | Match | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-0640 | Health Aid and Technician | GS-5, GS-6, GS-7, GS-8 | 5 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0645 | Medical Technician | GS-5, GS-6, GS-7 | 4 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0647 | Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist | GS-5, GS-7 | 4 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0671 | Health System Specialist | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | 4 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0675 | Medical Records Technician | GS-5, GS-7, GS-9 | 4 of 5 | View details |
Federal raters match your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement. BMR writes the federal format for any GS series above, with the hours per week and supervisor detail a rater looks for.
Free to start. Federal and private sector formats included.
Not everyone stays in a related field. These paths run on the transferable half of the job: leadership, risk, logistics, planning.
HS techs spend years reading charts, verifying treatment against orders, and documenting every encounter, which is exactly the medical-record literacy a health-insurance examiner uses to adjudicate claims.
Transfers: Reading and interpreting medical records and treatment notes, Coding diagnoses and procedures against fee schedules, Detecting documentation discrepancies and inconsistencies, Independent case adjudication without on-site supervision.
How to get there: No degree required to start as a medical claims examiner. Most carriers train in-house; a coding credential like CPC (AAPC) or the AHIMA CCS strengthens applications.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · -3% (Decline)
Device and pharma companies pay a premium for reps who can talk to clinicians as a peer, and an HS background gives you the clinical fluency and equipment familiarity most new reps spend years building.
Transfers: Clinical credibility with physicians and nursing staff, Hands-on knowledge of diagnostic and treatment equipment, Explaining medical products to clinical decision-makers, Operating inside hospital and clinic environments.
How to get there: Entry is by hiring, not retraining. A bachelor degree helps for pharma; medical-device roles weight clinical experience heavily. Start in a junior territory or clinical-specialist role.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 1% (Little or no change)
HS techs run sick call, preventive screenings, and health briefs across an entire unit, which is the same population-health education work public-health departments and hospitals hire health educators to do.
Transfers: Preventive-medicine and wellness program experience, Patient and population health education, Translating clinical guidance into plain language, Building screening and immunization outreach.
How to get there: Most roles require a bachelor degree in health education or public health. The CHES credential (NCHEC) is the standard professional certification and is GI Bill reimbursable.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 7% (Faster than average)
Few civilians are comfortable working steadily around mortality and grieving families, but corpsmen already are, and that composure plus anatomical knowledge transfers directly into funeral service.
Transfers: Composure and professionalism around death and trauma, Communicating with families in acute distress, Anatomy and handling of human remains, Meticulous documentation and regulatory compliance.
How to get there: Requires an associate degree in mortuary science from an ABFSE-accredited program, a one to three year apprenticeship, and a state license. GI Bill covers accredited mortuary programs.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 3% (As fast as average)
Crime labs need people who can handle biological samples cleanly, document a chain of custody without error, and explain findings, all skills an HS tech builds drawing labs and managing medical evidence.
Transfers: Anatomy, physiology, and specimen handling, Chain-of-custody and evidence documentation, Sterile technique and contamination control, Precise written reporting under scrutiny.
How to get there: Most crime-lab roles require a bachelor degree in forensic science, biology, or chemistry. Some agencies train technicians on the job; a science degree is the common entry path and is GI Bill eligible.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 14% (Much faster than average)
HS techs already screen, assess, and stabilize people in crisis and earn trust fast, which is the core of behavioral-health counseling, a field with strong demand for clinicians who understand the military population.
Transfers: One-on-one patient assessment and intake, Crisis stabilization and de-escalation, Treatment-plan documentation and follow-up, Building trust with reluctant or at-risk people.
How to get there: Entry requires a counseling certification or license that varies by state, often starting with an associate or bachelor degree plus supervised hours. Many states have addiction-counselor credentials reachable without a master degree.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 19% (Much faster than average)
The skills behind the specialty carry further than the specialty. BMR rewrites your bullets for any of the paths above without making it sound like you have never done the work.
