The civilian healthcare field is rapidly expanding every year. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects about 1.9 million new healthcare jobs will be added by 2028 for one of the fastest growing fields in America.
Military training provides exceptional skills and experiences that translate to career opportunities in the civilian healthcare labor market. Military training is just as in depth if not more so than the private sector vocational educational programs. Experiences garnered also provide clinical competencies for the civilian healthcare sector.
What’s the best path for veterans to translate their military experience into the civilian healthcare industry?
Transferring Your Military certifications/experience into Civilian Credentials
Various military medical training programs transfer over to meet civilian requirements, which can distinguish you from other applicants for a position. Credentials like Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS), Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA), and Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist (CEHRS) are relevant for an array of healthcare positions. When building your resume, add any credentials/certifications behind your name to show potential employers quickly what you have to offer.
As a prerequisite, many civilian medical licenses and certifications require some form of civilian training or education program. A growing number of certifying agencies are recognizing military credentials/certifications creating an easier path to licensure and certifications.
An example in the American Medical Technologists (AMT). The AMT is a premier national certification agency that regulates Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certifications. The AMT honors military healthcare experience in place of the civilian education and experience requirements. Army Healthcare Specialists, Navy Corpsman, and Air Force Medical Technicians can bypass the perquisites and move straight to sitting for the RMA certification exam.
The RMA certification is desirable. Many MTFs prefer RMA and AAMA certification for civilian Medical Assistants positions.
Don’t forget to check your branch to see what kind of funding opportunities are available for military members to secure licensure. In many cases, prep and exam costs are completely covered.
Starting a Career in Healthcare
There are also many organizations that help support veterans transition into civilian healthcare careers.
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers programs to help transition former military healthcare personnel into VA Medical Center positions across their Intermediate Care Technician program.
Many clinical operations seek out applicants with military experience because of their unique perspective on triage and chaos. When a former military air traffic controller transitioned into a civilian healthcare director position in Florida, she noticed patients being trapped in the waiting room for hours. She tracked the problem to a poor notification system for when hospital beds were available, and immediately sprang into action, creating a control room and delegating new tasks to keep the patients moving.
“As we were building this, I was like, ‘Huh. This reminds me of being in the military.’” Lorinda Stahley told Military Times. “It reminds me of the air traffic control space and the things that we would do with this person being responsible for everyone going in and everyone going out.’”
Contact Us Today
If you are a healthcare service member transitioning out of the military, FSR employs civilian healthcare personnel at MTFs nationwide. Contact us today to learn about career opportunities in your field.