Loading...
Coast GuardRating: HS
Health Services Technician
The civilian and federal jobs that hire Coast Guard Health Services Technicians — with real salaries and the resume that gets callbacks.
Every HS has more options than a Google search will tell you. Below: career paths, BLS salary data, federal GS series, certifications by target career, and how to translate your experience without losing what made you valuable to the Coast Guard in the first place.
Free · No credit card · Tailored resume in under 5 minutes
$41K–$133K
Salary Range
BLS-verified median salaries
16
Career Paths
10
Companies Hiring
6
Resume Examples
5
Federal GS Series
5
Certification Paths
10
FAQs Answered
BT
Brad Tachi
Navy Diver · BMR Founder
After the Navy I got hired into 6 federal career fields and tech sales, and sat on federal hiring panels along the way. I spent the last 2 years rebuilding everything I learned into BMR, tuned for how AI actually screens resumes today. This is the system I wish I'd had on day one.
60,000+ resumes built·Success stories every week
Free Sample · Emailed to You
Get a free HS Health Services Technician sample resume
One page, built in our template, with your military experience translated into civilian terms hiring managers and ATS systems read. Use it as a reference for your own. Drop your email and we'll send you the download link.
Free. We'll also send occasional job-search tips. Unsubscribe anytime.
Military Role Overview
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
Security ClearanceSecret (some billets require higher)
ASVAB RequirementVE + MK + GS + AR = 207 (minimum AR 50)
Training22-week A-school at USCG Training Center Petaluma, CA. Curriculum covers anatomy, physiology, clinical lab procedures, sterilization, preventive medicine, nursing fundamentals, pharmacy, wound treatment, and medical administration. Advanced training includes X-ray technician, pharmacy technician, behavioral health, independent duty certification, and NREMT-EMT.
Certs Earned in ServiceNREMT-EMT (Emergency Medical Technician), BLS/CPR/AED (American Heart Association), Independent Duty Health Services Technician (IDHS) certification, Military pharmacy technician qualification, Military dental assistant qualification, Military X-ray technician qualification
Pay Reality Check
The number that matters when you're deciding what's next: how does civilian pay compare to what you make now?
Coast Guard mid-career
$58K–$82K
E-5 to E-7 total comp (base + BAH + BAS + tax advantage)
Civilian Health Services Technician
$41K–$133K
BLS median across direct-match civilian roles
Federal (GS-9 to GS-13)
$58K–$120K
5 matching GS series + locality pay + step increases
Comparable on average
Civilian pay for Health Services Technicians lands within the same range as mid-career enlisted total comp.
Military comp is approximate (varies by location/dependents). Civilian is BLS median. Federal includes locality pay. Your real number depends on duty station, family status, GS step, and overtime.
Private Sector Career Paths
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.
Emergency Medical Technician / Paramedic
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 Assistant
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.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN/LVN)
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.
Registered Nurse (RN)
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.
Health Information Technologist
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.
Pharmacy Technician
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.
Dental Assistant
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.
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
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.
Physician Assistant (Long-term Goal)
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 Translations
| Civilian Job Title | Industry | BLS Median Salary | Outlook | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Emergency Medical Technician O*NET: 29-2042.00 | Emergency Medical Services | $41,340 | About as fast as average (5%) | strong |
Medical Assistant O*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 Technologist O*NET: 29-9021.00 | Healthcare / Health IT | $67,310 | Faster than average (16%) | moderate |
Pharmacy Technician O*NET: 29-2052.00 | Pharmacy / Retail / Hospital | $43,460 | About as fast as average (6%) | strong |
Dental Assistant O*NET: 31-9091.00 | Dental / Healthcare | $47,300 | Much faster than average (11%) | moderate |
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist O*NET: 19-5011.00 | Government / Manufacturing / Healthcare | $83,910 | Faster than average (12%) | moderate |
Paramedic O*NET: 29-2043.00 | Emergency Medical Services / Fire Departments | $58,410 | About as fast as average (5%) | strong |
Physician Assistant O*NET: 29-1071.00 | Healthcare / Hospitals / Clinics | $133,260 | Much faster than average (27%) | moderate |
Emergency Medical Technician
Emergency Medical Services
$41,340median
About as fast as average (5%)
O*NET: 29-2042.00
Medical Assistant
Healthcare / Clinics
$44,200median
Much faster than average (15%)
O*NET: 31-9092.00
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Healthcare / Hospitals / Long-term Care
$62,340median
About as fast as average (5%)
O*NET: 29-2061.00
Registered Nurse (RN)
Healthcare / Hospitals
$93,600median
Faster than average (6%)
O*NET: 29-1141.00
Health Information Technologist
Healthcare / Health IT
$67,310median
Faster than average (16%)
O*NET: 29-9021.00
Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy / Retail / Hospital
$43,460median
About as fast as average (6%)
O*NET: 29-2052.00
Dental Assistant
Dental / Healthcare
$47,300median
Much faster than average (11%)
O*NET: 31-9091.00
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
Government / Manufacturing / Healthcare
$83,910median
Faster than average (12%)
O*NET: 19-5011.00
Paramedic
Emergency Medical Services / Fire Departments
$58,410median
About as fast as average (5%)
O*NET: 29-2043.00
Physician Assistant
Healthcare / Hospitals / Clinics
$133,260median
Much faster than average (27%)
O*NET: 29-1071.00
Companies That Hire This Background
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.