Free to start. Try as many angles as you want.
If you are applying to hospitals, clinics, or healthcare employers, your clinical terminology is mostly understood. Doctors and nurses know what vitals, injections, and wound care mean. This section is for HSs targeting careers outside of healthcare: project management, operations, safety, administrative roles, or corporate positions where the hiring manager has never heard of a sick call or independent duty.
Before, in service
Conducted daily sick call for 150-person cutter crew, screening 8-15 patients per day, triaging by severity, and providing treatment or referral
After, on the resume
Managed daily intake operations for a 150-person client base, screening 8-15 cases per day, prioritizing by urgency, and routing to appropriate resources or providing direct resolution
Before, in service
Served as Independent Duty HS for a 75-person unit, managing all medical operations, pharmacy, and preventive health programs with no on-site physician supervision
After, on the resume
Served as sole on-site operations specialist for a 75-person location, managing all service delivery, inventory, and compliance programs with full decision-making authority and remote management oversight
Before, in service
Maintained medical readiness for 200+ personnel, tracking immunizations, physical exams, and deployment health requirements with 98% compliance rate
After, on the resume
Managed compliance and certification tracking for 200+ personnel, monitoring qualification deadlines, scheduling required assessments, and maintaining a 98% on-time compliance rate
Before, in service
Managed pharmacy inventory of 400+ line items including Schedule II-V controlled substances, conducting monthly audits with zero discrepancies across 18-month deployment
After, on the resume
Administered a 400+ item regulated inventory program including high-value restricted materials, conducting monthly audits and maintaining zero discrepancies over 18 consecutive months
Before, in service
Coordinated 12 medical evacuations during a 6-month patrol, communicating with Air Station flight crews, receiving hospitals, and command to execute safe patient transfers in remote maritime conditions
After, on the resume
Coordinated 12 critical incident responses over 6 months, managing communications between field teams, external partners, and senior leadership to execute time-sensitive operations in remote and challenging environments
Before, in service
Conducted quarterly environmental health inspections of galley, berthing, and water systems across a 378-foot cutter, identifying 23 deficiencies and verifying corrective actions within 30 days
After, on the resume
Conducted quarterly facility compliance audits across a multi-department operation, identifying 23 non-conformances and tracking corrective actions to resolution within 30 days
BMR turns your HS duties and accomplishments into civilian bullets aimed at the job you are applying for. No manual translation.
Free to start. Tailored to each posting.
Which ones you need depends on where you are headed.
Standard EMT certification earned during HS A-school. Required for civilian EMT employment in most states.Cost $0 (earned in service)Time Earned during A-schoolGI Bill eligibleKeep this current through separation. Renewal requires 40 hours of continuing education every 2 years. Most states accept NREMT for state EMT licensure.
Advanced prehospital care certification. Required for paramedic positions at fire departments and EMS agencies.Cost $300-500 exam feeTime 12-18 months trainingGI Bill eligibleParamedic programs build on EMT certification. Your HS clinical experience gives you a strong foundation. Many programs offer accelerated tracks for military medics.
Standard credential for medical assistant positions in clinics and physician offices.Cost $250 exam feeTime 1-3 months studyGI Bill eligibleYour HS training covers most CMA exam content. Study the administrative and billing sections that may not have been part of your military duties. CG COOL may fund this while on active duty.
Alternative medical assistant certification focused on clinical skills rather than administrative duties.Cost $155 exam feeTime 1-2 months studyGI Bill eligibleMore clinically focused than CMA. Good option for HSs who want to emphasize their hands-on patient care experience. Accepted by many employers as equivalent to CMA.
Required to work as a Licensed Practical Nurse. State-issued license after completing an approved LPN program and passing NCLEX-PN.Cost $200 NCLEX-PN exam + program tuitionTime 12 months (LPN program)GI Bill eligibleLPN programs are the fastest path to a nursing license. Many community colleges offer programs. Your HS training may count toward clinical hour prerequisites. GI Bill covers tuition.
