Should I be a doctor by going through college, or should I follow through with the Navy?

Question

My original plan was to join the U.S.Navy to go through college and later become a doctor. I would sign up as a paramedic in late 2008, start college by 2009, and be out by 2012. Now I'm getting signed up with a pell grant for college to be a nurse and I'll be taking one year of that before joining the Navy. Nothing has been made official yet, no papers signed, but I'm only taking this path because of a lack in moral support from my family and friends. They said I should go to college first then decide what to do, the only person who supported me with joining the Navy was my girlfriend/fiance and that's because she knows it would make me happy (I know she doesn't really want me to go). So, in your opinion, am I doing the right thing? And could you explain why you gave the answer you gave? Thank you for your time.

Answer 1

the military has so many amazing opportunities. Go to school while in the Navy,to become a doctor. You can be a great doctor in the Navy or have another type of job in the navy while going to school (for free) to become a doctor. you will be able to see so many places (germany, egypt, ...) and get so much traning in the medical field. You need to do what is best for you, don't let other peoples comments discourage you. Once you get out of the military you have a greater chance of getting a really good job so, you are not only doing what is best for you but what is best for your fiance and your future together.good luck with whatever you choose.

Answer 2

why not have the military pay for your education (both OJT as a corpsman and GI Bill)??  Combat lifesavers are the best trained, most knowlegable trauma doctors in the WORLD and the military foots the bill for your training.  When you get out, you're trained, skilled and respected!

Answer 3

Why not combine both, they have doctors in the navy the last time I looked.

Answer 4

Navy, NO. Health care, YES. Health care actually does something constructive, and you'll go home at the end of the day knowing that you helped save someones life. Navy is just a load of junk.  

Answer 5

your original plan is so flawed it isn't funny.  

One the Navy doesn't HAVE paramedics, and HM is full ATM.. typically nine months before you can ship..and longer if you are female.  you are NOT permitted to take any college courses until you reach your first duty station, and then only with permission of your chain of command.  it could easily be a year or more before such a thing is possible.  and you can FORGET trying to take the required Lab courses while deployed.. only core requirements like English and Math are offered with PACE.  

getting into UHSUS at Bethesda is extremely extremely EXTREMELY competitive.  it would take you at least twice as long to complete med school on your own time.

Get your Undergrad degree( the BSN would be perfect) and then seek a Commission via DIRCOM/Medical Corps.  

Answer 6

Hi. I would recommend the Navy. Free education and you wouldn't have to pay for it. Yes HM is closed for the moment, but October is when the new fiscal year begins, so I would recommend going in and getting it done, especially being a guy they will get you that rating. Talk to your recruiter and don't sign anything until you get what you want. Especially if you have the ASVAB/line scores to do it.

Dental isn't bad either so there are other medical profession/fields as well in the Navy.

You can study online courses or mail in study guide programs to earn a degree while in the Navy. Don't let people fool you who know a lot book wise but haven't been in the Navy for a while, ever or not at the moment.

If you want more information go to http://www.mynavyonline.com I'm KJC88 there and we can help you pick out ratings, tell you about benefits, and education wise plus support your decision without knowing you. There is definitely a lot of moral support there.

Good luck! GO Navy!