collageAre you feeling overwhelmed by all the questions about joining military after medical school? Are you uncertain on how to break into the field of military medicine? Are you considering making the decision to join the military as a way to pay for your medical education? You are not alone. Many people ask similar questions each year. The following will hopefully provide some insight and information for those trying to figure out the military medical school requirements process, or trying to figure out how to become a military doctor.
Are you an international student? and been puzzled by the contradictory information you encountered on the internet. You need not look further, this article allows you to learn more about can you join the military after having surgery.
It is possible for you to find more information about joining the military after medical school on collegelearners. Read on to discover the latest information on how to get into medical school through the military.
About Can You Go To Medical School While In The Military
The Military offers several entry points for physicians and aspiring physicians alike. At whatever stage you join, you will benefit from exclusive training, financial assistance and the unique experiences that come from working with the Military’s exceptional patient population. Discover how the Military can help you achieve your goals.
About The Military Services
The U.S. Military has five Services: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard. Each Service has an active-duty and Reserve component. Additionally, the Army and Air Force have Guard components that are controlled by state governments, unless they are called to serve during emergencies or support military objectives.
While all the Service branches need physicians, keep in mind that Navy physicians serve the Marine Corps as well as the Navy, and members of the Coast Guard rely on the Public Health Service instead of the Military. There are also some differences in the career paths available for different active-duty Services and different Reserve and Guard components.
Eligibility Requirements »
Aspiring military physicians must distinguish themselves mentally and physically and always push themselves to be the best. Find out what it takes to be a military doctor.
Medical School Scholarships »
The Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) offers two-, three- and four-year military scholarships for all students. It covers civilian medical school tuition and includes a monthly stipend and signing bonus.
Military Medical School »
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) looks for aspiring students with a passion for service. They are active-duty service members with their education paid for by the government, plus a salary and military benefits.
Medical Resident Program »
For residents, the Financial Assistance Program (FAP) includes an annual grant of $45,000, a monthly stipend of over $2,000, reimbursement for required books, equipment and supplies and payment of any required tuition.
Part-Time Service Options for Students + Residents »
Medical students and residents can gain invaluable experience and benefits by serving part time in the Reserve and Guard components of the Military. They can also participate in various stipend programs and trainings.
Licensed Physician Options »
Licensed physicians can serve in the Military either full or part time and even receive a signing bonus. The Military provides the requisite tools to practice a specialty and spend time with patients without worrying about the overheads.
Nicole Solana performing an eye exam
Did You Know?
The U.S. Military has five Services, and each Service has an active-duty and a Reserve component.
Learn More About the Military Service Branches
Explore Your Options
Select the category that best fits you and see the opportunities the Military has to offer.
HIGH SCHOOL/COLLEGE STUDENT
The Military offers several funding programs to cover the costs of medical school in exchange for a service commitment. If you elect to join the Military through one of these programs, not only will you receive funding for education, but you will also gain unique training experiences that will set you apart from your peers.
Medical School Scholarships »
The Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) covers the cost of civilian medical school, provides extra training opportunities and can be used at any accredited medical school in the United States or Puerto Rico.
Military Medical School »
America’s Medical School, the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU), offers world-class medical training, along with leadership development and training in global health and medical diplomacy.
Part-Time Service Options for Students »
If one of your students is interested in attending a civilian medical school, they may be able to participate in the Medical and Dental Student Stipend Program (MDSSP), which offers over $2,000 per month in exchange for part-time service in either the Reserve or Guard.
MEDICAL STUDENT MEDICAL RESIDENT LICENSED PHYSICIAN
While many students plan to enter private practice after completing their medical education, some take a different path to treat others. Fourth-year student Alana Waiwaiole will enter the military after medical school, and she recently accepted a commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force.
The decision to serve
Waiwaiole’s family isn’t new to military service. Both of her brothers attended the Air Force Academy, as did her husband. On top of its familiarity, their service and dedication made Waiwaiole realize that she wanted to follow suit. “Seeing the people that I love in the military, and knowing I would have the unique opportunity to practice medicine in a different way, really attracted me to the Air Force,” she says.
Entering the Air Force
In order to receive a commission in the Air Force, and to be eligible for the Air Force Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) scholarship, Waiwaiole had to already have been accepted into medical school. She contacted a recruiter to begin the process and, after receiving her acceptance letter from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, submitted her MCAT and undergraduate GPA. And because both her MCAT and GPA met certain criteria, she wasn’t required to go through an interview process. A physical examination followed, and Waiwaiole was officially part of the United States Air Force.
