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angelica
Student
Baldwin Park, California
3
Questions
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what is the main difference between being in the air force medical field compared to just being in the hospital ?
i want to be in the air force medical field but i don’t know how actually different the environment/ schedule works. what are the key differences ? #air-force
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2 answers
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1662
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
As a military brat, and one who has helped Veterans in their job search, let me give my perspective.
I think first is that the military will see to it that you are well-trained. Not just enough to get your license, but cutting-edge. You will potentially be exposed to many more different types of illnesses and injuries than you would be in working at the hospital. The military pays for your training. Hospitals have various tuition assistance programs once you work for them, but your initial training is often at your own expense.
The military works when there is work to be done. You don't simply work your shift and go home. The civilian hospitals often are short-staffed, so there is frequently overtime. The military teaches supervisors to "take care of" their people, so even if you end up working some crazy hours, they try to make it up to you somehow, someway. Hospitals sometimes have low morale and absenteeism/turnover problems.
In the military, you will quickly acquire leadership skills and take on increasing responsibilities. While all professional medical staff, civilian and military, acquire a sense of maturity that accompanies the seriousness of their roles, I think the young people in the military get there faster and at a much younger age.
Having been raised in a military family, I am of course, somewhat biased. I encourage you to fully explore both paths, and look at the pros and cons. This question is a good start in that direction!
I think first is that the military will see to it that you are well-trained. Not just enough to get your license, but cutting-edge. You will potentially be exposed to many more different types of illnesses and injuries than you would be in working at the hospital. The military pays for your training. Hospitals have various tuition assistance programs once you work for them, but your initial training is often at your own expense.
The military works when there is work to be done. You don't simply work your shift and go home. The civilian hospitals often are short-staffed, so there is frequently overtime. The military teaches supervisors to "take care of" their people, so even if you end up working some crazy hours, they try to make it up to you somehow, someway. Hospitals sometimes have low morale and absenteeism/turnover problems.
In the military, you will quickly acquire leadership skills and take on increasing responsibilities. While all professional medical staff, civilian and military, acquire a sense of maturity that accompanies the seriousness of their roles, I think the young people in the military get there faster and at a much younger age.
Having been raised in a military family, I am of course, somewhat biased. I encourage you to fully explore both paths, and look at the pros and cons. This question is a good start in that direction!
Thomas Sutherland
Associate Continuity and Recovery Specialist, CBCP
207
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
The main difference is that if you are in the Air Force (AF), you will be part of the military. You will have to sign a contract to work in the AF for generally 4 years. You will go through military training, be stationed at a military base, and possibly deploy overseas. Here is a link to the AF website with some additional information: https://www.airforce.com/careers/browse-careers/health-medicine