(HM) Hospital Corpsman

	Hospital Corpsman	HM
	Hospital Corpsmen perform duties as assistants in the prevention and treatment of disease and injury and assist health care professionals in providing medical care to Navy people and their families. They may function as clinical or specialty technicians, medical administrative personnel and health care providers at medical treatment facilities. They also serve as battlefield corpsmen with the Marine Corps, rendering emergency medical treatment to include initial treatment in a combat environment.

Hospital Corpsman (HM) perform duties as assistants in the prevention and treatment of disease and injury and assist health care professionals in providing medical care to Navy people and their families. They may function as clinical or specialty technicians, medical administrative personnel and health care providers at medical treatment facilities. They also serve as battlefield corpsmen with the Marine Corps, rendering emergency medical treatment to include initial treatment in a combat environment. Qualified hospital corpsmen may be assigned the responsibility of independent duty aboard ships and submarines; Fleet Marine Force, Special Forces and Seabee units, and at isolated duty stations where no medical officer is available.

Duties performed by HM's include:

• assisting in prevention and treatment of disease and injuries;
• caring for sick and injured;
• administering immunization programs;
• rendering emergency medical treatment;
• instructing sailors and marines in first aid, self aid and personal hygiene procedures;
• transporting the sick and injured;
• conducting preliminary physical examinations;
• performing medical administrative, supply and accounting procedures;
• maintaining treatment records and reports;
• supervising shipboard and field environmental sanitation and preventive medicine programs;
• supervising air, water, food and habitability standards;
• performing clinical laboratory tests and operating sophisticated laboratory equipment;
• taking and processing X-rays and operating X-ray equipment;
• filling prescriptions, maintaining pharmacy stock;
• serving as operating room technicians for general and specialized surgery;
• performing preventive maintenance and repairs on biomedical equipment.

Qualified technicians:

Perform clinical laboratory tests and operate sophisticated laboratory equipment;
take and process X-rays and operate X-ray equipment; fill prescriptions, maintain pharmacy stock; serve as operating room technicians for general and specialized surgery; do preventive maintenance and repairs on biomedical equipment, including kidney dialysis machines, radiation monitors, hearing and vision testing machinery, heart and lung test apparatus, ultrasound, nuclear medicine and CT scan equipment.

Qualifications and Interests

A sincere interest in providing general health care is extremely important for this rating. People in the HM rating must relate well to other people and work well as a part of a team. It is important that candidates have good communication skills, writing and arithmetic ability, manual dexterity, dependability, trustworthiness, a good memory, resourcefulness and backgrounds or interests in the sciences. Other important qualifications are competence with tools, equipment/machines, physical stamina and the ability to do repetitive tasks without losing interest. Any illegal involvement with drugs may be disqualifying.

Working Environment

Hospital Corpsmen work in a variety of environments. Most HMs work indoors at hospitals or clinics. Others work aboard ships and submarines; with air squadrons, special operational environments (i.e., SEAL, Recon Forces, Seabee units and Deep-sea Diving).

Duties are service oriented, repetitive and require good judgment and mental alertness. HM’s may work alone or with supervision by other health professionals, depending on the assignment.

HM - Advanced X-Ray Technician

Advanced X-Ray Technicians operate medical X-ray equipment in performance of all diagnostic radiographic examinations. Operate ultrasound equipment, applying the concept of acoustical physics, basic equipment knowledge and clinical procedures. Assist the radiologist in performing fluoroscopic examinations and computerized axial tomographic examinations (CAT scans). Perform special radiographic procedures and vascular procedures (Angiography). Process digital and plain X-ray film. Have knowledge of all administrative procedures relative to the Radiology Service. Perform photodosimetric duties, as well as radiographic equipment quality control and quality assurance.

HM-Aerospace Medical Technician

Aerospace Medical Technicians assist flight surgeon or medical officer in special examination and treatments for naval aviators and flight personnel. Assist in conducting aviation medical tests. Assist flight surgeons in investigating and reporting results of aircraft mishaps. Maintain aviation medical records and files.

