“I suspect medical professional boards do this on purpose to protect their members from competition.”
After a conversation with an Emory University doctor who did something with their medical school application process, I can go further: The universities and the Boards work together to seriously limit the number of possible doctors.
These soldiers need some fast-track, low cost, avenue to bring their skills to the marketplace. I would create a Federal program for them and force the boards to comply.
They also limit the number of available nurses.
Perhaps something can / should be worked out with the VA and HHS. Get out as a medic, pass a test and get certified as a paramedic. Fast track OJT training with class room and testing to an LPN. Then enter a formal nursing program after hours to get their RN or other specialty (PT, X-ray, pharm, etc). Those that wish to push on could go and get their PHD.