I want to join the reserves and be a Navy Corpsman. I'm 32 and have 12 years experience as a full time firefighter/Paramedic. Is there any accelerated training programs for experienced medical professionals? I do not have a BS/BA degree, or prior service. Thanks

There is the advanced paygrade program, which takes into consideration your civilian experience. I've heard though, that it's only open to prior service folks, but that may be incorrect. Programs like that tend to change weekly.

If you're serious, contact a reserves recruiter (specifically, not a regular recruiter) and they'll let you know.

As for me, i'm prior service Navy, but was out for 16 years. Got back in as an HM2 (was a QM2) thanks to my four previous years as an EMTb. Still have to do A-school though, but a "modified" one (combo online and residence). As a paramedic you should have no problem, assuming prior-service is not required.

Again, a reserves recruiter will have the answers.

Can you explain "modified" more in depth. My recruiter told me non-prior service qualified for the AGP. I'm trying to figure out how much time to expect being away from home (family).
thanks. You can email me instead if that is easier, I'll probably have a few questions if you don't mind bnk183@wowway.com

For the reserve Corpsman you have the following options (official and recent description):

quote:

Reserve Hospital Corpsman Training Program - The Reserve Hospital Corpsman Training Program is a combination of online courses followed by a 2-week period of instruction at Hospital Corps School in Great Lakes, IL. This training is for HM members who have not attended Hospital Corps School.

Note: This training is only available to members who are already HMs. Members who wish to cross-rate or non-rated members who wish to strike to become Corpsmen, need to apply to attend the (14-week) HM "A" School. (See item 4 below.)

FY08 2-week course dates are listed below:

10-21 March 2008
12-23 May 2008
7-18 July 2008
08-19 September 2008

This is the easiest way to go, assuming you come in under the APG program, because you will come in as an HM.

You also have the option of attending the active duty A-school:

quote:

Hospital Corps "A" School (Great Lakes, IL) - Reserve members (who have not been to Corps School) can apply to attend the (active duty) Hospital Corps "A" School. Members will receive the same course of instruction as new accessions (recruits) reporting from boot camp. Course of instruction is completed in approximately 16 weeks. Classes begin approximately every week.

Additionally, Fleet Marine (FMF) is something to consider. That's where the bonuses are. Without it, don't count on an enlistment bonus.

BTW, as a paramedic, you'll find quite a bit of the HM training to be remedial, but it's still very useful. Remember as a corpsman, especially in some of the more independent assignments, you get to do a lot of things that no stateside EMT or paramedic gets to.

Hope this helps!

quote:

Additionally, Fleet Marine (FMF) is something to consider. That's where the bonuses are. Without it, don't count on an enlistment bonus.

Hey outdoor? I just enlisted as a HM (Reserve)and my contract has the bonus and HM A school, but no where does it say anything about FMF/8404/FMTB school, being that Im getting the bonus will I get 8404/FMF? cause I want 8404/FMF

Also to the OP you can talk to a Reserve recruiter but having no prior service you have to go through the Active duty station anyways,

Drays,
Are you going to full RTC and full A school?

quote:

Also to the OP you can talk to a Reserve recruiter but having no prior service you have to go through the Active duty station anyways,

Oh yeah, forgot about that. You will have to go to boot camp, but the other choices should still apply. That is, IF APG is still open to non-prior service.

Drays, not sure. To my knowledge (which is spotty at best), the only bonuses being paid to HM first-time enlistees is for 8404. Take a good look at your contract. Most males are being sent to 8404.

I'm not 8404, so i can't offer too much accurate info.

quote:

Originally posted by bnk183:
Drays,
Are you going to full RTC and full A school?

Full boot, full school, the classifier and the Chief were kinda clueless when I asked, I want 8404/FMF and all they could say was I would have to get that during A school. And unless its the finest print Ive ever seen it doesnt state what my bonus is for.... that or im missing some papers

At this point i would ask to talk to their boss. All of that stuff should be very clearly spelled out in your papers/contract/orders. If they don't know, ask to talk to someone who does and don't take no for an answer.

8404 should be very clearly spelled out in your contract. Don't let the recruiters hose you on this because they may not know what they are doing (or lack the ability to clearly explain things to you).

I cannot emphasize this enough, NEVER enlist unless everything is clearly written out in your contract and made obvious to you, especially if there is something specific that you want and have been told you are getting.

Outdoorspro,

Do you have a POC for the Reserve A school, two week program?

Thanks

BTDT,

Do you have NKO access? If so, go to the Reserve HM Training portal page then download the "NM Reserve Training Newsletter (the most recent one). You'll find info and contacts there.

Outdoors,

Yes. Got it. Thanks.

Outdoorspro,
Where can I get information on the modified corpsman school. I do not have NKO access.
Thanks

What kind of info are you looking for?

Earlier in this post you mentioned a modified corpsman school (2 week program) for enlistees with civilian experience. I'm in the process of enlisting and would like to know where you got the info from. I'm going in DPEP program
thanks

This is a combination distance learning (through NKO) and 2-week residence phase version of the HM A-school. This is ONLY for reservists who are already rated as HM (either through cross-rate or civilian experience).

The online portion is an interactive course of appox. 100 hours and must be completed prior to attending the residence part. The residence portion covers many of the Navy-specific and nursing skills that your average EMT or paramedic may not have.

If you do not have prior medical experience and/or a first-time enlistee, you will need to attend the regular 14-week HM A-school.

Questions?

Thanks

Drays,
Your bonus is for enlisting as an HM. No you won't get an additional bonus for FMF and will only be sent to FMF if going to an FMF billet at your reserve center.

My understanding (which could be obsolete as these things change daily) is that the bonus for reserve Corpsmen right now is only for FMF corpsmen, and pretty much all HMs are being sent through FMSS (or whatever they are calling it now).

All of the HMs that are coming to us now are FMF. To get the bonus though, they are usually being required to spend some time with the Marines or Seabees. Remember, even if there is no billet for 8404 at the reserve center, they can still gain with a command that needs them (that seems to be the most important thing), or go IA in an 8404 billet. The local reserve center doesn't seem to matter so much.

My daughter just did the HM school. No FMFS.