HM - Aerospace Physiology Technician

Job Description
Aerospace Physiology Technicians work as technical assistants to Aerospace Physiologists at Aviation Survival Training Centers (ASTC). Provide instruction to Aircrew and Non-Aircrew personnel in flight physiology, visual problems, spatial disorientation, emergency egress systems, personal protective equipment, and water survival techniques. Perform the duties of an inside observer on Hypobaric chamber flights receiving hazardous duty pay each month of flight. Operate and maintain training devices unique to an ASTC. Perform administrative duties required of an ASTC. As Aeromedical Safety Corpsmen (AMSC) stationed with a Navy Air Wing or Marine Air Group or Wing, aerospace physiology technicians assist in the Fleet Air Introduction Liaison and Survival Aircrew Flight Equipment program of aircrew personal and survival equipment.

HM - Biomedical Equipment Technician

Job Description
Biomedical Equipment Technicians assemble, maintain, troubleshoot, align, and calibrate medical equipment. Calculate circuit parameters, solder, plumbing, welding, and documentation. The major emphasis is on deployable medical equipment, i.e., X-Ray, dental X-Ray, laboratory, ophthalmic, dental, pneumatic, hydraulic, general, medical and surgical diagnostic and treatment equipment at the module or circuit board level. Some technicians maintain, repair and install mechanical, electromechanical, medical and surgical diagnostic and treatment apparatus, patient monitoring and recording systems. Supervise and conduct preventive maintenance programs; manage repair parts; advise local medical equipment and survey boards; coordinate medical equipment safety programs with local safety officers and renders technical advice and assistance as required. When serving in higher pay-grades, acts as medical maintenance supervisors or inspectors.

HM - Cardiovascular Technician

Job Description
Cardiovascular Technicians assist the physician in all invasive and non-invasive cardiac studies to include, diagnostic cardiac catheterization, interventional cardiology, pacemaker implantation, peripheral intervention, echocardiography and stress testing. Provide instruction to cardiology and non-cardiology providers on Advanced Cardiac Life Support.

HM - Cytotechnologist

Job Description
Cytotechnologists use morphologic (size and shape) criteria to determine whether a cell sample is normal, inflamed, pre-malignant or malignant. Assist pathologists in obtaining cellular samples from various body sites. Process specimens in preparation for microscopic examination. Sign out negative cases while reviewing abnormal cases with a pathologist to render a final diagnosis. Cytotechnologists are part of the team involved in the total care of the patient and may work as laboratory scientists, or in education, research, and administration.

HM - Deep Sea Diving Independent Duty Corpsman

Job Description
Deep Sea Diving Independent Duty Corpsmen serve as the Medical Department Representative (MDR) aboard surface ships and diving activities independent of a medical officer. Perform patient care, medical administration, logistical duties, diagnostic procedures, advanced first aid, basic life support, nursing procedures, minor surgery, basic laboratory procedures and industrial hygiene surveillance programs. Assist medical officers in the prevention and treatment of illnesses associated with diving and high-pressure conditions. Enter pressure chambers to care for patients suffering from diving and non-diving related conditions. Perform diving and other related duties. Perform all patient care and medical management functions as a non-physician health care provider.

HM - Dental Assistant

Job Description
Dental Assistants perform duties as a general dental assistant to include dental infection control, dental treatment room management, preventive dentistry, comprehensive dental assisting, and intraoral radiography.

HM - Dental Hygienist

Job Description
Dental Hygienists provide current, comprehensive dental hygiene service under the direction and supervision of a dental officer. Includes clinical infection control procedures; data gathering; exposing and processing radiographs; dental hygiene assessment/dental hygiene treatment planning; oral health education including health promotion, disease prevention, behavior modification and nutritional counseling; cleaning removable appliances and prostheses; polishing restorations; provision of therapeutic dental hygiene services including, periodontal scaling and root planning; application of pit and fissure sealants and anticariogenic agents (fluorides); application of chemotherapeutic agents; pain control and other patient services as identified by the dental officer; and evaluation of dental hygiene.

