Posted on 11/02/2007 4:34:53 PM PDT by rabidralph
I would like to get some advice from FReepers who have served in the military, including guard and reserve. My female cousin, who is 38, has graduated with a degree as a chiropractor. She is in the middle of her board exams but wants more practical experience treating people. One of her high school buddies is in the Army (band) and suggested joining. She told my cousin to join as a National Guard band member for a couple years, get her student loans paid off and then switch to the medical field, either as a chiropractor or go as a physician's assistant. My cousin is a talented musician but she wants to get started in her medical career, even though enlisting and joining the band would help her with her student loans from chiropractor school.
I would like to hear some military FReeper opinions about which branch of service, whether the NG would be a good idea. I'd especially like to hear from military FReepers in the medical field about the career paths for chiropractors and PAs, if anyone has any information. I have given her my opinion, as a Navy vet, but I am biased. I also was enlisted and I have no real insight into officer training/culture.
My cousin lives in Maryland and teaches at an elementary school while she studies for her boards.
Hey, Guys, could you ping some DC area vets for a response to my query?
Seems to me, trying to work the system is a Liberal pursuit!
Have her check into AF nursing program.
She’s not a liberal, just running out of time in getting her career going.
I don’t think she wants to be a nurse. She wants to be a chiropractor or a PA.
First, I think she would have problems with her age but a recruiter would be a better source to tell you what the age limits are currently.
Second, I am of the opinion that a better choice of MOS would be a radiologic technologist as it would be a complementary skill.
Third, check out this page and see if these guys could provide some advice. http://www.osteopathic.org/index.cfm?PageID=mc_militarydos_today
The military can always use more doctors. Go Navy!
Age shouldn’t be an issue.
I thought the enlistment cut off was 36 without prior service. Have they raised that limit?
the Army clearly has the most slots available, so that part is a no-brainer IMO.
That said, look here:
I’m retired Army Guard.
Why join a band when she wants experience treating folks? Why not join a NG or reserve unit that is a medical unit? If there are none local (check with your NG or reserve recruiter), perhaps there are some units with medic slots open. Also, many major headquarters will have staff slots for professionals, lawyers, doctors, etc. Once again, check with your local recruiter.
One more thing. You don’t have to live in the state where your unit of assignment is located particularly if you’re in a high demand field. She should check around in the states adjacent to Maryland as well.
BTW, we had a reserve hospital unit in North Alabama.
I believe it is very wrong to join the Military for something other than a combat related field, for in this day and age, there will surely be combat.
Back when I was assigned to Army Medical units (late 60’s to mid 70’s) a chiropractor’s degree was worthless.Things certainly could have changes since then,however.
Copy that. The AF was having a shortage lately, so I try to recruit.
The Army has, and the AF allows waivers.
And when those serving in a combat related field are injured who helps them get better?
RR,
Don’t have any specific military ping lists. Anyone on the DC Chapter ping list who can provide some advice?
Seems strange to me to try and get a medical career started via The Band.
As women, my cousin and I have no business being in combat. If the military is still accepting support people who aren’t on the front lines, I don’t see the problem. There are non-combat positions that cook food, process payroll, drive vehicles, etc.
LOL! Beat, Army!
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