How to Transition from Military Service to a Civilian Career in Healthcare

Transitioning from military service to a civilian career can be a challenging but rewarding process, especially for veterans who wish to continue serving others by entering the healthcare industry. The skills and experiences gained during military service, such as leadership, discipline, and the ability to work under pressure, can provide veterans with a strong foundation for a successful career in healthcare. With the growing demand for healthcare professionals, veterans have an opportunity to pursue fulfilling careers while making a positive impact on the lives of others.

In this blog, we’ll explore the steps veterans can take to successfully transition into civilian healthcare careers, including certification and training programs, VA resources, and tips for leveraging military experience. With the guidance of organizations like Warrior Allegiance, veterans can access the tools and support they need to thrive in the healthcare field.

1. Assess Your Skills and Interests

The first step in transitioning to a civilian healthcare career is to assess your skills and interests. Many veterans possess skills that are directly transferable to healthcare roles, such as medical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and leadership. However, it’s important to identify specific healthcare careers that align with your interests and goals.

Military Healthcare Experience

If you served in a healthcare-related role during your military service (e.g., medic, nurse, or corpsman), you already have a solid foundation of medical skills that can translate into a civilian healthcare career. However, even if you did not serve in a medical role, skills such as teamwork, communication, and critical thinking are highly valued in the healthcare industry.

• Action Step: Reflect on your military experience and consider how your skills and interests align with various healthcare roles. Common career paths include nursing, medical administration, physical therapy, and medical technology.

2. Identify Certification and Licensing Requirements

One of the key steps to transitioning into a healthcare career is obtaining the necessary certifications and licenses. Most healthcare positions require formal training and certification, even if you have relevant military experience. Depending on the career path you choose, you may need to complete additional education or pass specific certification exams.

Common Healthcare Certifications

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): CNAs provide basic patient care under the supervision of nurses and doctors. Becoming a CNA typically requires a state-approved training program and passing a certification exam.
• Registered Nurse (RN): RNs perform a wide range of patient care duties and typically need an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). After completing the educational requirements, aspiring RNs must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed.
• Medical Assistant (MA): Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks in healthcare settings. Certification is often required and can be obtained through accredited programs, such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam.
• Physical Therapist (PT): Physical therapists help patients recover from injuries and improve mobility. PTs must complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program and obtain a license by passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
• Medical Technologist (MT): Medical technologists perform laboratory tests to help diagnose and treat patients. A bachelor’s degree in medical technology or a related field is typically required, along with certification from organizations like the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
• Action Step: Research the certification and licensing requirements for your desired healthcare career. Many programs offer accelerated paths for veterans with relevant military experience.

3. Explore VA Resources for Career Development

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a variety of resources to help veterans transition into civilian careers, including those in healthcare. These resources include education benefits, training programs, and career counseling services.

GI Bill Education Benefits

One of the most valuable resources available to veterans is the GI Bill, which can be used to cover the cost of education and training programs. Veterans who are pursuing healthcare careers can use Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to pay for tuition, books, and living expenses while completing required certification or degree programs.

• Action Step: If you’re eligible for GI Bill benefits, research schools and training programs that qualify for GI Bill funding. Use the VA’s GI Bill Comparison Tool to explore your options.

VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E)

The VR&E program (also known as Chapter 31) helps veterans with service-connected disabilities transition into civilian careers. For veterans interested in healthcare, the VR&E program provides career counseling, job training, and assistance with obtaining necessary certifications or licenses. The program also offers job placement services to help veterans find employment after completing their training.

• Action Step: Visit VA.gov to learn more about the VR&E program and determine your eligibility. If you qualify, work with a VA vocational counselor to develop a personalized plan for transitioning into a healthcare career.

SkillBridge Program

The SkillBridge Program is a Department of Defense initiative that offers service members the opportunity to gain valuable civilian work experience during their final 180 days of military service. For veterans interested in healthcare, SkillBridge provides internships, apprenticeships, and training programs with healthcare employers.

• Action Step: Research healthcare-related SkillBridge opportunities that align with your career goals. This program can give you hands-on experience in the healthcare field before you officially transition out of the military.

4. Leverage Military Experience for Healthcare Careers

Veterans bring a unique set of skills to the healthcare industry, including leadership, teamwork, and the ability to perform well under pressure. It’s important to highlight these skills on your resume and during job interviews, as they are highly valued by healthcare employers.

Translating Military Skills

When transitioning to a civilian healthcare career, it’s important to translate your military experience into language that civilian employers can understand. For example, if you served as a combat medic, you can emphasize your experience in providing emergency care, administering medications, and performing medical procedures under stressful conditions.

• Action Step: Use tools like O*NET’s Military-to-Civilian Occupation Translator to identify the civilian equivalents of your military job skills. Tailor your resume to highlight these skills and their relevance to healthcare roles.

Networking with Veteran-Friendly Employers

Many healthcare organizations actively seek to hire veterans because of their leadership abilities and dedication. Take advantage of veteran-specific job boards and networking events to connect with healthcare employers who value your military experience.

• Action Step: Attend veteran-focused career fairs and use online job boards, such as Veteran Jobs Mission and Military Hire, to find healthcare employers committed to hiring veterans.

5. How Warrior Allegiance Supports Veterans Transitioning to Healthcare Careers

Warrior Allegiance is dedicated to helping veterans transition from military service to civilian careers, including careers in healthcare. The organization provides:

• Career Counseling: Warrior Allegiance offers career counseling to help veterans identify the healthcare roles that align with their skills and interests.
• Educational Resources: The organization provides guidance on certification and training programs for veterans pursuing healthcare careers, including how to maximize GI Bill benefits.
• Job Placement Support: Warrior Allegiance connects veterans with healthcare employers and job placement services to help them secure employment in the healthcare industry.

Conclusion

For veterans transitioning from military service to a civilian career in healthcare, the path to success is filled with opportunities to leverage military experience, obtain certifications, and access VA resources for education and career development. By assessing your skills, pursuing the necessary training, and making use of the benefits available through the GI Bill, VR&E, and other programs, you can embark on a rewarding healthcare career.

With the support of organizations like Warrior Allegiance, veterans can confidently navigate the transition process and find meaningful work in the healthcare field, continuing to serve others while building a successful post-military career.