See a salary you want? Build a resume targeting it.
BMR rewrites your HS experience for any of the civilian roles above — keywords, achievements, and language hiring managers actually scan for.
Free · No credit card · 2 tailored resumes included
Real Coast Guard success story
“I'm not working in the career field I want to be in. But the services provided has helped me land an interview with the Government. Now I wait to see if they select me for the position.”
Victor· Chief Petty Officer (E-7)· Coast Guard
→ Federal Safety & Occupational HealthFederal Career Paths
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.
Direct Healthcare GS Series
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.
Administrative and Support GS Series
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.
Safety and Public Health GS Series
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.
Agency Connections
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.
GS Series & Position Matches
| GS Series | Federal Job Title | Typical Grades | Match | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-0640 | Health Aid and Technician | GS-5, GS-6, GS-7, GS-8 | View Details → | |
| GS-0645 | Medical Technician | GS-5, GS-6, GS-7 | View Details → | |
| GS-0647 | Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist | GS-5, GS-7 | View Details → | |
| GS-0671 | Health System Specialist | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | View Details → | |
| GS-0675 | Medical Records Technician | GS-5, GS-7, GS-9 | View Details → |
Federal resumes follow different rules. We know them.
Federal hiring uses keyword-matching and structured experience. BMR builds federal-format resumes (USAJobs-ready) with the right keywords, hours/week, and supervisor info — for any GS series above.
Free · No credit card · Federal + civilian resume formats included
Want to Change Careers Entirely?
Not everyone wants to stay in a related field. These career paths leverage your transferable skills — leadership, risk management, logistics, project planning — in completely different industries.
Claims Adjuster, Examiner, and Investigator
$76,790
Insurance(O*NET: 13-1031.00)BLS OEWS May 2024-3% (Decline)
Reading and interpreting medical records and treatment notesCoding diagnoses and procedures against fee schedulesDetecting documentation discrepancies and inconsistenciesIndependent case adjudication without on-site supervision
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.
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.
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products
$100,070
Medical Device and Pharmaceutical Sales(O*NET: 41-4011.00)BLS OEWS May 20241% (Little or no change)
Clinical credibility with physicians and nursing staffHands-on knowledge of diagnostic and treatment equipmentExplaining medical products to clinical decision-makersOperating inside hospital and clinic environments
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.
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.
Health Education Specialist
$63,000
Public Health and Community Health(O*NET: 21-1091.00)BLS OEWS May 20247% (Faster than average)
Preventive-medicine and wellness program experiencePatient and population health educationTranslating clinical guidance into plain languageBuilding screening and immunization outreach
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.
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.
Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers
$49,800
Death Care Services(O*NET: 39-4031.00)BLS OEWS May 20243% (As fast as average)
Composure and professionalism around death and traumaCommunicating with families in acute distressAnatomy and handling of human remainsMeticulous documentation and regulatory compliance
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.
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.
Forensic Science Technician
$67,440
Law Enforcement and Crime Laboratories(O*NET: 19-4092.00)BLS OEWS May 202414% (Much faster than average)
Anatomy, physiology, and specimen handlingChain-of-custody and evidence documentationSterile technique and contamination controlPrecise written reporting under scrutiny
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.
