While working as a doctor in the US Navy, you can combine the satisfaction of helping people medically with the pride of serving your country.You will receive high-quality training and a good salary as a member of the Navy Medical Corps, making it an excellent career choice.If you want to become a doctor in the Navy, there are a number of things you have to do.
Step 1: You need to be willing to serve for 2 years.
When you join the Navy Medical Corps, you will have to serve at least 2 years on active duty.Active duty means that you will work full-time for the military, so you should be willing to fulfill this requirement before applying for a job.You can be deployed at any time.Since the Navy operates hospitals all over the world, you may be assigned to a different country.
Step 2: Understand the role of a navy doctor.
Once you become a member of the Navy Medical Corps, your work will be very similar to that of a civilian doctor: you'll meet with patients, diagnose conditions, provide treatment, and attend conferences and lectures.Your patients will be active and retired members of the armed forces and their families.Being a Navy doctor has many advantages.You may have medical school paid for, be able to practice without worrying about insurance or overhead costs, have a guaranteed pool of patients, and plenty of opportunity for promotion and advancement.Cons include being away from family and friends, a more limited choice of specialties, and being on active duty.
Step 3: You can learn the other requirements.
The willingness to serve 2 years on active duty is one of the requirements for a position in the Navy.The person applying must be a U.S. citizen.A graduate of a medical school accredited by the American Medical Association is required to apply.A medical license is required for a recent graduate.The person must be between the ages of 21 and 64.On a case-by-case basis, candidates over 64 will be considered.A recruit has to pass a physical and mental exam.
Step 4: Contact a Navy person.
Whether you're a college student just starting to think about a medical career, or a doctor that's been practicing for years, your first step to joining the Navy is contacting a recruiter.He can let you know if you want to join the Navy Medical Corps.You can find the Navy recruiting office nearest to you.
Step 5: Inquire about financial assistance for medical school.
If you're a college or high school student considering medical school, you should ask the recruiters what financial assistance the Navy offers.You can join the Navy without attending a military medical school.You can apply for financial assistance to finish your degree if you attend the medical school of your choice.You can emerge debt-free from school if the Navy offers you a financial plan.If you receive a financial package, you will be expected to serve a certain amount of time on active duty.The best thing to do is ask which financial package is best for you, because there are many.The Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program is a possible financial package.It also includes a monthly stipend for living expenses.The Navy Health Services Collegiate Program is a part of it.This will give you up to $269,000 for your education and living expenses.
Step 6: Attend medical school if you apply.
The Navy typically doesn't ask for anything else of you until you finish your education, after you've contacted a Navy recruiter and set up a plan.Your next steps are similar to medical students.You have to go to medical school to get your degree.You can begin training for your career in the Navy after that.If you want to find the right medical school and get your degree, you should read Get Into Medical School.
Step 7: If you want to study a specialty, think about it.
The Navy has over 30 sub-fields for its doctors to specialize in.You should consider a field when you start medical school.Tailor your experience to this field.It's important that you are qualified for the specialty you're interested in.The Navy offers many different specialties for doctors.Military-based specialties like fleet Marine Corps medicine are included in the specialties.
Step 8: It is necessary to complete a residency.
You have to complete a residency after graduating medical school.Residencies can last a year or more and give you hands on training.You can either do your residency in the Navy or in a hospital.If you do your residency in the civilian setting, you may have more specialties to choose from.The Navy has programs to give financial assistance to residents, so as always, contact your recruiter and see what your options are.There are excellent residencies within the Navy, but you might have to wait for one to open up.
Step 9: If you are a practicing doctor, contact a Navy recruiter.
There are still opportunities for people who didn't know they wanted to join the Navy.The decision to join the military can come later in life.Some doctors who have been practicing for a long time decide to join the armed forces.If you've graduated medical school and are practicing, you should contact a recruiters.A sign on bonus and a high salary are usually given to practicing physicians.If the person is highly qualified, recent sign on bonuses can be as high as $400,000,000.Doctors who have worked in the civilian field enjoy the military because they don't have to worry about insurance or financial matters.They don't have to worry about providing the care they think their patients need.
Step 10: Attend the officer development school
If you want to join the Navy right after medical school, you have to attend Officer Development School.Military discipline is one of the topics you'll learn about.It will involve both classroom work and physical training.You will become an officer and a doctor in the Navy at the end of the course.Newport, Rhode Island is where Officer Development School takes place.Naval Administration, Naval Organization, Sea Power, Military Law and Damage Control are topics in the classroom.You have to pass a physical fitness assessment.The maximum body fat for males and females is 22% and 33%, respectively.Pullups, pushups, and a 1.5 mile run are included in the test.You should begin an exercise regimen before you go.
Step 11: Receive your assignment.
You will be assigned your first assignment in the Navy after passing Officer Development School.The Navy has hundreds of medical facilities around the world.You could serve in a hospital, clinic, air base, surface ship, and other places based on your expertise and education.Follow all orders and report promptly.