HM - Dental Laboratory Technician, Basic

Job Description
Dental Laboratory Technicians, Basic perform basic and intermediate level prosthetic laboratory procedures. Fabricate and finish dental prostheses: complete dentures, removable partial dentures and other prescribed protective and restorative intraoral appliances. Repair, reconstruct and reline dental prostheses.

HM - Dental Laboratory Technician, Maxillofacial

Job Description
Dental Laboratory Technicians, Maxillofacial assist the maxillofacial prosthodontist in the clinical and technical procedures required to fabricate prostheses and appliances for oral, craniofacial and other anatomical defects. Construct and finish ocular, extraoral, intraoral and somato prostheses of silicone and other related materials. Design and construct stone, metal and/or silicone molds for prosthetic rehabilitation procedures. Perform other intermediate and advanced level prosthetic laboratory techniques and procedures as prescribed. Liaison with and assist other medical/dental specialists in related disciplines.

HM - Electroneurodiagnostic Technician

Job Description
Electroneurodiagnostic Technicians assist the Neurologist in identifying patients with neurological disorders by performing electroneurodiagnostic studies to include EEGs, Evoked potentials, polysomnography (sleep studies) and nerve conduction studies.

HM - Field Medical Service Technician

Job Description
Field Medical Service Technicians provide medical services to various commands of the Navy and Marine Corps in a worldwide operational environment. Conduct technical and administrative medical assistance supporting the mission and functions of field units. Maintain field treatment facilities rendering routine medical and emergency care to unit personnel and combatants. Coordinate and perform medical and casualty evacuation procedures. Ensure the observance of field sanitary and preventive medicine measures supporting force health protection. Assist with the procurement and distribution of related supplies and equipment for peacetime use and in combat areas. Conduct health and medical education training programs. FMF Dental Technicians assist Dental Officers in providing dental treatment in the field. Provide technical and administrative assistance to support the mission and functions of Navy and Marine Corps field units. Assist with the procurement and distribution of related supplies and equipment for peacetime use and in combat areas. Augment and assist medical personnel in providing emergency medical care to field or combat casualties, field sanitary measures, and medical/casualty evacuation procedures. Conduct health and dental education training programs supporting force health protection.

HM - Fleet Marine Force Reconnaissance Corpsman

Job Description
Fleet Marine Force Reconnaissance Independent Duty Corpsman (IDC) provide medical and operational services for Marine Reconnaissance personnel engaged in direct action and reconnaissance operations, independent of a medical officer. Perform paramedical skills, minor surgical procedures, and routine and emergency medical health care. Instruct operational personnel in measures for prevention of illness and treatment of injuries associated with the operational environment, swimming, open and closed circuit SCUBA diving, military freefall and amphibious operations. Perform duties using open and closed circuit SCUBA in direct support of Marine Reconnaissance Units. Understand diving physics and use of decompression tables. Recognize signs and symptoms of all types of diving injuries. Perform duties as hyperbaric chamber operator and inside tender.

HM - Fleet Marine Force Reconnaissance Independent Duty Corpsman

Job Description
Fleet Marine Force Reconnaissance Corpsman provide medical and operational services for Marine Reconnaissance personnel engaged in direct action and reconnaissance operations. Perform paramedical skills, basic life support, minor surgical procedures and other routine and emergency medical care. Advise operational personnel in measures for prevention of illness and treatment of injuries associated with swimming, open and closed circuit SCUBA diving, military freefall and amphibious operations. Perform duties using open and closed circuit SCUBA in direct support of FMF Reconnaissance Units. Know the laws of diving; understands the theory and practice of decompression and the use of decompression tables. Recognize all diving illnesses. Perform duties as a hyperbaric chamber operator and inside tender.

