Military healthcare personnel usually work in the hospitals especially dedicated to the armed forces. They especially serve the men and women employed in the military. They are responsible for the well being of all the patients admitted in the military healthcare centers and hospitals. The enlisted personnel work in close association with dentists, professional doctors, nurses, and physical therapists, and taking good care of injured and unwell soldiers. Some specialists work in emergency medical centers, laboratories, while some may be responsible for X-ray, ultrasound, pharmacy stores, patient's records, repairing and construction of medical equipments, or any other similar healthcare job.
Military healthcare officers serve at military facilities according to their area of specialization. They are usually physicians, registered nurses, and a dentist. A physician is responsible for diagnosis, treatment of patients with disease, injury, or illness. The other healthcare officers who form an important part of the team provide therapy, rehabilitative treatment, or any such services as per the requirement of the patient. The physical and occupational therapist help patients with disabilities and help them to regain independence and confidence to get back to work. Speech therapists work with patients who suffer from hearing or speech problems. Dieticians take care that the armed forces are served healthy food and manage the food service facilities. They recommend certain specific diets to patients in the hospital or the outdoor patients. Physicians and the general surgeons are the most sought after healthcare officers in the armed forces serving the military and their families. Dentist and optometrists treat the dental and vision problems respectively. Psychologists look after the mental health care providing counseling, and conducting research on behavior and emotions. Psychologists usually travel extensively with the soldiers to remote areas to study the problems that one faces and the emotional effect of those problems on the individuals.
To be able to work in the healthcare unit of the military, one has to be a high school graduate preferably with a science background. Further, a course in any particular specialization is an added advantage. For the post of enlisted personnel in the healthcare sector the individuals must have studied a short term course related to the field of work such as a technician's course for assisting in the laboratory, X-ray, or ultrasound. There are other small term courses as well that help in handling the pharmacy and assisting the dentists and the optometrists.
Healthcare officers who are involved in the diagnosis and the treatment level are extremely qualified with undergraduate and post graduate degrees in medicine or the related areas such as dentistry. The education and the training is usually paid for and taken care of by the military. This includes a medical degree, nursing degree, or any other related degree to healthcare.
It is certainly a prerequisite to be fit physically, mentally strong, and stable and be able to support and participate in combat missions if need be. Knowing a few local and foreign languages along with a taste of various foods may help to a great extent when traveling. An attitude to empathize with the patients will help to a great extent in understanding, diagnosing, and treating the patients.
All the military recruits are given physical and endurance training that is one of the most important parts of any military job. Training related to healthcare is usually given to the personnel and the officers while on job. In case of a requirement of any other special or additional training the individuals are sent for short term courses. This may be while on the job, practical, or classroom training.
No prior experience is expected in healthcare jobs if you join at an initial level just after the high school. In case of any mid employment opportunities available within the military in the healthcare section, then a prior experience may be of great help.
Career prospects are amazing for healthcare military jobs through 2016. The reserve of armed forces is always maintained to be able to fight and win two regional disturbances. Keeping in mind the political scenario of the world, a career in military healthcare will be in demand for some time. There are about seventy two thousand healthcare jobs in the military.
The salary of healthcare personnel varies according to education, responsibilities, and years of service. The monthly salary may start at thirty five hundred dollars and go up over the years. There are many other perks and facilities along with the basic pay structure including medical services.
Military healthcare jobs are the perfect career choice for all those who are interested in medicine but seek adventure and want to serve the nation all at the same time.