Benefits of the scholarship
Alana Waiwaiole is a medical student at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA who will enter Air Force service after she completes her medical training
A medical student, Alana Waiwaiole plans on entering the military after med school.
The Air Force Health Professions scholarship pays for a student’s tuition, books and related fees and provides a monthly stipend. It can be a strong financial benefit to cover the educational cost.
“When I signed up, I received a bonus, which helped me find an apartment,” Waiwaiole explains. “In addition to the tuition, it pays for equipment, like my stethoscope, and board exams — step[s] 1 and 2, which cost about a thousand dollars. I also receive active-duty benefits, military discounts and health and dental insurance.”
Serving while attending school
Waiwaiole currently is a reservist in the Air Force; she serves 45 days of active duty each year. These periods of active duty can take different forms, depending on the nature of her Air Force training and medical experience. After her first year of medical school, she attended a comprehensive six-week Commissioned Officer’s Training course. Her active-duty periods also were designated “campus tours,” where she continued to attend school.
Finally, she underwent an active-duty rotation at the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas.
Full-time military service
After completing a four-year residency in anesthesia — Waiwaiole’s chosen specialty — she will be assigned to active duty, where she’ll be able to rank her preferred duty stations. Ultimately, however, her assignment will hinge on the needs of the Air Force. As an anesthesiologist, she can choose between teaching and training students, either at a large hospital amid clinical work or a smaller hospital in a clinical-based role. Additionally, anesthesiologists run the critical care air transport, which delivers wounded service members from the front lines to military hospitals.
“For me, I would love to do critical care transport; it’s such a unique variant in the military. But otherwise, I’d like to go to the Air Force hospital in San Antonio. It’s a training base where I can have a teaching and clinical role as well.”
Waiwaiole looks forward to a rewarding career in the Air Force. For students considering entering the military after medical school, the armed forces provide a host of exclusive benefits for medical students who wish to serve their country — financially, professionally and personally.
More than 70% of medical school graduates carry debt.1
The median educational debt for indebted medical students graduating in 2019 was $200,000.1
For public medical schools, the median total cost for state residents for four (4) years is $156,600 ($39,150 a year).2
For private medical schools, the median cost for four (4) years is $256,212 ($64,053 a year).2
The 10 most expensive U.S. medical schools exceed $67,000/year in tuition and fees.3
The Air Force HPSP offers medical students the opportunity to receive a full tuition scholarship along with a generous monthly stipend in exchange for future service as an Air Force physician.
Benefits of the HPSP Program
Students receive full tuition and required fees at the accredited U.S. medical school of their choice located within the continental U.S., Hawaii, Alaska or Puerto Rico.
Books and most other educational fees are also covered under the HPSP scholarship.
An annual salary of ~$32,000 which includes
Monthly stipend of $2,466.00/month for 10 ½ months
Second Lieutenant military and travel pay for the remaining 45 days, during their active duty tour.
There is a $20,000 signing bonus for students who receive a four (4) year AF HPSP scholarship, similar to the Army and Navy program. Likewise, three (3) year scholarship participants can receive the signing bonus if they agree to a four (4) year commitment.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must be accepted to or enrolled in a medical school accredited by either the Association of American Medical Colleges (MD schools) or American Osteopathic Association (DO schools) located within the continental U.S., Hawaii, Alaska or Puerto Rico.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
Applicants must be physically qualified for commissioning as an Air Force officer.
When to Apply?
For four (4) year scholarships, the best time to apply is early fall of the year prior to attending medical school.
Students already in medical school applying for three (3) year scholarships should apply immediately.
Scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis; early application maximizes opportunity for selection.
Selection Criteria
Applicants must have a minimum 3.2 undergraduate GPA and 500 MCAT with a minimum score of 124 on each of the MCAT subsections.
Applicants for three (3) and four (4) year scholarships with at least a 3.6 undergraduate GPA and an MCAT total score of 505 (& minimum subsection score of 124 in each subsection) are automatically selected and do not meet a scheduled accession board.
