Logan Reid
Hospital corpsmen are enlisted medical specialists of the United States Navy, who may also serve in a U.S. Marine Corps unit. The Hospital Corps is the largest occupational enlisted rating and most highly decorated enlisted rate in the U.S. Navy. The training to become a hospital corpsman is rigorous and includes basic medical technician training and a 14-week course that provides in-depth and extensive training in the application of emergency medical techniques. Hospital corpsmen work in a wide variety of capacities and locations, including shore establishments such as naval hospitals and clinics, aboard ships, and as the primary medical caregivers for sailors. They assist health care professionals in providing medical care to Navy personnel and their families and may function as clinical or specialty technicians, medical administrative personnel, and healthcare providers at medical treatment facilities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Hospital Corpsman |
| Other names | Corpsman, Hospitalman, Hospital Apprentice, Hospital Steward, Pharmacist's Mate, Loblolly Boy, Surgeon's Steward, Nurse |
| Description | Enlisted medical specialist of the United States Navy, who may also serve in a U.S. Marine Corps unit |
| Training | Basic Medical Technician Corpsman Program (BMTCP) |
| Training location | Joint Base Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas |
| Training duration | 14-week course |
| Training content | Emergency medical techniques, disease and injury prevention, pharmacology, patient transport, basic medicine, diving equipment operation, underwater inspections, security inspections, ordnance searches, rescue operations, special warfare, small boat operations |
| Qualifications | High school diploma or equivalent, U.S. citizen, good physical stamina, normal colour perception, vision correctable to 20/20, good use of hands, security clearance, strong communication, writing and arithmetic skills, sincere interest in healthcare and science, good personal traits (e.g. maturity, resourcefulness, dependability, trustworthiness) |
| Work environment | Diverse, including shore establishments (naval hospitals and clinics), ships, submarines, aircraft, combat units, recruiter offices, reservist installations |
| Work responsibilities | Dispensing vaccines, analysing lab samples, aiding in dental operations and surgeries, performing emergency medical treatment, assisting health care professionals, functioning as clinical or specialty technicians, medical administrative personnel, healthcare providers |
| Awards and honours | 22 Medals of Honour, 179 Navy Crosses (since World War I), 31 Navy Distinguished Service Medals, 959 Silver Stars, more than 1,600 Bronze Star Medals with combat V's for heroism (since World War II), 20 naval ships named after hospital corpsmen |
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What You'll Learn
History of the name 'Hospital Corpsman'
The name "Hospital Corpsman" has a rich history that dates back to the establishment of the Hospital Corps in the United States Navy.
The Early Years
Before the formal establishment of the Hospital Corps in 1898, enlisted medical support in the U.S. Navy was limited. In the Continental Navy and early U.S. Navy, medical assistants, often referred to as "loblolly boys," were assigned at random from the ship's company. Their duties included providing nourishment to the sick and injured, assisting surgeons, and preparing the operating area with hot irons and sand to absorb blood.
Formal Recognition
Recognizing the need for skilled medical personnel, Navy Surgeon General J. Rufus Tryon advocated for the creation of a Hospital Corps in 1893. On June 17, 1898, the U.S. Navy Hospital Corps was officially established, organizing medical attendants into three enlisted rates: hospital steward, hospital apprentice first class, and hospital apprentice. The generic term "hospital corpsman" was used to refer to applicable personnel, while other official names were also in use.
World War II and Beyond
During World War II, hospital corpsmen played a crucial role in providing medical care to Marine units in the Pacific and aboard ships and submarines. Their bravery and dedication were recognized, and after the war, the generic term "hospital corpsman" became the official name for the rating.
In 1948, the Navy changed the names and insignia of the Hospital Corps, introducing titles like Hospitalman Recruit, Hospitalman Apprentice, Hospital Corpsman Third Class, and Chief Hospital Corpsman. The winged caduceus replaced the Geneva cross on the rating badge. In 1958, the rates of Senior Chief and Master Chief Hospital Corpsman were added to the structure.
