I am 35,all of my line scores are above 113. I am trying to start a new career. I have qualified for all MOS'S. However, I am only interested in a MOS that will transfer over to civilian job thats well paying and stable. I have gone through a nasty divorce so I don't believe that my credit will allow me to have a secret clearance. I have allot of interest the medical field 68P( radiology specialist ). I am either interested in the National Guard or the Army Reserves. I would go in full time, but I have a son from past marriage. So Reserves would work best for me. Any info would be appreciated.
Originally posted by 17140213: I am 35,all of my line scores are above 113. I am trying to start a new career. I have qualified for all MOS'S. However, I am only interested in a MOS that will transfer over to civilian job thats well paying and stable. I have gone through a nasty divorce so I don't believe that my credit will allow me to have a secret clearance. I have allot of interest the medical field 68P( radiology specialist ). I am either interested in the National Guard or the Army Reserves. I would go in full time, but I have a son from past marriage. So Reserves would work best for me. Any info would be appreciated.
First and foremost go talk to a recruiter. I know 68p is a hard MOS to get as it is a lucrative job even in the civilian world. There are more qualifications than just the line scores too. Ohh and the AIT length is atrocious like 52 weeks I think. I wanted to do 68k but after going to meps I found that even though I had the line scores and all other quals I needed a year of algebra and when I was in H.S. I took geometry instead. My recruiter tried getting me a 68p position but we could not find a unit within 300 miles of me that had an open position. Now I only speak with experience from the Army Guard not the reserves their policies might be different. Here check out this website it has alot of info. It lists all of the different medical oriented MOS's, links to their school website, qualifications, ETC. I would do some research and pick 3-4 mos's that your interested in just to give you some options and then go talk to the recruiter. I think you would be hard pressed to find one health mos that did not make a reasonable salary in the civilian world. Did you know 68w has different modifiers that can change you from just a plain whiskey to more thorough specialized training field up to the equivalent of an LPN? http://www.medtrng.com/mosinfo.htm
I spent 20 years, starting as a 91A back in 1972, then as a 91B and has a secondary MOS of 91D. I was a Registered EMT, and an instructor/Trainer for the Red Cross. I also took the PHTLS course while on active duty. I was also a combat lifesaver instuctor. None of this was worth anything when I retired. EMTs werent being hired due to the saturation coming out of the local schools. Ive been on a waiting list for 17 years now. My miltary medic training wasnt worth diddly to civilian hospitals and clinics. They simply werent impressed with my many Academy of Health Sciences Diplomas.
Instead I went into coding and billing and am now a professor at a local college. I go around the country giving seminars on coding and billing, making anbout $250-$500 for an hour class. I make about $60,000 doing AR recovery for several pratices. Its hard work and you dont make that starting out. I started out making minimum wage and worked up over time.
A close friend of mine who was CSM of a major military hospital and a major medical command has an outstanding job as a security guard. Another sells life insurance. Another friend of mine was a MSG and 91C and cant work as a nurse. Both learned civilian medical careers want more than an HSC diploma or certificate.
Investigate what you want when you get out and work on the requirements for that position.
my husband has been a medic for the last 9 years,( was Infantry prior to that for 6). He is so burnt out at all he has seen downrange with both his brothers and with civillian casualties. He also worked as the Casualty Liaison for the 82nd ABN at the hospital in Germany for the last 19 months. He says when he retires he wants to do NOTHING!!!! medical.
"The Lord knows the way I take, and when he has tested me, I shall come forth as gold" JOB 23:10
I'll never know just what it cost, to see my sin upon that cross...
Steve - good to have a different perspective on things, but you do need to update your information a bit.
Army 91Cs (now 86WM6s) who complete the course through the Army MUST also take and pass the Texas NCLEX examination for licensure as an LVN/LPN. The Army's M6 programs are fully accredicted, and along with a license, are all any civilian clinic, hospital or office needs to see - along with a clean record, obviously.
That goes as well for other specialties, such as radiology technician, cardiology tech, allergy tech (once again a valid ASI), etc.
You found a worthwhile and lucrative work-around to your situation - congrats! But it's not quite the same situation today, and I submit that most of the military medical MOSs will provide a solid basis for civilian employment after service.
Originally posted by Cider33Alpha: Army 91Cs (now 86WM6s) who complete the course through the Army MUST also take and pass the Texas NCLEX examination for licensure as an LVN/LPN.
The heat must have made Cider's fingers slip . It's 68WM6 not 86WM6s.
quote:
Originally posted by Cider33Alpha:...
and I submit that most of the military medical MOSs will provide a solid basis for civilian employment after service.
I totally agree. The key to lucrative and solid civilian employment is specialization and ASIs. If you go 68W, definitely try to pick up an ASI like M6. Or aim for MOSs like 68P, 68A, etc.
------------------------------------------------ "I don't mind falling down and scraping up my knees. Scars and stitches always fade and only strengthen me." -Guster, Scars and Stitches
. It's 68WM6 not 86WM6s. 