Participation in the Program
military medical school requirements
Age
To join the Military, you have to be at least 18 years old (17 with parental consent). As for the upper age limit, it depends on the Service and the program:
- Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP): 36 (for the Navy, you can be no older than 42 at the time you enter Active Duty, following your degree completion — unless you were granted an age waiver when you were recruited)
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU), F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine: 36
- Army, Army Reserve and Army National Guard: 42
- Navy and Navy Reserve: 42
- Air Force: 48
- Air Force Reserve: 47
- Air National Guard: 47
Age waivers are available, but they depend on your skills and the Military’s needs.
Citizenship
Since all military physicians serve as commissioned officers, you must be a U.S. citizen in order to apply.
Grade-Point Average (GPA) + Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) Scores
In general, an applicant for the HPSP or USU should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a minimum MCAT score of 500. A competitive applicant should have a GPA of at least 3.6 and an MCAT score between 506 and 509. The Military also factors in volunteer work and leadership.
Degrees + Licensing
HPSP and USU require all of its applicants to have baccalaureate degrees from accredited programs in the United States, Canada or Puerto Rico. Also, in order for the HPSP application to be final, applicants must be accepted to, or enrolled in an accredited physician of medicine (MD) or physician of osteopathic medicine (DO) degree program in the United States or Puerto Rico.
If you hope to enter the Military as a full physician, you must have a degree from an accredited MD or DO program from the United States or Puerto Rico.
If you hope to enter the Military as a full physician, you must have a degree from an accredited MD or DO program from the United States or Puerto Rico. Accreditation must come from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education or the American Osteopathic Association.
Physicians with degrees from foreign medical schools must also:
- Pass either the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination in the Medical Sciences or hold an Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates certification
- Be certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties
- Complete GME1 in the United States, Canada or Puerto Rico
- Be licensed to practice in the United States and its territories
- Be currently engaged in a clinical practice
Finally, physicians need to have completed one year of graduate medical education, must have a valid state license issued by a state, territory or commonwealth of the United States or the District of Columbia, and should be board certified or board eligible.
Physical + Moral Standards
Regardless of your age, you must have a physical to indicate that you are healthy enough to serve in case you are deployed. Where you take your physical depends on the program you want to enter. HPSP applicants will take a physical at a Military Entrance Processing Station near them, and USU applicants will take their physicals through the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board. You are also required to pass a security investigation and demonstrate the high moral standards expected of a physician and a military officer.
Waivers are available on a case-by-case basis. Depending on the program, you may want to apply early to give the Services enough time to approve your waiver.
Prior Service + Prior Military Commitments
Those with prior service or prior military commitments can apply to be military medical students, residents or physicians, although some individuals may need to fill out extra applications. For example, Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadets must be approved for an educational delay because of their existing military commitments before they apply to HPSP or USU. Likewise, cadets and midshipmen in Service academies and ROTC must be approved by their respective Service before accepting admission to medical school.
If you are an active-duty service member, you must receive permission from your Personnel Command to leave your current assignment and apply to medical school and scholarship programs. In that case, any preexisting service obligation for your military education and training will be added to any obligation related to your participation in a medical scholarship program.
How To Become A Military Doctor?
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
The first step to become a military doctor is to earn a bachelor’s degree, which is necessary to enter medical school. Premedical students usually take classes in science – such as biology and chemistry – in addition to humanities and other disciplines. Students considering a career in medicine should seek out relevant volunteer opportunities in medical centers or similar environments. To strengthen their candidacy, students might wish to pursue an additional degree or more work experience before applying to a Doctor of Medicine program.
Step 2: Earn a Medical Degree
Civilians entering the military as medical officers generally need a degree from an approved medical school. While students can attend a military medical school, it isn’t necessary to have a degree from a military-affiliated school to join the military. Students might qualify for military financial aid to support them during medical school with an agreement that they join the military as a commissioned officer after graduation.
Students usually need four years to complete a medical degree. Typically, medical students take courses and have some contact with patients during the first half of the program of study. Possible course topics include microbiology, pharmacology, medicinal law and ethics. Students spend the second half of their program working in medical settings under the supervision of experienced physicians.
There are two main career paths for completing a medical degree with the goal of becoming a military doctor. These two options are the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) or the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS).
HPSP: This training is fairly comparable to civilian medical training, however students receive a basic military training and are given the opportunity to become ‘active duty’ and rotate at local military hospitals. Benefits to this program include:
- Choice of any medical school in the U.S.