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.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor
$59,190
Behavioral Health and Social Services(O*NET: 21-1018.00)BLS OEWS May 202419% (Much faster than average)
One-on-one patient assessment and intakeCrisis stabilization and de-escalationTreatment-plan documentation and follow-upBuilding trust with reluctant or at-risk people
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.
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.
Pivoting industries? You don't need to start from scratch.
The skills that made you a good Marine, Sailor, Airman, or Soldier transfer further than you think. BMR rewrites your bullets for any of the pivot careers above — without making you sound like you've never done the work.
Free · No credit card · Try unlimited career angles
Skills Translation Guide
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.
Resume Bullet Examples
Before (Military)
Conducted daily sick call for 150-person cutter crew, screening 8-15 patients per day, triaging by severity, and providing treatment or referral
After (Civilian)
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 (Military)
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 (Civilian)
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 (Military)
Maintained medical readiness for 200+ personnel, tracking immunizations, physical exams, and deployment health requirements with 98% compliance rate
After (Civilian)
Managed compliance and certification tracking for 200+ personnel, monitoring qualification deadlines, scheduling required assessments, and maintaining a 98% on-time compliance rate
Before (Military)
Managed pharmacy inventory of 400+ line items including Schedule II-V controlled substances, conducting monthly audits with zero discrepancies across 18-month deployment
After (Civilian)
Administered a 400+ item regulated inventory program including high-value restricted materials, conducting monthly audits and maintaining zero discrepancies over 18 consecutive months
Before (Military)
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 (Civilian)
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 (Military)
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 (Civilian)
Conducted quarterly facility compliance audits across a multi-department operation, identifying 23 non-conformances and tracking corrective actions to resolution within 30 days
Get bullets like these auto-generated for your resume.
BMR turns your HS duties and accomplishments into civilian bullets that match the job you're applying for — no manual translation, no rewriting.
Free · No credit card · Tailored to each job posting
Certifications by Career Path
Which certifications you need depends on where you're headed. Find your target career path below.
Emergency Medical Services
NREMT-EMT (Emergency Medical Technician)
Standard EMT certification earned during HS A-school. Required for civilian EMT employment in most states.National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians
Cost: $0 (earned in service)Time: Earned during A-schoolGI Bill Eligible
Keep this current through separation. Renewal requires 40 hours of continuing education every 2 years. Most states accept NREMT for state EMT licensure.
NREMT-Paramedic
Advanced prehospital care certification. Required for paramedic positions at fire departments and EMS agencies.National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians
Cost: $300-500 exam feeTime: 12-18 months trainingGI Bill Eligible
Paramedic programs build on EMT certification. Your HS clinical experience gives you a strong foundation. Many programs offer accelerated tracks for military medics.
Healthcare
CMA (Certified Medical Assistant)
Standard credential for medical assistant positions in clinics and physician offices.American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
Cost: $250 exam feeTime: 1-3 months studyGI Bill Eligible
Your 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.
CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant)
Alternative medical assistant certification focused on clinical skills rather than administrative duties.National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
Cost: $155 exam feeTime: 1-2 months studyGI Bill Eligible
More 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.
LPN/LVN License
Required to work as a Licensed Practical Nurse. State-issued license after completing an approved LPN program and passing NCLEX-PN.State Board of Nursing
Cost: $200 NCLEX-PN exam + program tuitionTime: 12 months (LPN program)GI Bill Eligible
LPN 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.
RN License (ADN or BSN pathway)
Required to work as a Registered Nurse. State-issued license after completing an approved nursing program and passing NCLEX-RN.State Board of Nursing
Cost: $200 NCLEX-RN exam + program tuitionTime: 2 years (ADN) or 4 years (BSN)GI Bill Eligible
ADN 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.
PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification)
Standard certification for civilian pharmacy technician positions in retail, hospital, and mail-order pharmacies.Pharmacy Technician Certification Board
Cost: $129 exam feeTime: 1-3 months studyGI Bill Eligible
Your military pharmacy experience covers much of the exam content. Study the retail pharmacy and insurance billing sections. CG COOL may fund this before separation.
