Health Care Practitioners Careers

Enlisted Health Care Practitioners provide medical attention to military personnel both on and off the field. These servicemembers assist nurses, physicians and surgeons with medical procedures, physical therapy and eye care. From emergency care during combat to routine exams, they are a central part of the Military’s comprehensive health care program. Careers in this field require a high level of compassion and willingness to help others.

Possible Responsibilities

• Give emergency care on the battlefield
• Provide bedside care in hospitals
• Fit eyeglasses to patients
• Fit artificial limbs and train patients in their use
• Clean patients’ teeth
• Make dentures, braces and other dental or optical devices

Helpful Attributes

Useful school subjects include chemistry, biology and general science. Helpful attributes include:

• Desire to help others
• Good eye/hand coordination
• Strong communication skills
• Being calm under pressure
• Able to follow directions well

Training Provided

Job training consists of classroom instruction, including practice inpatient care. Sample courses include:

• Emergency Medical Techniques
• Plaster Casting Techniques
• Vision Testing
• Principles of Rehabilitation
• Preparing and Fitting Glasses and Contact Lenses
• Dental Hygiene Procedures