Commonly Used Terms

Enlisted vs Officer

Enlist vs Commission

Obligated Service

Navy PA School Scholarship

Sign-on Bonus

Student Loan Repayment

Recruiter

Corpsman

Navy Hospital Corpsmen are enlisted members of the US Navy with additional training in medicine and clinic management. In other armed services they may be called "medics", "medical technicians", or "health services technicians". There are many different subspecialties within the Corpsman rating, as well as with other armed services enlisted medical communities.

The first PAs were Navy Corpsmen who had recently returned from the Vietnam conflict and doctors at Duke University capitalized on their enlisted medical training and experience to build on that and develop what would become the PA model of education. See our articles about this here and here if interested.

Now, Navy PAs work side-by-side with Navy Corpsmen in a variety of clinical settings. PAs now serve as commissioned officers (see above) while Hospital Corpsman continues to be an enlisted rating.

The many different ratings (subspecialties) within the Navy Corpsman community are:

Hospital Corpsman Basic: Hospital Corpsmen Basic function as clinical or specialty technicians, administrative personnel, and healthcare providers, assisting health care professionals in providing medical care to Navy, Marine Corps, and Joint Services personnel of the operational forces, shore activities, and other beneficiaries, They assist in the prevention, education, and treatment of disease and injury and serve as battlefield Corpsmen with Marine Corps and Naval Construction Forces, rendering emergency medical treatment to include initial treatment in a combat environment.
Advanced X-Ray Technician: Advanced X-Ray Technicians operates medical X ray equipment in performance of all diagnostic radiographic examinations. Operates ultrasound equipment, applying the concept of acoustical physics, basic equipment knowledge and clinical procedures. Assists the radiologist in performing fluoroscopic examinations and computerized axial tomographic examinations (CAT scans). Performs special radiographic procedures, vascular procedures, and processes X rays. Has knowledge of all administrative procedures relative to the Radiology Service and photodosimetric duties.
Aerospace Medical Technician: Aerospace Medical Technicians assists flight surgeon or medical officer in special examination and treatments for naval aviators and flight personnel. Assists in conducting aviation medical tests. Assists flight surgeon in investigating and reporting results of aircraft mishaps. Maintains aviation medical records and files.
Aerospace Physiology Technician: Aerospace Physiology Technicians work as technical assistants to Aerospace Physiologists at Aviation Survival Training Centers (ASTC). Provide instruction to Aircrew and Non-Aircrew personnel in flight physiology, visual problems, spatial disorientation, emergency egress systems, personal protective equipment, and water survival techniques. Perform the duties of an inside observer on Hypobaric chamber flights receiving hazardous duty pay each month of flight. Operate and maintain training devices unique to an ASTC. Perform administrative duties required of an ASTC. As Aeromedical Safety Corpsmen (AMSC) stationed with a Navy Air Wing or Marine Air Group or Wing, aerospace physiology technicians assist in the Fleet Air Introduction Liaison and Survival Aircrew Flight Equipment program of aircrew personal and survival equipment.
Behavioral Health Technician: Behavioral Health Technician provides behavioral and mental health care for service members and their families. Assists psychiatrists and psychologists by performing assessments, crisis triage and management, co-facilitation of therapy groups, short-term counseling, training and education classes, and psychological testing. Provides intervention for persons affected by psychological trauma, mental illness, and crisis. Completes observations and documentation in the care and treatment of patients in the inpatient and outpatient hospital settings and field environments. Has knowledge of operational stress control and mitigation methods and assessment of traumatic brain injury.
Biomedical Equipment Technician: Biomedical Equipment Technicians assemble, maintain, troubleshoot, align, and calibrate medical equipment. Calculate circuit parameters, solder, plumbing, welding, and documentation. The major emphasis is on deployable medical equipment, i.e., X-Ray, dental X-Ray, laboratory, ophthalmic, dental, pneumatic, hydraulic, general, medical and surgical diagnostic and treatment equipment at the module or circuit board level. Some technicians maintain, repair and install mechanical, electromechanical, medical and surgical diagnostic and treatment apparatus, patient monitoring and recording systems. Supervise and conduct preventive maintenance programs; manage repair parts; advise local medical equipment and survey boards; coordinate medical equipment safety programs with local safety officers and renders technical advice and assistance as required. When serving in higher pay-grades, acts as medical maintenance supervisors or inspectors.
Cardiovascular Technician: Cardiovascular Technician assists in the performance of all diagnostic and interventional cardiac procedures to include cardiac and peripheral angiography, angioplasty and stenting, as well as echocardiography, and pacemaker technology. Sets and maintains the sterile field and cares for all sterile instruments. Possesses knowledge of radiation safety and use of fluoroscopy.
