68W Health Care Specialist

Be the first line of defense against injury and illness of civilians after natural disasters, and the Soldiers who serve and protect our Nation every day. As a Health Care Specialist in the Army National Guard, you will experience a fulfilling role as an expert caretaker on and off the battlefield.

You will address the health care needs of civilians after natural disasters or civil emergencies; treat injuries and illnesses suffered by Soldiers through the administration of immediate emergency care and ongoing care; and support and manage medical readiness, supplies, and equipment.

• Administer emergency medical treatment to battlefield casualties

• Assist with outpatient and inpatient care and treatment

• Instruct Soldiers on Combat Lifesaver/First Responder training course

• Manage Soldiers' medical readiness, medical supplies, and equipment

• Patient care techniques

• Advanced medical care

• Plaster casting techniques

• Enjoy helping and caring for others

• Ability to communicate effectively and work under stressful conditions

• Interest in chemistry, biology, psychology, general science, and algebra

• Strong attention to detail

Through your training, you will develop the skills and experience to enjoy a civilian career with civilian hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or rehabilitation centers. You may also consider a career as an emergency medical technician, medical assistant, a medication aide, or physician's assistant. Soldiers in this MOS must also obtain certification from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians at the EMT level or higher.

Instead of paying to learn these skills, get paid to train. In the Army National Guard, you will learn these valuable job skills while earning a regular paycheck and qualifying for tuition assistance.

Job training for Health Care Specialists requires 10 weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn fundamental Soldiering skills, and 16 weeks of Advanced Individual Training (AIT), which includes practice in patient care. The duration of your AIT depends on the area of specialization you choose. Part of AIT is spent in the classroom and part in the field.

• Paid training
• A monthly paycheck
• Montgomery GI Bill
• Federal and State tuition assistance
• Retirement benefits for part-time service
• Low-cost life insurance (up to $400,000 in coverage)
• 401(k)-type savings plan
• Student Loan Repayment Program (up to $50,000, for existing loans)
• Health care benefits available
• VA home loans
• Bonuses, if applicable
• Most non-prior service candidates will earn between $200 and $250 per drill weekend, subject to change

• Military enlistment in the Army National Guard
• Must be at least a junior in high school, or have a high school diploma or a GED certificate
• Must be between the ages of 17 and 35
• Must be able to pass a physical exam and meet legal and moral standards
• Must meet citizenship requirements (see NATIONALGUARD.com for details)

Requires military enlistment. Programs and benefits are subject to change. Ask your Army National Guard recruiter for the most up-to-date information. Actual MOS assignment may depend on MOS availability.