- Tuition is entirely paid for, with a monthly stipend included for living expenses
Some of the disadvantages, or things to keep in mind when choosing a program that focuses on how to become a military doctor are:
- You need to payback the years of tuition by serving as a military doctor for the same amount of time it took to complete a medical degree (1 to 1 payback program)
- These programs very rarely allow wide exposure to military practices, such as matching processes or drills and field exercises. Because the HPSP allows for medical degrees to be completed at any academic institution, there are often few HPSP recipients and you may feel detached from the larger military medical training
USUHS: This career option is connected directly to the military’s medical school. Depending on your personal preferences, there are many advantages and disadvantages to the USUHS career path. Some of the advantages include:
- Full engagement in military training and practices. At the military’s medical school, students are fully integrated in military culture, including field exercises, but also early exposure to field practice with the option of rotating across the U.S. or internationally
- Tuition is completely free, and students receive a salary of $40,000/year with an additional $20,000 non-taxable income to be used for housing
A few of the disadvantages to the USUHS program include:
- No choice of location and students must attend the USUHS, which is located in Bethesda, Maryland
- Students owe the military 7 years of active military service in order to payback the free tuition of the USUHS program
Step 3: Join the Military
Exact admission prerequisites will vary between different branches of the military; however, all applicants need to meet health, character and age requirements. In addition, a security clearance might be required. Doctors might need to hold a current state medical license and currently practice in the United States. All military members sign a contract that includes a minimum amount of service time.
How Many Years To Become A Military Doctor?
Students usually need four years to complete a medical degree. Typically, medical students take courses and have some contact with patients.
The Two Paths to Military Medicine
To become a physician in the military, there are two main paths to choose from: the Health Professions Scholarship Program, or HPSP for short, and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, also known as the USUHS.
HPSP
HPSP is the more common path of the two, whereby you go to any medical school, whether osteopathic or allopathic, and here’s the kicker: your tuition is entirely paid for and you also receive a monthly stipend for living expenses. For the most part, your medical training is pretty similar to that of your civilian counterparts. However, as an HPSP recipient, you will have basic military training, most commonly during your second year of medical school. During your clinical years, meaning third and fourth year, you are usually granted the opportunity to become “active duty” and rotate at military hospitals if you choose.
So what’s the catch? The United States military paid for your medical school education, so it’s only fair to pay it back. Generally speaking, there’s a 1 to 1 payback in service to the military under HPSP. That means if you graduated from medical school after the traditional 4 years, you are required to be a physician serving in the military for at least 4 years after completing your training. While you are of course being paid when you are serving as a physician, note that military compensation rates are usually lower than civilian counterparts.
The main benefit to HPSP is that you have complete flexibility to where you attend medical school. Want to go to UC San Diego and enjoy the awesome weather? No problem. What about staying at Ohio State to be close to family? Also totally fine.
The downside is that unless you’re attending a medical school that has several HPSP recipients, you will be isolated from the rest of the military medical training process. You won’t be exposed to the military match process, the military in general, and you won’t be participating in drills or field exercises.
USUHS
The USUHS is the military’s medical school. Like HPSP, tuition is completely free, but rather than a small stipend for living expenses, you’ll be serving as an active duty 2nd Lieutenant and paid as such, which is around $40,000 per year base pay, with about another $20,000 of non-taxable income for housing.
The most obvious downside is that you won’t have a choice in where you attend medical school – you’ll have to attend USUHS, which is located in Bethesda, Maryland. Additionally, the payback period is longer than HPSP at 7 years on average.
That being said, there are several benefits to this path. You’ll be fully integrated into the military medical training system from the get-go, and that means many more opportunities, unique experiences, and full immersion into the military culture. Of course, you’ll be participating in field exercises, but it gets much more exciting than that. For example, you can gain early exposure and do rotations in humanitarian medicine, disaster medicine, rotate across the U.S. and even internationally.
Will The Military Send You To Medical School
The student’s #1 priority while enrolled in the HPSP program is to dedicate themselves to their studies. Students are not expected to wear their uniforms to class.
Students who are enrolled in the HPSP program also participate in specialized military training programs designed to help orient participants to Air Force medicine; these are known as ADTs.
Students are placed on ADT orders for 45 days for each year of participation. During that 45 day period, the students may attend training programs that last from 2-5 weeks in length (e.g. Commissioned Officer Training five (5) weeks, Aerospace Medicine Primary Course two (2) weeks, and clinical rotations four (4) weeks).