Required to work as a Registered Nurse. State-issued license after completing an approved nursing program and passing NCLEX-RN.Cost $200 NCLEX-RN exam + program tuitionTime 2 years (ADN) or 4 years (BSN)GI Bill eligibleADN is faster. BSN opens more doors for advancement. Some programs offer LPN-to-RN bridges or military medic-to-RN tracks. GI Bill covers both pathways.
Standard certification for civilian pharmacy technician positions in retail, hospital, and mail-order pharmacies.Cost $129 exam feeTime 1-3 months studyGI Bill eligibleYour military pharmacy experience covers much of the exam content. Study the retail pharmacy and insurance billing sections. CG COOL may fund this before separation.
Credential for health information technology and medical records management careers.Cost $299 exam feeTime Requires associate degree in HIT (2 years)GI Bill eligibleRequires an AHIMA-accredited associate degree program. Good path for HSs with medical records management experience who want to move into health IT. GI Bill covers the degree program.
Standard certification for dental assistant positions. Required in some states, preferred in most.Cost $475 total for all 3 component examsTime 2-4 months studyGI Bill eligibleHSs who assisted dental officers have direct clinical experience. The CDA has three component exams. Your military dental assisting experience prepares you for the clinical portions.
Universal project management certification for careers outside healthcare. Recognized across all industries.Cost $555 exam fee (PMI member)Time 3-6 months studyGI Bill eligibleYour military medical program management experience counts toward the 36-month experience requirement. Strongest certification for HSs pivoting to non-healthcare management careers.
Gold standard credential for occupational health and safety careers. Median salary $83,910 for OHS specialists.Cost $300 exam feeTime 3-6 months study (after degree requirement met)GI Bill eligibleRequires a bachelor's degree and safety experience. Your preventive medicine and environmental health background counts toward the experience requirement. Start with OSHA 30-Hour while working toward this.
Certification to teach CPR, BLS, and first aid courses. Creates additional income and keeps clinical skills current.Cost $200-400 instructor courseTime 1-2 daysGI Bill eligibleMany HSs already hold BLS provider certification. The instructor credential lets you teach CPR classes at hospitals, businesses, and community organizations. Good supplemental income while pursuing other credentials.
Placement decides whether a screener ever sees it. BMR knows where each one ranks, what to call it, and how to frame it.
Free to start. Built around your real certs and clearance.
NREMT Certification: If your NREMT-EMT certification is still current, you can work as an EMT immediately. If it lapsed, the recertification process is faster than starting from scratch. Visit NREMT.org for requirements.
Nursing Bridge Programs: Many nursing schools offer accelerated tracks for military medics. Check with your local community college ADN program about credit for military training. The GI Bill Comparison Tool shows approved nursing programs near you.
VA Healthcare Careers: The VA actively recruits veterans for healthcare positions. Apply at USAJobs and filter for VA medical center positions. Many VA roles offer loan repayment and recruitment bonuses.
CG COOL: The Coast Guard COOL program can fund civilian certifications like CMA, PTCB, and NREMT while you are still on active duty. Use this before you separate.
SkillBridge: Coast Guard members can use SkillBridge to intern at hospitals, clinics, or healthcare companies during their last 180 days of service. Search the SkillBridge database for healthcare openings. Read our SkillBridge guide for tips on getting approved.
Project Management: Your experience managing clinical operations, supply chains, and medical readiness translates to project management. The PMP certification (PMI) is the standard credential. Your military management experience counts toward the experience requirement.
Safety and Compliance: Preventive medicine and environmental health training maps to occupational safety roles. Start with OSHA 30-Hour General Industry and work toward the CSP (Certified Safety Professional).
Federal Employment: Create your USAJobs profile and target GS-0640, GS-0679, GS-0018, and GS-0301 positions. Federal resumes are different from civilian resumes. Build your federal resume here.