Deep Sea Diving Independent Duty Corpsman: Deep Sea Diving Independent Duty Corpsmen serves as the Medical Department Representative (MDR) aboard surface ships, with diving activities and units, and at various isolated duty stations independent of a medical officer. Performs patient care and associated shipboard administrative and logistical duties. Performs diagnostic procedures, advanced first aid, basic life support, nursing procedures, minor surgery, basic laboratory procedures and other routine and emergency industrial hygiene surveillance programs. Assists medical officers in the prevention and treatment of illnesses associated with diving and high-pressure conditions. Operates pressure chambers and submarine rescue apparatus. Enters pressure chambers to care for patients suffering from decompression sickness or other conditions requiring such treatment. Performs diving and other duties related to underwater rescue. Provides health education to junior medical and all nonmedical personnel. Performs all patient care and medical management functions set forth in Chapter 9, Manual of the Medical Department. Senior personnel assigned to shore operational staffs provide medical assistance, training, and inspection services to operational forces and component units. Additionally, when assigned to fixed medical treatment facilities (MTFs), they serve primarily as nonphysician health care providers.
Dental Hygienist: The Dental Hygienist will have the knowledge and clinical competence required to provide current, comprehensive dental hygiene service under the direction and supervision of a dental officer. Dental hygiene includes but is not limited to: clinical infection control procedures; data gathering; exposing and processing radiographs; dental hygiene assessment/dental hygiene treatment planning; oral health education including health promotion, disease prevention, behavior modification and nutritional counseling; cleaning removable appliances and prostheses; polishing restorations; provision of therapeutic dental hygiene services including, but not limited to, periodontal scaling and root planning; application of pit and fissure sealants and anticariogenic agents (fluorides); application of chemotherapeutic agents; pain control and other patient services as identified by the dental officer; and evaluation of dental hygiene services.
Dental Laboratory Technician, Basic: Dental Laboratory Technicians, Basic perform basic and intermediate level prosthetic laboratory procedures. Fabricate and finish dental prostheses: complete dentures, removable partial dentures and other prescribed protective and restorative intraoral appliances. Repair, reconstruct and reline dental prostheses.
Dental Laboratory Technician, Maxillofacial: Dental Laboratory Technicians, Maxillofacial assists the maxillofacial prosthodontist in the clinical and technical procedures required to fabricate prostheses and appliances for oral, craniofacial and other anatomical defects. Construct and finish ocular, extraoral, intraoral and somato prostheses of silicone and other related materials. Design and construct stone, metal and/or silicone molds for prosthetic rehabilitation procedures. Perform other intermediate and advanced level prosthetic laboratory techniques and procedures as prescribed. Liaison with and assist other medical/dental specialists in related disciplines.
Dental Technician, Basic: Dental Technicians, Basic perform general dental assistant duties including dental infection control, dental treatment room management, preventive dentistry, comprehensive dental assisting, and intraoral radiography.
Electroneurodiagnostic Technologist: Electroneurodiagnostic Technologists assist medical officers in performing electroencephalography tests, prepare patients for examinations, assist in operating electroencephalography equipment to examine patients for organic brain diseases, record test results and maintain electroencephalography equipment.
Field Medical Service Technician: Field Medical Service Technicians provide medical services to various commands of the Navy and Marine Corps in a worldwide operational environment. Conduct technical and administrative medical assistance supporting the mission and functions of field units. Maintain field treatment facilities rendering routine medical and emergency care to unit personnel and combatants. Coordinate and perform medical and casualty evacuation procedures. Ensure the observance of field sanitary and preventive medicine measures supporting force health protection. Assist with the procurement and distribution of related supplies and equipment for peacetime use and in combat areas. Conduct health and medical education training programs. FMF Dental Technicians assist Dental Officers in providing dental treatment in the field. Provide technical and administrative assistance to support the mission and functions of Navy and Marine Corps field units. Assist with the procurement and distribution of related supplies and equipment for peacetime use and in combat areas. Augment and assist medical personnel in providing emergency medical care to field or combat casualties, field sanitary measures, and medical/casualty evacuation procedures. Conduct health and dental education training programs supporting force health protection.
