Military Spouses and Others Answer Healthcare Call of Duty

Healthcare may be the fastest growing industry, but it is facing a shortage of both healthcare workers and the faculty to train them. Military spouses can be part of the healthcare worker shortage solution through Inova Health System’s new program – Military to Medicine – and the training and career opportunities it provides.

Military spouses want a career

There are more than 650,000 military spouses of active duty members stationed in the U.S. Nearly 80 percent of these spouses want a career, but frequent military relocations have made it difficult. The Military to Medicine program offers these spouses – and others from the extended military community – online healthcare training and career placement opportunities. As healthcare jobs are needed in every state, a healthcare career can move with the military spouse, providing a long-term career and the financial benefits that come with it.

Online training fits military lifestyle

Military to Medicine’s virtual institute combines online learning with satellite learning centers. For Northern Virginia, the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia has agreed to be one of those sites. Coming this fall, members will have access to Military to Medicine’s training including career skill assessments, computer basics and medical terminology.
Through Military to Medicine, Students receive entry-level career training courses based on their employment plan and initial skills assessment. The courses complement each other and lead to targeted, high-demand entry-level healthcare occupations. For military spouses with healthcare experience, Military to Medicine offers a national job board that list current healthcare openings across the country.

Nursing isn’t the only career in healthcare

Healthcare employers look for both direct patient care providers and those from administrative and technology fields. Depending on the spouse’s career interests potential administrative or technological career pathways include Electronic Medical Records Clerk, Patient Registration, Medical Billing, Medical Coder, Scheduler and Unit Secretaries. For those interested in entry-level clinical careers – Home Health Aide, Certified Nursing Assistant, Patient Care Assistant or Clinical Technician – are also possible.

How Military to Medicine makes this possible

Military to Medicine offers a healthcare career pathway to Military spouses, Wounded Warriors and their Caregivers, Veterans, National Guard, Reserve and their spouses, and service members transitioning to civilian employment. This is made possible by a combination of federal and state training funds, financial support and scholarships from individuals, philanthropic organizations and corporations.

What makes Military to Medicine different?

The Military to Medicine program began as a recruitment initiative for Inova Health System in partnership with the U.S. Army Reserve to address the healthcare workforce shortage. The Military to Medicine healthcare curriculum and preparation process provides students with real-life job standards and role expectations. Both students and healthcare employers can feel confident that the Military to Medicine course programs demonstrate realistic healthcare workplace skills.
If you are a military spouse or know one who may benefit from Military to Medicine, you can learn more at www.militarytomedicine.org .