HM - Hemodialysis/Apheresis Technician

Job Description
Hemodialysis/Apheresis Technicians perform patient care and monitoring for acute/chronic hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, continuous arterio-venous hemofiltration, hemoperfusion, plasmapheresis, leukopheresis, plasma exchange, perioperative autologous blood savage and therapeutic bleeding. Monitor and operate the equipment for those procedures, along with disinfecting and maintenance of water treatment system and machinery. Assist physicians in performing invasive procedures such as renal biopsies, vascular access and peritoneal dialysis catheter placements.

HM - Histopathology Technician

Job Description
Histopathology Technicians assist pathologists in the preparation of surgically obtained tissue of human, animal or plant origin. Perform accessioning, grossing, freezing, cutting, mounting tissue on slides and staining with special dyes to make them visible under the microscope enabling pathologists to identify signs of disease, illness, or malignancies in the body, as well as signs of normality or improvement. Assist pathologists with performing autopsy and necropsy dissection procedures as well as evidence collection to determine cause of death. Maintain histopathology records and instruments. Supervise the work of less skilled technicians.

HM - Hospital Corpsman

Job Description
Hospital Corpsman perform duties as assistants in the prevention and treatment of disease and injury and assist health care professionals in providing medical care to Navy and Marine Corps personnel of the operational forces, shore activities and other authorized beneficiaries. Function as clinical or specialty technicians, administrative personnel and health care providers at treatment facilities. Serve as battlefield corpsmen with the Marine Corps and Naval Construction Forces, rendering emergency medical treatment to include initial treatment in a combat environment. Qualified hospital corpsmen may be trained for assignment to Fleet Marine Forces, Naval Construction Forces, Special Forces, Fleet Hospitals, and at isolated duty stations where no medical officer is available.

HM - Medical Deep Sea Diving Technician

Job Description
Medical Deep Sea Diving Technicians assist medical officers in prevention and treatment of illnesses associated with deep sea diving and high pressure conditions. Operate pressure chamber and submarine rescue apparatus. Enter pressure chamber to care for patients suffering from decompression sickness. Perform diving and other duties related to underwater rescue.

HM - Medical Laboratory Technician

Job Description
Medical Laboratory Technicians perform and/or supervise the application of basic and advanced laboratory procedures such as: collecting, processing and analyzing biological specimens and other substances; clinical diagnostic laboratory tests in one or more areas of the laboratory following prescribed procedures; monitor results, and make corrections within predetermined guidelines; assist in obtaining and processing specimens used in clinical laboratory analysis; Perform preventive and corrective maintenance of equipment and instruments; utilize computer systems to perform and verify laboratory results; perform and monitor quality control within predetermined limits. Assist the healthcare provider in providing diagnosis to patient in various Medical Treatment Facilities and Marine Units around the world and aboard ship.

HM - Mortician

Job Description
Morticians perform medical/decedent affairs administrative and logistical duties in Navy and Marine Corps activities. Inspect and/or process remains for transportation to the U.S., overseas locations or local burial. Ensure proper documentation accompanies remains. Conduct liaison with next of kin and foreign government officials for disposition of remains. Assist in recovery and identification of remains. Restore facial features to a normal appearance, disinfect and preserve by arterial and/or hypodermic injection of embalming chemicals. Conduct funeral services as required. Are licensed funeral directors/embalmers in one of 50 states.

HM - Nuclear Medicine Technician

Job Description
Nuclear Medicine Technicians operate and maintain equipment that traces the presence and movement of radioactive isotope in a patient's body. Assist medical officers in preparing and conducting radioactive isotope therapy and in organizing and administering of radiopharmaceuticals (radioactive isotope) to detect and treat disease.

HM - Occupational Therapy Assistant

Job Description
Occupational Therapy Assistants assist in the delivery of occupational therapy under the direct supervision of an Occupational Therapist in collaborative manner with a medical officer. Execute established treatment plans for acute and chronic rehabilitation services to include fabrication and fitting of upper and lower extremity orthotics in the rehabilitation for tendon lacerations, fractures, burns, and various neuromusculoskelatal disorders. Assist in the management of scarring, edema, hypersensitivity and wound care. Assist with treatment of children with physical and neurodevelopment disabilities in the Department of Defense Dependent Schools. Assist in the development and application of psychosocial rehabilitation for psychiatric patients and the management of combat stress-related disorders.