The first ADT will be to attend COT at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama, where HPSP participants receive practical instruction and training on their role as an Air Force Medical Officer.
HPSP students attend Aerospace Medicine Primary Course to gain understanding of medicine in the Air Force and their connection to the Air Force Mission.
During the remaining ADTs, medical students will do clinical rotations at one of our nine (9) Air Force teaching facilities around the country.
Students are expected to meet Air Force Fitness Standards while on active duty. Students must pass the fitness test at the start of COT.
Service Obligation for HPSP
Serve a minimum three (3) year commitment as an active duty officer or one (1) year for each year of scholarship participation (whichever is greater).4, 5
Three (3) year HPSP recipients have a three (3) year service obligation (four (4) year obligation if accepting signing bonus).
Four (4) year HPSP recipients have a four (4) year service obligation.
Payback of educational commitment begins after completion of graduate medical education training.
Time spent in a military residency or fellowship program does not count towards service obligation.
In comparison, students attending the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences incur a seven (7) year service obligation.
Air Force Graduate Medical Education
The Air Force has numerous residency and fellowship training program opportunities in 84 different specialties at nine (9) different Air Force training locations in addition to some Army, Navy and civilian locations.
HPSP participants are required to apply to the Joint Service Graduate Medical Education Selection Board at the beginning of their final year of medical school.
The JSGMESB is the process by which Air Force obligated officers compete for selection in GME residencies and fellowship programs and is similar to the civilian match.
Most individuals will be selected for residency and fellowship training in Air Force programs.
However, some students may be selected by the JSGMESB to train in civilian residency programs.
Detailed information on the GME application process is provided to all program participants by our HPSP Program Managers.
Students can find additional information on the Air Force Physician Education Branch website: http://www.airforcemedicine.af.mil/Organizations/Physician-Education-Branch/
Why Should Medical Students Consider Air Force Medicine?
In addition to the financial benefits of the HPSP scholarship program, there are many other advantages to Air Force medicine:
Great patient populations! Our patients include active duty members, their families, as well as retired military members and their families.
The ability to provide total care. One of the fundamental advantages of the military health system is the ability to render care to a patient without worrying about whether or not they can afford to fill their prescriptions or obtain a vital lab test.
Quality colleagues. No doubt about it, physicians who choose to serve in the military are a special group of highly trained, dedicated professionals.
Travel opportunities. Air Force physicians can be stationed at military clinics and hospitals all over the world and deploy in support of military operations. In addition, they also participate in a variety of humanitarian missions and specialized medical training all over the globe.
Potential for zero debt and better pay! Not only does a HPSP scholarship cover all tuition, books, fees, it also provides a generous monthly stipend. Once doctors graduate from medical school, they will find that the salaries and benefits of being a military resident or fellow in a military training program far exceed civilian averages.
Opportunity to be a leader and make a difference. Not only for individuals in your own community, but quite possibly for individuals and communities around the world.
How Can Students Apply to HPSP or Get More Information about AF Physician Career Opportunities?
Learn more/chat online: https://www.airforce.com/careers/specialty-careers/healthcare/overview
Via the online chat, students will be given the phone numbers for their local HP recruiter.
Call 1-800-588-5260.
Compare the services: https://www.medicineandthemilitary.com/
Contact a local Health Professions recruiter who will walk them thru the application process.
Sources
AAMC Physician Education Debt and the Cost to Attend Medical School
AAMC Tuition and Student Fees Reports
U.S. News & World Report: 10 Most Expensive Private Medical Schools
DoDI 6000.13
AFMAN 36-2100
Becoming a member of the military is a big commitment. Some people are ready to take that step the minute they graduate from high school.
Others pursue a 4-year college degree while participating in military activities as part of a Service Academy or Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Unit. Others decide that they want to serve after completing their college degree.
What options are there for those who wait until after college or even after spending time in another career to join the military? Are there any additional benefits offered?
Related Article – American Military University (AMU) Reputation: Worth It? (2019 Review)
Jump To A Section
Officer track and Enlisted track
What to expect at the recruiter’s office
College loan repayment
College costs for medical professionals
Accelerated promotion
Other paths to becoming an officer
Advanced degree opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
Officer track and Enlisted track
Officers and Enlisted Sailors onboard USS Chung-Hoon. Image: DVIDS
Each branch of the military—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard—are organized into Officer and Enlisted service members.