TAP Resources: Take advantage of every Transition Assistance Program workshop available. The career counseling and resume review sessions are worth your time.
Navy Hospital Corpsman Career Guide | Army 68W Combat Medic Career Guide | Army 68K Medical Lab Specialist | Hidden Military Skills Civilians Value | Jobs for Veterans by MOS | Career Crosswalk Tool
Ready to build your resume? Start for free at Best Military Resume. Our tool is built by a Navy Diver veteran who spent 1.5 years figuring out the transition process the hard way.
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The most direct matches are EMT ($41,340 median), medical assistant ($44,200), pharmacy technician ($43,460), and dental assistant ($47,300). With additional education, you can become an LPN ($62,340), RN ($93,600), or physician assistant ($133,260). Federal jobs at VA medical centers, IHS, and USCG civilian clinics also match your background. All salary data is from BLS May 2024.
Yes. Many nursing programs accept military medical training for prerequisite credit or advanced placement. LPN programs take about 12 months. ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) programs take about 2 years. Some schools offer military medic-to-RN bridge programs that shorten the timeline. The GI Bill covers both LPN and RN programs. Check with local nursing schools about their military credit policies.
NREMT-EMT certification requires renewal every 2 years. If yours is current at separation, you can work as an EMT immediately in most states. If it lapsed, you will need to complete continuing education hours and pass the recertification exam. Some states have their own EMT licensing requirements on top of NREMT. Check your state EMS office for specific rules.
GS-0640 (Health Aid/Technician) is the most direct match. Other strong options include GS-0645 (Medical Technician), GS-0679 (Medical Support Assistance), GS-0681 (Dental Assistant), GS-0620 (Practical Nurse if LPN licensed), GS-0610 (Nurse if RN licensed), and GS-0018 (Safety and Occupational Health). VA medical centers are the largest federal healthcare employer and actively recruit veterans.
It depends on the career path. EMTs earn around $41,340 median. Medical assistants earn $44,200. LPNs earn $62,340. RNs earn $93,600. Health information technologists earn $67,310. Occupational health and safety specialists earn $83,910. Physician assistants earn $133,260. All figures are BLS May 2024 national medians. Location, certifications, and experience level affect actual pay.
If nursing is your goal, the GI Bill is one of the best ways to pay for it. ADN programs at community colleges are fully covered and take about 2 years. BSN programs at universities take 4 years but open more doors for advancement. Some accelerated BSN programs accept students with prior healthcare experience and finish in 12-18 months. Use the VA GI Bill Comparison Tool to check approved programs and housing allowance rates near you.
Some roles do not require civilian certification. Many medical assistant positions in states without certification requirements will hire based on your military training and experience alone. VA healthcare facilities sometimes waive civilian certification requirements for entry-level positions. However, getting certified (CMA, NREMT, PTCB) makes you more competitive and usually means higher starting pay.
Many former HSs successfully transition to non-healthcare careers. Project management, operations management, safety and compliance, and healthcare administration are common pivots. The leadership, organization, and problem-solving skills you built as an HS apply to any industry. Occupational health and safety specialists earn $83,910 median and your preventive medicine background is a strong fit. See the Skills Translation section on this page for help converting your experience.
Focus on specific patient care examples. Civilian interviewers want to hear about the number of patients you managed, the types of procedures you performed, and how you handled emergencies. Avoid military jargon. Use patient assessment rather than sick call screening. Use clinical documentation rather than SOAP notes. Practice answering behavioral interview questions using the STAR method with healthcare examples from your HS duties.
Yes. Coast Guard COOL (Credentialing Opportunities On-Line) can fund certification exams and prep courses while you are still on active duty. For HSs, this includes NREMT, CMA, CCMA, PTCB, and other healthcare credentials. Apply through the COOL website before you separate. This benefit has no cost to you and can save hundreds of dollars on certification fees.
Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. Career data from O*NET OnLine.
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