Decorations and Distinctions
Hospital Corpsman is the most decorated rating in the United States Navy and the U.S. military as a whole. Their heroism and selfless actions on battlefields have earned them numerous awards, including Medals of Honor, Navy Crosses, Silver Stars, and Bronze Star Medals.
The history of the name "Hospital Corpsman" reflects the evolution of medical support in the U.S. Navy, from the early days of loblolly boys to the highly trained and decorated medical specialists of today.
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Training to become a Hospital Corpsman
Basic Requirements:
To begin the journey towards becoming a Hospital Corpsman, one must first meet the basic requirements set by the U.S. Navy. These prerequisites include possessing a high school diploma or its equivalent and being a U.S. citizen. In addition, aspiring corpsmen should have a sincere interest in healthcare and science, strong communication and writing skills, and good arithmetic abilities. Personal qualities such as dependability, trustworthiness, and resourcefulness are also highly valued.
Recruit Training:
The first step in the training process is to attend "Boot Camp," also known as Recruit Training Command, at Great Lakes in Illinois. This training is mandatory for those without prior military experience and serves as an introduction to service in the Navy Reserve. It is designed to prepare individuals for the challenges and demands of military life and establishes a foundation for their future roles as Hospital Corpsmen.
Specialized Training:
Upon completion of Boot Camp, recruits proceed to specialized training at the Hospital Corps "A" School. This phase of training is conducted over 14 to 19 weeks at the Medical Education and Training Campus in San Antonio, Texas. Here, future Hospital Corpsmen delve into the fundamental principles and techniques of patient care and first aid procedures. They receive extensive instruction in emergency medical techniques, disease prevention, and the application of medical equipment.
On-the-Job Training:
Once the initial training is completed, Hospital Corpsmen are assigned to various duty stations, including naval medical treatment facilities, ships, submarines, or Marine Corps units. In these diverse environments, they receive on-the-job training alongside experienced medical professionals. Corpsmen may find themselves assisting in surgery, providing bedside care, or responding to emergencies as first responders.
Advanced Education and Certifications:
Hospital Corpsmen are encouraged to continue their education and pursue advanced degrees or certifications. The Navy offers opportunities for further development through programs like the Navy College Program and Tuition Assistance. The certifications and training provided by the Navy can also translate into credit hours toward a bachelor's or associate degree.
Becoming a Hospital Corpsman is a challenging yet rewarding path that requires a combination of academic knowledge, practical skills, and a dedication to serving others. The training provided by the U.S. Navy equips individuals with the tools necessary to excel in a variety of medical roles, both within the Navy and beyond.
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Job responsibilities of a Hospital Corpsman
A hospital corpsman, or corpsman, is an enlisted medical specialist in the United States Navy, who may also serve in a U.S. Marine Corps unit. Hospital corpsmen work in a wide variety of capacities and locations, including shore establishments such as naval hospitals and clinics, and aboard ships. They are frequently the only medical caregivers available in many fleet or Marine units on extended deployment.
To become a hospital corpsman, one must be a U.S. citizen with a high school diploma or equivalent. A sincere interest in healthcare and science is important, as are good communication, writing, and arithmetic skills. Important personal traits include the ability to work well with others, dependability, trustworthiness, and resourcefulness.
Hospital corpsmen may be called upon to perform emergency medical treatment on SEALs, Seabees, Marines, and other military personnel injured in the field, as well as on sailors aboard ships or aircraft. They may also be deployed and serve as battlefield corpsmen, providing emergency treatment to soldiers in combat. As such, the ability to work under pressure is a must.
In military hospitals, hospital corpsmen support medical professionals by administering medicine and immunizations, providing emergency treatment, transporting sick or injured soldiers, and conducting medical examinations. They may also specialize as clinical or specialty technicians, or medical administrative personnel.
Hospital corpsmen in the Advanced Technical Field work in challenging and sometimes precarious conditions, from deep-sea diving to combat missions. They may work independently of a physician or under supervision. They can also be involved in search and rescue operations, medical evacuations, and casualty evacuations.