HM - Optician

Job Description
Opticians perform all phases of fabrication of single vision and multifocal spectacles from prescriptions. Mark, cut, edge, and insert single vision and multifocal lenses into appropriate frames. Resurface, grind, and polish special single vision and multifocal lenses from ophthalmic lens blanks. Measure, order, verify, and dispense spectacles. Provide spectacle repair and replacement service. Maintain and repair optical laboratory equipment. Assist optometrists and medical officers in the treatment of patients with ocular disorders. Maintain and operate equipment used for diagnostic screening of ocular conditions. Senior opticians perform administrative and managerial duties in optometry and ophthalmology clinics.

HM - Orthopedic Cast Room Technician

Job Description
Orthopedic Cast Room Technicians assist medical officers in application and removal of casts and traction in all forms and in maintenance of traction. Assist in minor operative procedures such as arthrocentesis, suture removal, dressing changes, and insertion and removal of skeletal traction devices. Maintain records on patients treated in cast room.

HM - Pharmacy Technician

Job Description
Pharmacy Technicians prepare and dispense prescribed medicines and pharmaceutical preparations. Compound preparations according to prescriptions issued by medical officers. Procure, store and issue pharmaceutical materials and supplies. Maintain files and records and submit required pharmacy reports.

HM - Physical Therapy Technician

Job Description
Physical Therapy Technicians assist physical therapists and/or medical officers in administering physical therapy. Assist with the development, teaching and supervision of exercise programs and activities of daily living to enhance patient's strength, endurance, coordination, and mobility. Assist with assessment of range of motion, strength and ambulation skills. Teach the use of ambulation aids. Apply physical modalities of whirlpool, paraffin bath, ultrasound, diathermy, infrared, hot and cold packs, and electrical stimulation.

HM - Preventive Medicine Technician

Job Description
Preventive Medicine Technicians assist Medical Dept. officers in the performance of Preventive Medicine and Occupational Health Programs for Navy and Marine Corps forces ashore and afloat. Perform inspections and surveys of food and food service facilities, berthing spaces, childcare facilities, recreational facilities, potable water systems, solid waste and wastewater disposal sites/systems, vehicles, and transport containers. Conduct bacteriological analysis of food, water, and ice samples. Conduct epidemiological investigations and reporting; interviews and counsel patients with communicable diseases; administer mass immunization programs. Conduct disease vector control programs. Are proficient in all aspects of field sanitation. Assist to ensure work environments are healthful, consistent with NAVOSH standards.

HM - Psychiatry Technician

Job Description
Psychiatry Technicians assist in care and treatment of neuropsychiatric patients. Aid medical officers in administration of special neuropsychiatric therapy procedures. Care for patients in accordance with nursing methods. Observe and report symptoms and psychotic manifestation of mental patients. Maintain neuropsychiatric ward and clinic equipment.

HM - Radiation Health Technician

Job Description
Radiation Health Technicians perform radiation monitoring, radiation and contamination surveys, and analysis of various types of samples for radiation content. Direct decontamination of personnel and equipment. Administer personnel dosimetry program and maintains exposure records and physical qualifications in health records. Perform inspections of areas where radioactive materials are being used to ensure that personnel using these materials are following approved guidelines designed to keep exposure as low as reasonably achievable.

HM - Respiratory Therapy Technician

Job Description
Respiratory Therapy Technicians assist medical officers in treating patients using a variety of controlled breathing apparatus that employ medical gases. Perform medical gas therapy, nebulization therapy, mechanical ventilation, blood gas analysis and pulmonary function testing. Maintain and are knowledgeable of all safety precautions related to blood gas testing, gas storage and handling. Perform minor repair and preventive maintenance on tracheostomy and endotracheal apparatus, ventilators, blood gas equipment, and electronic monitoring and resuscitation equipment.