Fleet Marine Force Reconnaissance Corpsman: Fleet Marine Force Reconnaissance Corpsman provides medical and operational services for Fleet Marine Force Reconnaissance personnel engaged in direct action and reconnaissance operations. Performs paramedical skills, basic life support, minor surgical procedures and other routine and emergency medical health care procedures as required. Instructs and advises operational personnel in measures for prevention of illness and treatment of injuries associated with swimming, open and closed circuit SCUBA diving, military freefall and amphibious operations. Performs duties using open and closed circuit SCUBA in direct support of Fleet Marine Force Reconnaissance Units. Conducts underwater searches to include detailed ship-bottom searches. Inspects and maintains SCUBA and related equipment. Knows the laws of diving and gas physics and understands the theory and practice of decompression and the use of decompression tables. Performs duties as a hyperbaric chamber operator. Recognizes all types of illnesses associated with diving to include oxygen and carbon dioxide toxicity, nitrogen narcosis, type I and II decompression sickness and air gas embolism. Enters the chamber as the inside tender to care for patients suffering from decompression sickness as well as other conditions requiring hyperbaric treatment.
Fleet Marine Force Reconnaissance Independent Duty Corpsman: Fleet Marine Force Reconnaissance Independent Duty Corpsman (IDC) provides medical and operational services for Fleet Marine Forces, Special Operations Forces and Special Operations Command personnel engaged in direct action, special reconnaissance foreign internal defense, irregular and unconventional warfare independently of a medical officer. Performs clinical diagnostics, advanced paramedical skills, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ALCS), basic surgical anesthesia, basic dental exams, and other routine and emergency medical health care procedures as required. Performs associated operational administrative and logistical duties. Supervises and manages field medical activities in a conventional or unconventional warfare environment. Orders, stores, catalogs, safeguards and distributes medical supplies, equipment, and pharmaceutical supplies. Supervises clinical and field long term care and treatment during peacetime, CONUS and OCONUS split detachment operations. Advises and provides tactical and technical guidance to the Detachment Commander, indigenous and allied personnel. Responsible for the planning, execution, and supervision of cross-training of detachment members in medical skills. Required to maintain skills and certifications in Advanced Tactical Casualty Care with a greater than 96-hour patient sustainability without evacuation or augmentation. In unconventional warfare environment, instructs medical personnel, manages guerilla hospitals and field evacuation nets; coordinates the operation, interaction and activities of medical facilities within an area of operation; manages battalion size troop medical clinic and its administrative and logistical support. Establishes a base stock of medical supplies and equipment, internal or external procurement, storage, security and distribution of those items. Coordinates veterinary training and support for area requiring animal transportation or use. When directed, conducts operational and intelligence planning, preparation and execution of detachment missions. Maintains Special Operation Forces Advanced Tactical Practitioner (ATP) requirements to include Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), USSOCOM Tactical Trauma Protocols, Basic Life Support (BLS), Prehospital Professionals (PEPP), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ALCS), and Tactical Medical Emergencies Protocols (TMEPS). Provides health care as a non-physician health care provider when assigned to fixed medical treatment facilities.
Hemodialysis Technician: Hemodialysis Technicians perform independently the standard principles and procedures of hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, including assisting with the invasive renal, vascular and peritoneal procedures and maintenance of access devices.
Histopathology Technician: Histopathology Technicians assists the pathologist in the accessioning, preparation, processing, embedding, straining, and mounting of surgically and necropsy obtained tissue for pathological examination. Maintains histopathology records and instruments. Supervises the work of less skilled technicians.
Hospital Corpsman Basic: Hospital Corpsmen Basic function as clinical or specialty technicians, administrative personnel, and healthcare providers, assisting health care professionals in providing medical care to Navy, Marine Corps, and Joint Services personnel of the operational forces, shore activities, and other beneficiaries, They assist in the prevention, education, and treatment of disease and injury and serve as battlefield Corpsmen with Marine Corps and Naval Construction Forces, rendering emergency medical treatment to include initial treatment in a combat environment.
Medical Deep Sea Diving Technician: Medical Deep Sea Diving Technicians assists the medical officer in the prevention and treatment of illnesses associated with deep sea diving and high-pressure conditions. Performs duties as inside tender for recompression chamber operations. Additional duties include qualifications to dive using all Air and Mixed Gas USN Diving Apparatus. Operates, tests, repairs and adjusts all USN Diving Equipment, systems, and support equipment. Operates recompression chambers. Performs underwater inspections, harbor/port/ship security inspections, including ordnance searching, rescue, special warfare operations, and small boat operations. Operates Swimmer Delivery Vehicle Dry-Deck Shelter systems and submarine Lock-in/Lock-out systems. The areas of knowledge and training include but are not limited to diving physics; scuba and surface-supplied air diving procedures; and recognition and treatment of diving related illnesses.