Overall, the job of a hospital corpsman is incredibly diverse and can take them all over the world, providing a wide range of medical support to Navy and Marine Corps personnel.
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Notable Hospital Corpsmen
The Hospital Corps is the most decorated unit in the U.S. Navy, with 22 Medals of Honor, 179 Navy Crosses, 31 Navy Distinguished Service Medals, 959 Silver Stars, and more than 1,600 Bronze Star Medals awarded to its members. The Corps has produced many notable hospital corpsmen, some of whom are recognised for their exceptional service and bravery.
One of the earliest notable hospital corpsmen was John Wall, a "loblolly boy" who served aboard the USS Constellation in 1798. Loblolly boys were responsible for administering nourishment to the sick and injured, and the name derives from the words "lob" (meaning to bubble and boil) and "lolly" (meaning broth or soup). John Wall is considered one of the first hospital corpsmen, and his duties included notifying the crew of sick calls and assisting the surgeon.
During World War II, hospital corpsmen distinguished themselves by serving alongside marines in every battle in the Pacific. They performed emergency medical procedures, including three unassisted appendectomies at sea. Their bravery and dedication earned them commendation from Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal.
In more recent times, Hospital Apprentice Robert Stanley volunteered for a dangerous mission during an attack on foreign embassies in Peking in 1900. He bravely ran message dispatches under fire and became the first hospital corpsman to receive the Medal of Honor.
The Hospital Corps continues to produce exceptional individuals who serve with distinction in various conflicts, including the Korean War, Vietnam War, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Their skills, dedication, and bravery have earned them numerous awards and the respect of their fellow servicemen and women.
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Hospital Corpsman Advanced Technical Field
The role requires rigorous training to handle medical emergencies in a wide range of situations, from deep-sea diving to flying in helicopters and combat missions. The training prepares individuals to work independently of a physician or under supervision. The initial training takes place at the Recruit Training Command Great Lakes (Boot Camp), followed by specialized training at Hospital Corps "A" School in San Antonio, Texas. This specialized training covers basic principles and techniques of patient care and first aid procedures.
Hospital Corpsmen in the Advanced Technical Field are part of an exclusive group supporting SEALs, Divers, SWCC, and EOD teams. They may serve in roles such as Search and Rescue Medical Technician, Dive Medical Technician, or Special Operations Independent Duty Corpsman. These roles require strong physical stamina and a high degree of difficulty should be expected.
The entry requirements for the Hospital Corpsman Advanced Technical Field include being a U.S. citizen eligible for security clearance, strong communication and writing skills, and a genuine interest in providing healthcare. While no college degree is required, individuals should have good manual dexterity and strong physical stamina.
The Hospital Corpsman Advanced Technical Field offers access to professional credentials and certifications, as well as the opportunity to continue education through undergraduate degree programs. It is a demanding but rewarding career path, providing diverse work environments and the chance to make a significant impact in extreme conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
A hospital corpsman is an enlisted medical specialist of the United States Navy. They perform general medical duties, give first aid, and serve as technicians and assistants to medical officers.
Hospital corpsmen work in a wide variety of capacities and locations, including shore establishments such as naval hospitals and clinics, and aboard ships. They are frequently the only medical caregivers in these settings. Their duties include dispensing vaccines, analyzing lab samples, aiding in dental operations, and assisting in emergency surgeries.
To become a hospital corpsman, you must be a U.S. citizen with a high school diploma or equivalent. You should have a sincere interest in health care and science, strong communication and writing skills, good physical stamina, and normal colour perception. You must also meet eligibility requirements for a security clearance. Training to become a hospital corpsman takes place at the Basic Medical Technician Corpsman Program (BMTCP) in San Antonio, Texas.
The rates of hospital corpsman are: hospital corpsman third class (HM3), second class (HM2), and first class (HM1), and chief hospital corpsman (HMC). In 1958, the rates of senior chief hospital corpsman (HMCS) and master chief hospital corpsman (HMCM) were added.
