Full Careers

Should I go into the Air Force as a health administrative officer? Does anyone have insight into this field?

I have been working in the civilian world for almost 15 years. At the age of 30, I feel as if I should try something different. Being an information technologist, work seems mundane and typical. In response to this environment, I decided to pursue a Master's in Management. Once completed the doors begin opening. My undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice really didn't provide the best paying jobs. So after taking some career assessment exams, I found that health care would be ideal. Matching that with administration/management makes a lot of sense. A recruiter told me it is a hot field in the civilian world. It would be a great opportunity within the military to get the training and experience. Who knows, maybe I could retire from the Air Force. Does this position in the air force place workers in hostile situations? What are the chances of getting hurt? Could someone please shed light on this subject....

Public Comments

1. My husband was an AF MSC (Medical Service Corp) officer for several years prior to retiring from the AF in '99. Without a doubt, his experience earned as an MSC (where he worked as the CIO at a military hospital) opened the doors for him as a CIO in the civilian sector, where he has now held CIO executive positions for 8 yrs. He's known other MSCs who have gone on to civilian CIO careers at major medical facilities around the country. I believe it's a great career field. You have to always assume that as a military member, you may be put in a combat situation. And most certainly, as a hospital administrator, you could be put in facility handling those wounded in combat. And it's just as likely you could be working on a base hospital someplace in the US. Will you be on the front lines? Probably not. Will you be close? Maybe.
2. How could you go wrong if in the Air Force if that's the what you wanna do and the field you wanna be in. There will be great opportunities after you get out in your field unless you decide to stay in until retirement which is another great option.
3. It is a good field with good potential for outside positions when you are finished. You will have the possibility of going to hostile environments just as everyone in the military does regardless of position. Look into it allot more before you make your commitment though that is a long time to sign a contract for and you need to make sure it is the right choice for you. I did 20 yrs in the USAF and loved the majority of it good luck with your decision.