HM - Search and Rescue Medical Technician

Job Description
Search and Rescue Medical Technicians perform aircrew and emergency medical care functions assigned in support of search and rescue missions. Have qualification(s) as Emergency Medical Technician - Ambulance (EMT-A), qualification(s) in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Triage, IV therapy, use of emergency medical equipment, patient handling, and aero-medical evacuation techniques. Must be Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization (NATOPS) qualified for assigned crew position.

HM - Submarine Force Independent Duty Corpsman

Job Description
Submarine Force Independent Duty Corpsmen serve as Medical Department Representatives on submarines and at isolated duty stations, independent of a medical officer. Perform patient care, medical administrative and logistical duties. Perform diagnostic procedures, first aid, basic life support, nursing procedures, minor surgery, basic clinical laboratory procedures and routine and emergency health care. Manage preventive medicine and industrial hygiene surveillance programs. As Radiation Health Officers, manage all aspects of personnel exposure to ionizing radiation. Are familiar in the prevention and treatment of illness associated with the submarine environment, diving, and high-pressure conditions. Provide health education to all submarine personnel. Perform patient care and medical management functions.

HM - Surface Force Independent Duty Corpsman

Job Description
Surface Force Independent Duty Corpsmen serve as the Medical Department Representatives aboard surface ships, with Fleet Marine Force Units, and isolated duty stations, independent of a medical officer. Perform diagnostic procedures, advanced first aid, basic life support, nursing procedures, minor surgery, basic clinical laboratory procedures, and other routine health care. Manage preventive medicine and industrial health surveillance programs, and associated shipboard administrative and logistical duties. Provide health education to junior medical and all nonmedical personnel. Perform patient care and medical management functions. Senior medical personnel assigned to shore and operational units provide medical assistance, training, and inspection services for the crew.

HM - Surgical Technologist

Job Description
Surgical Technologists assist medical officers in carrying out surgical techniques. Provide care, safety, and support to patients before, during and after surgery. Select, sterilize and prepare instruments and materials and the aseptic environment necessary for surgery. Assist anesthetists during operating procedures in giving artificial respiration and in the use of resuscitators. Maintain surgical equipment and records. Assist with instruction, supervision, and evaluation of students and other corpsmen assigned duties relating to surgery.

HM - Urology Technician

Job Description
Urology Technicians assist urologists in examination and treatment of patients with problems of the urinary system and male reproductive organs. Operate and maintain urological equipment and appliances. Perform urological x-ray procedures. Prepare supplies, instruments, dressings, and utensils for urological operations and treatments.

Security Clearance Requirement: None (Note: Some assignments may require a Security Clearance)

Other Requirements

• Applicants must be informed that they will be assigned to duties involving direct patient care and clinical services
• Male applicants must be informed that they may be assigned to the Fleet Marine Force for duty.
• 60 month service obligation
• A licensed physician or dentist licensed or graduate of medical or dental school in any country is not eligible for this rating.
• No history of drug abuse or commission of offenses involving alcohol, narcotics or other controlled substances with the exception of experimental or casual use of marijuana.
• Applicants must be of the highest standards as requirements are strictly adhered to before accession into the HM community.

110119-N-0569K-042 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Jan. 19, 2011) Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Lawyer McSwain documents Sailor's simulated injuries during a mass casualty exercise aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Enterprise is deployed as part of Enterprise Carrier Strike Group in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jared M. King/Released)

161103-M-TA471-057 OKINAWA, Japan (Nov. 3, 2016) Seaman Davis James prepares intravenous tubing before collecting a donor's blood during a U.S. Pacific Command Armed Services Blood Bank Center blood drive at the library aboard Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. The library drive is an initiative hosted by the ASBBC to support medical facilities across Okinawa and operations across the Asia-Pacific region. During the drive, donors underwent a comprehensive screening process to ensure they were healthy and prepared to donate blood. The ASBBC is the primary provider of blood and plasma for exercises and operations across the region. James is a hospital corpsman with the ASBBC, U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa and is a Goldsboro, North Carolina, native. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Janessa K. Pon/Released)

 
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