Strictly speaking, Officers outrank Enlisted but the two paths are designed to work side-by-side and each brings different skills and focus.
Enlisted military members do the hands-on work of the military. They often receive specialized training and become technical experts as they progress through their careers.
Senior Enlisted members are responsible for personnel management and mentorship of both Enlisted and Junior Officers.
A 4-year college degree is not required to enlist in the military, although there are numerous opportunities to get a degree once you are serving or after you complete your time obligation.
Military officers lead groups of enlisted and fellow officers, with size and level of responsibility increasing as they become more experienced.
Their training and job performance evaluation focus on leadership and increasingly complex decision-making to impact overall policy and mission direction.
To join as an officer, you must have a 4-year degree. Those in pursuit of a degree may be able to become part of an officer training program while they attend college, such as ROTC.
There are limited opportunities for senior Enlisted members to become Officers or to serve as Warrant Officers, Limited Duty Officers, or in another capacity.
These individuals bring the technical expertise and specialized experience of the Enlisted ranks to the big picture strategy of the Officer corps.
What to expect at the recruiter’s office
questions to ask an Air Force recruiter
An Air Force recruiter speaks to a prospective recruit. Image: AF.mil
Anyone interested in joining the military will most likely start at the recruiter’s office. A recruiter is someone currently serving in the military whose job it is to educate the public and entice eligible candidates to serve.
There are separate Enlisted and Officer recruiters, so it is important to have an idea of which path you are interested in before you visit.
The recruiter will talk to you about what kind of future you want with the military.
Each branch has their own recruitment office and program, so they will only be able to tell you about paths within the branch of service they represent.
Questions your recruiter may ask:
What kind of job do you want to have in the military?
What is your family situation like?
What level of school have you completed?
Do you want to complete a college degree or advanced degree?
Questions you should ask the recruiter:
What options for student loan repayment are there?
What specialties are available that match my skills and education?
What service time obligation does each path require?
What opportunities are there for further education?
Related Article: 41 Questions To Ask A Military Recruiter
There are a lot of financial benefits for education that come with joining the military. Some are available to everyone, while others only apply in certain situations.
Make sure that you ask your recruiter BEFORE joining about available programs. Some require that you join under specific circumstances to be eligible.
Once you join, you will need to complete some version of introductory training. For enlisted members, this is most often the basic training course.
Officer candidates complete a similar course, called the Officer Candidate School.
Each service administers its own program, which your recruiter will explain in detail.
All courses are designed to help you learn what is expected of members of the military and transition from civilian to service member.
College loan repayment
Students in class. Image: Wikimedia Commons
If you took out student loans to pay for college, you may be able to have the military pay them for you. Through service-specific Student Loan Repayment Programs, new military members can have their existing student loans paid by the military as an incentive to join.
Eligible student loans, which were incurred before the new service member joined the military, include:
Federal Subsidized or Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Federal Direct Student Loans or Perkins Loans
Federal Direct Consolidated Loans
Federal Direct Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students
So how much will the military repay? There are limits and they vary by service.
Overall, the Army and Navy will pay up to $65,000. The National Guard and Coast Guard will pay up to $50,000 and $30,000, respectively. The Air Force will pay up to $10,000.
Each service makes annual payments towards the balance of student loans.
Members must enlist or earn a commission as an Officer for at least 3 years to be eligible for the program.
Some specialties receive higher amounts than others, which can be determine when talking to a recruiter.
Using the Student Loan Repayment Program also has an impact on GI Bill benefits for new service members. Normally, military members start earning tuition and living expense benefits to be used for education in the future under the GI Bill.
Those taking advantage of the Student Loan Repayment Program are not eligible to start accruing GI Bill benefits (which also have a service time obligation) until their initial 3 years are complete.
Related Article – Navy Signing, Enlistment, and Reenlistment Bonuses
College costs for medical professionals
Air Force Flight Surgeon evaluates and performs an adjustment on a patient. Image: DVIDS
Some of the best financial incentives to joining the military exist for healthcare professionals.
With 4-year medical school costs ranging from $150,000 to almost $400,000, it is no surprise that newly graduated medical professionals are looking for programs the help pay their medical school loans while providing rewarding and challenging experiences.
Health Professions Loan Repayment Program
The Health Professions Loan Repayment Program provides 4th year medical students or residents pursing a specialty to join the military and have part or all of their existing student loans paid.
