Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom on July 31, 2011 at 9:08pm

HI Jasmine ~ I see you're a college student, so no doubt you're  used to research by now :)  You have a bit of study to do to learn about your boyfriend's career path.  

First, let me say that since your boyfriend just completed boot camp, he is NOT an HM yet.  He needs to successfully complete the eight weeks of his A school first to achieve the rate of HM.  His school is called Hospital Corps School, located at Medical Education and Training Command (METC) in San Antonio, TX .

This group, Corpsman Moms and Dads, primarily comprises parents and loved ones of those who have already done so (for many it's been quite a while), so the groups best suited for your questions right now are these:  Corpsman A School San Antonio TX and Sailors in A School for Corpsman.  

He has chosen a rigorous course of study at A school (and more study and fieldwork if he then goes to FMTB) before beginning his HM career.  And be prepared, he is going to be extremely focused and busy as the course is difficult and a lot of material is compressed into those fourteen weeks of A school, not to mention the eight weeks at FMTB.

After graduating from Hospital Corps School, he will likely head to Field Medical Training Battalion for another eight weeks of training.  There are two locations:  Camp Pendleton, CA and Camp Lejeune, NC.  He has no say in which he goes to.  We have a Discussion that has many links for info about FMTB and you need to read through them all:  Field Medical Training Battalion (FMTB) - info, maps, links

Here's a video from FMTB-West - FMTB West part 1

And choose the appropriate N4M group for the time he's there:  

Camp Lejeune moms or Camp Pendleton moms

There really aren't any shortcuts; use the links and do the reading and many if not most of your questions will be answered.  

By the way, there is an excellent overview of the HM rate here on Wikipedia:  U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman.  Be sure to read it, lots of good information.  You can also click on the headings here for a video and information on the career possibilities for an HM:  Navy.com ~ Hospital Corpsman.

Hopefully you can attend the graduation ceremony at Hospital Corps School - that's when you'll get to see him.  It is one of only two A schools in the Navy that hold a graduation, as the commitment to be an HM is a serious one and completion of the schools is an accomplishment.  I wish your boyfriend all the best in his Navy career.

Permalink Reply by laura h on February 24, 2012 at 4:06pm

Marcy: Thanks for the great information. My son is HN stationed near DC - currently working at a naval clinic. He just got assigned there in Nov. 2011 right after SA.  He did not go to FMTB.. will he have to? and since he is at this duty station for 2 years, do they typically wait until after this assignment ends?  Any information you can supply would be great! Thank you.  Laura

Permalink Reply by Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom on February 26, 2012 at 12:33pm

Hi Laura!  What a great area to be assigned to, he's fortunate and I hope your son is taking advantage of it!  Our experience:  from A school, my son was assigned to a hospital in Virginia for two years, at the end of which he got orders for his next assignment.  When he detached from the hospital assignment he went to FMTB for eight weeks, and after graduation from Field Med went on to his new duty station.   

Permalink Reply by Ruth VH on August 3, 2011 at 9:41am

Jasmine, don't get too far ahead of yourself on this.  Things could change with the drop of a hat...remember the saying...Nothing is written in stone" when it comes to the Navy...or any military organization.   Example, if he doesn't make it through A-School you will be researching all over again.  Take it once step at a time...get him through A-School first...a couple weeks before graduation, then start looking into "what's next".  Marcy gave you wonderful information...don't expect phone calls during A-School except on weekends...He will be (or should be) studying all night long...they learn at least 9 mths of stuff in the 3 months they are there.  Keep positive when you do talk with him...no arguing or problems, etc...no added stress if possible.  There will be a graduation at the end of his 3 mths if he passes.  He needs to score high...assignments get picked by highest score picks first...on down.  FMTB is basically a Marine boot camp that teaches them how to work with the Marines, their rules..etc., and what is expected out in the field.  So take care, we are more than happy to help you sort out your questions. 

 

Permalink Reply by mamawalrus on August 8, 2011 at 1:40am

Jasmine,, my son just graduated from A school the end of July,,,

Many long nights of studying, many test, sometimes 2 or 3 a week.  If he plans on attending a C school, then he will need to be the top of his class or at least the top 10 to try and get his pick.  Of course nothing is guarnteed but he will have a great chance. If he does not want C school then he still wants to do well but his choice on where his duty station is will not always be his choice.  My son did not place in the top 10 but he got his second choice of where he is going.  Keep in mind and this is from my sons Girlfriend,,, it is hard to not text him constantly especially just getting out of boot camp, BUT she said it is really important to support your BF and encourage him to study hard and not tell him anything that can be stressful for him.  They do get some down time on the weekends and it is up to how well they are doing in school if they venture out or if they study all weekend. LOL

 

 

Permalink Reply by NanZam on October 4, 2011 at 3:52pm

Where is going to be stationed at...My son graduated on Friday too, and he'll be going to 29 Palms...

Permalink Reply by Greg-and-Angela on February 24, 2012 at 5:43pm

Hi Laura H

Most Corpsman will eventually go to FMTB. If your HN is at an assigned two year post he will most likely stay there till that commitment is complete then go to the next available FMTB class before his nest assigned post.

Permalink Reply by Jaime A-Corpsman St. MOM on June 19, 2012 at 6:54pm

Thank you Marcy, for this valuable info! My son just graduated BC and has been in TX for just a few days. He said he may have to wait 2 to 4 months before beginning his school. So thought we could research as much as possible ahead of time.

Permalink Reply by Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom on June 19, 2012 at 8:10pm

We're all here for you!  Feel free to ask questions in the main group or send a PM.  Since your son has the time, he might want to go through this workbook - Kaplan EMT Basic Exam Review.  It's a good view of much of what he'll encounter, not long and easy to get through, with end of chapter quizzes.

Permalink Reply by OmahaRudy on June 19, 2012 at 8:25pm

Oh my, Jaime A -- 2 to 4 months before school begins? That could mean your son and mine will be together. My son graduates BC on 7/27.

Marcy, thanks for the info on the Kaplan book!

Permalink Reply by Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom on June 19, 2012 at 8:53pm

Love Amazon!  My best to you and your sons, and welcome to our Navy family!

Permalink Reply by Jaime A-Corpsman St. MOM on June 20, 2012 at 1:05pm

Awesome Marcy! Thank you so much! Will be sure to forward that to him. He said the others there were recommendimg the study of EMT, said it was the hardest, a lot of material condensed into shortened weeks and testing. Yes OmahaRudy, my son graduated 6-15. The PIR Ceremony was great! You are in for a special treat!

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