Medical Laboratory Technician: Medical Laboratory Technicians performs and supervises the performance of manual and automated advanced laboratory procedures for clinical bacteriology, mycology, serology, immunohematology, hematology, parasitology, chemistry, toxicology and urinalysis. Independently operates, maintains, and validates laboratory equipment and results involved in patient care.
Mortician: Morticians perform medical/decedent affairs administrative and logistical duties in Navy and Marine Corps activities. Inspect and/or process remains for transportation to the U.S., overseas locations or local burial. Ensure proper documentation accompanies remains. Conduct liaison with next of kin and foreign government officials for disposition of remains. Assist in recovery and identification of remains. Restore facial features to a normal appearance, disinfect and preserve by arterial and/or hypodermic injection of embalming chemicals. Conduct funeral services as required. Are licensed funeral directors/embalmers in one of 50 states.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist: Nuclear Medicine Technologists operate and maintain Gamma camera imaging equipment, devices and probes. Administer radiographarmaceuticals via injection, inhalation, and orally to create images of organs and organ systems, to study body functions and flow, analyze biological specimens, and treat disease. Perform diagnostic imaging and radiopharmaceuticals administration through the safe and effective dosing and dosages of radioactive material and assist the medical officer in preparing and conducting various radioactive therapies.
Occupational Therapy Assistant: Occupational Therapy assists occupational therapist and/or medical officer in administering occupational therapy. Assists with carrying out established treatment plans for acute and chronic rehabilitation services. Assists with the fabrication and fitting of the upper and lower extremity, high and low-temperature orthotics; splinting and rehabilitation for tendon lacerations, fractures, burns, and various neuromusculoskeletal disorders. Conducts a range of motion and strengthening programs using simulators and work stations. Assists in the management of hypertrophic scarring, edema, hypersensitivity and wound care. Assists in the development and application of psychosocial rehabilitation for psychiatric patients. In wartime, assists in the management of combat stress-related disorders.
Optician: Opticians perform all phases of fabrication of single vision and multifocal spectacles from prescriptions. Mark, cut, edge, and insert single vision and multifocal lenses into appropriate frames. Resurface, grind, and polish special single vision and multifocal lenses from ophthalmic lens blanks. Measure, order, verify, and dispense spectacles. Provide spectacle repair and replacement service. Maintain and repair optical laboratory equipment. Assist optometrists and medical officers in the treatment of patients with ocular disorders. Maintain and operate equipment used for diagnostic screening of ocular conditions. Senior opticians perform administrative and managerial duties in optometry and ophthalmology clinics.
Orthopedic Technician: Orthopedic Technicians assist medical officers in application and removal of casts and traction in all forms and in maintenance of traction. Assist in minor operative procedures such as arthrocentesis, suture removal, dressing changes, and insertion and removal of skeletal traction devices. Maintain records on patients treated in cast room.
Pharmacy Technician: Pharmacy Technicians prepare and dispense prescribed medicines and pharmaceutical preparations. Compound preparations according to prescriptions issued by medical officers. Procure, store and issue pharmaceutical materials and supplies. Maintain files and records and submit required pharmacy reports.
Physical Therapy Technician: Physical Therapy Technicians assist physical therapists and/or medical officers in administering physical therapy. Assist with the development, teaching and supervision of exercise programs and activities of daily living to enhance patient's strength, endurance, coordination, and mobility. Assist with assessment of range of motion, strength and ambulation skills. Teach the use of ambulation aids. Apply physical modalities of whirlpool, paraffin bath, ultrasound, diathermy, infrared, hot and cold packs, and electrical stimulation.