To be eligible to apply, prospective military members must currently be enrolled in an approved program, agree to serve for a designated amount of time, and be pursing a health profession that is needed by the military.
If approved, participants receive up to $40,000 annually for 3 years. It is important to note that 25% of that amount is withheld for taxes, which may be given as part of a tax refund through the IRS.
There are also a number of bonuses available for those in highly-needed medical fields. These are often practitioners with highly specialized skills which require advanced training, but it is worth discussing with the recruiter to see if you are eligible.
Health Professions Scholarship Program
Those interested in joining the Army, Navy, or Air Force can take advantage of a scholarship to attend medical or dental school.
Joining Military After Medical School
Can You Join The Military After Medical School?
The scholarship includes full tuition and fees, health insurance reimbursement, other school-related expenses, and even a monthly living stipend.
If you want to pursue a career in medicine and join the military, this is a great option to take full advantage of the financial incentives that come with that path.
The program is open to those with an undergraduate degree who are applying for medical or dental school, as well as those currently enrolled in medical or dental school.
Related Article – Air Force Signing, Enlistment, and Reenlistment Bonuses
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
Another option for those with a college degree who want to become military health professionals is the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, located in Bethesda, Maryland.
The school’s mission is to “educate, train, and comprehensively prepare uniformed services health professionals, scientists, and leaders to support the Military and Public Health Systems, the National Security and National Defense Strategies of the United States, and the readiness of our Uniformed Services.”
Doctoral and Master’s programs are available in a variety of fields. To be admitted, students must have completed a 4-year degree but do not need to be currently serving in the military.
While many new students have prior military service, it is not required for admission.
While at USU, students are in the active duty military and are compensated appropriately.
Students do not pay tuition but are obligated to 7 years of service in the Army, Navy, Air Force, or U.S. Public Health Service after graduation.
Students at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences are matched to their specialty. Image: DVIDS
Accelerated promotion
If receiving student loan repayments or tuition for a degree in the health professions is not enough incentive, the military also recognizes the increased level of responsibility and skill that newly commissioned officers in certain specialties possess.
Those graduating with advanced degrees in the healthcare field or law, even if they did not use another incentive program, may be eligible for accelerated promotion.
For current medical students and residents
Medical students using the Health Services Scholarship Program or attending the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences will serve as Second Lieutenants in the Army or Air Force or as Ensigns in the Navy.
Once they graduate and join the rest of the service, they will automatically be promoted to Captain in the Army or Air Force or Lieutenant in the Navy.
For fully-licensed physicians
If you have completed medical school and residency and are joining the military as a licensed physician, you will typically join at the rank of Captain or Lieutenant. In some cases, individuals with more experience may be able to join at an even higher rank.
Accelerated promotion means increased responsibility from the first day, more authority, and a higher paycheck.
There are also a variety of signing bonuses for licensed physicians when they join the military. Bonus incentives vary by service, specialty, and time obligation.
For practicing lawyers
Lawyers who choose to join the military through the Direct Appointment Program will start at the rank of First Lieutenant in the Army or Air Force, Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps, Lieutenant Junior Grade in the Navy, or Lieutenant in the Coast Guard.
The promotion path for each service varies but lawyers in the Air Force, Army, and Navy can expect to earn their first promotion within the first year of service.
A gavel at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. Image: DVIDS
Other paths to becoming an officer
How do all of these options compare to other paths to joining the military?
Because the majority of those joining the military with a 4-year degree will choose to become Officers, I have listed some other Officer commissioning programs below.
Officer Candidate School: Those with a 4-year degree who are not interested in student loan repayment can join the military and pursue one of many specialties. They will attend Officer Candidate School, OCS, to complete their initial military training and go on for further training in their chosen field.
Reserve Officer Training Corps: Prospective and current college students have the option to participate in military training while in college through the Reserve Officer Training Corps, or ROTC, program. ROTC programs are service specific and not all universities have ROCT units on campus. ROTC participants who use an ROTC scholarship commit to serving in the military following graduation.
Senior Military College: Some institutions include a stricter military education as part of their curriculum, such as The Citadel in South Carolina or Virginia Military Institute. Students attend through the ROTC program but have more military training incorporated into their experience.
Service Academy: Each branch of the service has a specific 4-year undergraduate institution that prepares students to become officers in their branch. Students attend for 4 full years and participate in summer training. The service covers all tuition and expenses. All graduates are commissioned as officers on graduation day and go on to serve a minimum service obligation in their respective service. Schools include the US Naval Academy, West Point, and the Air Force Academy.