RHIT (Registered Health Information Technician)
Credential for health information technology and medical records management careers.American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
Cost: $299 exam feeTime: Requires associate degree in HIT (2 years)GI Bill Eligible
Requires 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.
CDA (Certified Dental Assistant)
Standard certification for dental assistant positions. Required in some states, preferred in most.Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)
Cost: $475 total for all 3 component examsTime: 2-4 months studyGI Bill Eligible
HSs 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.
Project Management
PMP (Project Management Professional)
Universal project management certification for careers outside healthcare. Recognized across all industries.Project Management Institute (PMI)
Cost: $555 exam fee (PMI member)Time: 3-6 months studyGI Bill Eligible
Your military medical program management experience counts toward the 36-month experience requirement. Strongest certification for HSs pivoting to non-healthcare management careers.
Safety & EHS
CSP (Certified Safety Professional)
Gold standard credential for occupational health and safety careers. Median salary $83,910 for OHS specialists.Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP)
Cost: $300 exam feeTime: 3-6 months study (after degree requirement met)GI Bill Eligible
Requires 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.
Training & Development
BLS/CPR Instructor
Certification to teach CPR, BLS, and first aid courses. Creates additional income and keeps clinical skills current.American Heart Association
Cost: $200-400 instructor courseTime: 1-2 daysGI Bill Eligible
Many 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.
Got a cert? Don't bury it. List it the right way.
The wrong placement can sink an otherwise strong application. BMR knows where each cert ranks, what to call it, and how to frame it for ATS keyword matching and hiring manager attention.
Free · No credit card · Built around your real certs and clearance
Transition Resources
Staying in Healthcare
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.
Careers Outside Healthcare
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.
BMR Career Resources
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.
Your 30 / 60 / 90-Day Transition Plan
Most veterans do this backwards — they wait until terminal leave to start, then panic. Here's the actual sequence that works.
1Days 0–30
Set the foundation
- Pull your DD-214 (request from Milconnect if separated)
- List your top 3 civilian roles AND top 3 GS series
- Build your tailored HS resume — BMR does it free
- Write 1 strong LinkedIn headline (not "veteran seeking opportunities")
- Pull together your evals/performance reports for accomplishments
2Days 30–60
Apply with intent
- Apply to 5–10 jobs/week — quality over quantity
- Tailor every resume to the job description (BMR auto-tailors)
- Connect with 5 people/week on LinkedIn (not a spray)
- Set up a USAJobs profile and a saved-search alert for your GS series
- Practice translating your military bullets out loud — explain to a civilian friend
3Days 60–90
Close the offer
- Track every application — date, status, contact, notes
- Follow up 7–10 days after each application
- Prep for behavioral interviews using the STAR method
- Negotiate salary — don't take the first offer (BLS median is your floor)
- Stay applying even after one offer — leverage = options
Print this. Tape it to your monitor. Veterans who treat the transition like a 90-day op get hired faster than the ones who treat it like an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What civilian jobs can I get with a Coast Guard HS rating?
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.
Can I use my Coast Guard medical training to become a nurse?
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.
Is my NREMT certification still valid after I leave the Coast Guard?
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.
What federal jobs match the Coast Guard HS rating?
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.
How much do Coast Guard HS veterans earn in civilian healthcare?
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.
Should I use the GI Bill for nursing school?
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.
Can I get a healthcare job without additional certifications?
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.
What if I want to leave healthcare entirely?
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.
How do I prepare for healthcare job interviews as a veteran?
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.
Does the Coast Guard COOL program help with civilian certifications?
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 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. Career data from O*NET OnLine.
Free for every veteran
Translate your HS Health Services Technician experience into a resume that gets callbacks
Stop rewriting from scratch every time you apply. BMR turns your military experience into civilian and federal resumes — tailored to each job.
What you get — all free:
2
Tailored resumes
AI-rewritten for each job posting
2
Cover letters
Matched to the role
∞
LinkedIn optimization
Profile rewrite for civilian recruiters
∞
Elevator pitch generator
For interviews and networking
2
Company research reports
Know who you're applying to
∞
Job tracker
Manage every application in one place
Start My Free Resume
Free · No credit card · 90 seconds to sign upBuilt by a Navy Diver veteran. More than 60,000 resumes built for the military community.