Preventive Medicine Technician: Preventive Medicine Technicians assists Medical Department Officers in the performance of Preventive Medicine and Occupational Health Programs for Navy and Marine Corps forces ashore and afloat. Performs inspections and surveys of food and food service facilities, berthing spaces, barber and beauty shops, child care facilities, recreational facilities, swimming pools, potable water systems, solid waste and waste water disposal sites and systems, vehicles, and transport containers. Conducts bacteriological analysis of food, water, and ice samples. Conducts epidemiological investigations and reporting (Disease Alert Report), interviews and counsels sexually transmitted disease and other communicable disease patients and contacts, administers mass immunization programs and conducts nosocomial infection control programs. Applies statistical methods to human mortality, morbidity, and demographic studies. Conducts disease vector (insects, rodents, parasites, and other pests) control programs (surveys, identification, and pesticide application and other control measures). Is proficient in all aspects of field sanitation (water and food service sanitation, waste disposal, and vector control). Is proficient in medical and sanitary aspects of CBR defense. Under the supervision of occupational health professionals, assists in ensuring that work place environments are healthful, consistent with existing NAVOSH standards, through surveillance of the work place and medical surveillance of personnel exposed to work place hazards. Instructs medical and nonmedical personnel in preventive medicine, industrial hygiene, environmental health and occupational health matters.
Radiation Health Technician: Radiation Health Technicians performs duties of radiation monitor, radiation surveys, gas and liquid analyses with knowledge of the medical aspects relating to personnel exposed to ionizing radiation. Directs and administers the personnel dosimetry program. Maintains radiation exposure records as part of the health records.
Respiratory Therapist: Respiratory Therapists assists medical officers in treating patients using controlled breathing apparatus that employ medical gases. Performs medical gas therapy, nebulization therapy, mechanical ventilation, and pulmonary function testing. Maintains and is knowledgeable of all safety precautions related to gas storage and handling. Performs minor repair and preventive maintenance on tracheotomy and endotracheal apparatus, ventilator, rubber goods, and electronic monitoring and resuscitation equipment.
Search and Rescue Medical Technician: Search and Rescue Medical Technicians performs aircrew and emergency medical care functions in support of Search and Rescue, MEDEVAC and CASEVAC missions for Navy and Marine Corps Aviation. Certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Triage, Intravenous (IV) therapy, medicine administration, use of emergency medical equipment, patient handling, and aero-medical evacuation techniques. Must be NATOPS qualified to crew position of SAR Medical Technician.
Submarine Force Independent Duty Corpsman: Submarine Force Independent Duty Corpsmen serves as the Medical Department Representative (MDR) aboard submarines and at various isolated duty stations ashore independent of a medical officer. Performs patient care and associated shipboard administrative and logistical duties. Performs diagnostic procedures, advanced first aid, basic life support, nursing procedures, minor surgery, basic clinical laboratory procedures and other routine and emergency health care. Conducts and directs preventive medicine and industrial hygiene surveillance programs. Familiar in the prevention and treatment of illness associated with the enclosed submarine environment, diving, and high-pressure conditions. Provides health education to medical and nonmedical personnel. Performs all patient care and medical management functions set forth in Chapter 9, Manual of Medical Department (P-117). Serves as the Radiation Health Officer (RHO) aboard submarines and is trained in the medical aspects relative to personnel exposed to ionizing radiation. Directs and administers the Personnel Dosimetry and Radiation Health Programs. Maintains and compiles radiation exposure records and reports. Senior personnel assigned to shore and operational staffs provide medical assistance, training, and inspection services to operational forces and component units. Additionally, when assigned ashore, they serve primarily as nonphysician health care providers at fixed medical treatment facilities (MTFs).
Surface Force Independent Duty Corpsman: Surface Force Independent Duty Corpsmen serve as the Medical Department Representatives aboard surface ships, with Fleet Marine Force Units, and isolated duty stations, independent of a medical officer. Perform diagnostic procedures, advanced first aid, basic life support, nursing procedures, minor surgery, basic clinical laboratory procedures, and other routine health care. Manage preventive medicine and industrial health surveillance programs, and associated shipboard administrative and logistical duties. Provide health education to junior medical and all nonmedical personnel. Perform patient care and medical management functions. Senior medical personnel assigned to shore and operational units provide medical assistance, training, and inspection services for the crew.
Surgical Technologist: Surgical Technologists assists the medical officer in carrying out surgical techniques. Provides nursing care, safety, and support to patients before, during and after surgery. Selects, sterilizes and prepares instruments and materials for the aseptic environment necessary for surgery. Assists anesthetist during operating procedures in giving artificial respiration and in the use of resuscitators. Maintains surgical equipment and records. Assists with instruction, supervision, and evaluation of students and other corpsmen assigned duties relating to surgery.
Urology Technician: Urology Technicians assists medical officer in examination and treatment of urological patients. Operates and maintains urological equipment and appliances. Performs urological X-ray procedures. Prepares supplies, instruments, dressings, and utensils for urological operations and treatments.