Advanced degree opportunities
Air Force Institute of Technology graduation. Image: DVIDS
Joining the military with a completed 4-year degree may have you believing that you have maxed out your education benefits, especially if taking advantage of a student loan repayment or scholarship program.
But the military offers a number of opportunities to pursue advanced degrees at no-cost. Many even pay you to attend!
Graduate Education Voucher: Through the GEV program, the military will pay for graduate level courses that active duty military members take in their spare time. A limited number of quotas open each year for currently serving members to pursue a degree in a field that they will be able to use in their military career.
Naval Postgraduate Dental School: Students at the Naval Postgraduate Dental School can pursue one of many specialties while studying at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Residents graduate to become board certified dentists in their specialty.
Naval Postgraduate School/Air Force Institute of Technology: Active duty service members from all branches can get a Master’s degree from NPS or AFIT as part of their military service. While attending, they will be paid according to their rank and not pay tuition or other fees. A limited number of doctoral programs are available to certain specialties.
Funded Legal Education Program: This program provides a path for currently serving Officers to pursue a law degree through the military. The program pays for in-state tuition while attendees get a law school degree.
There are numerous paths to becoming a member of the United States military.
If you are joining with a college degree, you may have the option to take advantage of financial incentives, accelerated promotion opportunities, or the chance to get an advanced degree as part of your military service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to join the military before or after college?
This is highly dependent on a number of factors, including what your long range goals are, what your financial situation is, and what job you plan on having in the future. Learn more about how to make that decision here.
What’s the best branch of the military to join after college?
Every branch of the military has their pro’s and cons, so there really isn’t a ‘best’ one to join after college. It all depends on your long-term goals, as well as other factors. Learn more about which branch of the military is right for you here.
What are the downsides to joining the military after college?
Among many other reasons, some of the downsides to joining the military right out of college include: Reduced social life, extremely stressful tasks, and you can’t just leave the military if you’re unhappy. Learn more about this here.
If you have already completed medical school and residency, you can serve as a military physician, regardless of where you are in your career. You could join the Military full time, or you could maintain your civilian practice while serving part time as a member of the Reserve or Guard.
edical education has a steep price tag; students often graduate more than $250,000 in debt. Joining the military is one way students can finish medical school 100 percent debt-free. The tradeoff? Graduates then owe the U.S. Army, Navy or Air Force several years of active duty service. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of joining the military to pay for medical school.
Pro: Graduating debt-free. If you join the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) before starting medical school, the military will cover 100 percent of your tuition and most other education-related expenses for all four years of school. In exchange, you’ll typically owe four years of active duty service after your residency.
Pro: Financial security. In addition to having their tuition paid, HPSP students also receive a generous monthly stipend of more than $2,000. Charles Hutchinson, DO, says that stipend gave him peace of mind when starting his family. “My wife and I didn’t want to put having kids on hold,” says Dr. Hutchinson, who graduated from Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2015 and is now a father of three.
Pro: You’ll be serving your country. “Being in the military was an incredible and very fulfilling experience,” says Maj. Matthew Puderbaugh, DO, USAF, a former HPSP student who is now a member of the Minnesota Air National Guard and a civilian resident. “I’ve also enjoyed transitioning to the National Guard, and my current program is very supportive of my continued service to the country.”
Pro: Unique opportunities for training. In his first year of active duty service, Dr. Puderbaugh learned to investigate worksite injuries and handle aircraft mishap investigation and prevention. He also trained medics on triage, field management and advanced disaster life support. These learning opportunities aren’t so readily available in the civilian world, he says.
Con: You might have fewer options for residency. HPSP students must apply for the military match for residency. The military match places physicians in residency programs run or sponsored by the military. Those who don’t match into the specialty of their choice can enter a transitional year program and re-enter the match the following year. In rare cases, students can receive special permission to pursue civilian residency programs.
Con: Location. You’ll have to live wherever the Army places you, potentially for years. Dr. Puderbaugh says he’s seen colleagues struggle when they are placed in locations they find undesirable. “The military mission comes first, and you come second,” he says.
Con: A multi-year commitment. Generally, students owe one year of active duty service for each year of support they receive. If your entire medical education is paid for, you’ll probably be on the hook for four years of service after finishing your residency.
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