source: https://www.cool.osd.mil/

Marine Corps

Deployed

Medical Service Corps

Defense Health Agency

Bureau of Medicine and Surgery

The Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED) is an agency of the United States Department of the Navy that manages health care activities for the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps. BUMED operates hospitals and other healthcare facilities as well as laboratories for biomedical research, and trains and manages the Navy's many staff corps related to medicine. Its headquarters is located at the Defense Health Headquarters in Fairfax County, Virginia. BUMED has 41,930 medical personnel and more than a million eligible beneficiaries.

History:
BUMED was one of the original five Navy bureaus formed in 1842 to replace the Board of Navy Commissioners, and is now one of two bureaus still in existence. While a 2006 report of the Defense Business Board recommended that the Army, Navy, and Air Force medical commands be merged into a single joint command, citing savings in budget and personnel, this recommendation was not carried out and in 2012 the Defense Health Agency (DHA) was established separately from the military medical commands. All three military medical commands were, however, all moved to share the new Defense Health Headquarters facility in Falls Church with DHA, again as a result of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure.

The surgeon general of the Navy (SGN) is the most senior commissioned officer of the Medical Corps of the United States Navy and is the principal advisor to the United States Secretary of the Navy, Chief of Naval Operations and director of the Defense Health Agency on all health and medical matters pertaining to the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps. As head of the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, the surgeon general also manages Navy and Marine healthcare policy, administering the services' healthcare and biomedical research facilities as well as the various staff corps of BUMED, including the Medical Corps and an enlisted corps. The surgeon general is also a member of the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations.