From Combat Boots to White Coat

How to Transition Out of the Military Into Medical School

This post is for all my military personnel interested in navigating out of the military into a career in health care. My story began after I completed undergrad with my bachelor degree and enlisted into the military to take advantage of the multiple benefits. I served for four years in the United States Army as a Geospatial Engineer and then successfully transitioned to pharmacy school to pursue my doctorate in pharmacy.

Here is my story on how I went from combat boots to a white coat. I will share what worked for me. There were 5 major things that contributed to the success of my acceptance to pharmacy school:

The plan I set forth for myself served as my guide to get me into pharmacy school. I began planning for my exit about two years into my four year commitment. Whenever I plan I focus on my end goal and backwards plan steps to get there.

In my case, I knew I was going to pharmacy school so I began researching schools to apply to. Then I looked into their requirements. From here I began looking at programs where I could realistically meet the requirements and making a list of pharmacy programs that I would apply to. For example, if a school required science courses taken no later than 6 years. I knew I would have two options; not apply or retake that science course to meet the eligibility.

My plan required me to build the best application and to showcase all of my skills. So, after I had the schools that I wanted to apply to, I began to become the best pharmacy candidate. To do that, I knew I would have to build a professional network, study, and save money in order to exit the military and pay for application fees.

Volunteering

This is something that just comes naturally to me especially from my upbringing. In this case, I knew that to build my professional network, volunteering at the local Veteran Affairs Hospital was my way to seek mentorship from pharmacists. When I began volunteering at the VA Hospital it did a few things for me:

My time at the VA motivated me to become a certified pharmacist technician so that I could contribute more around the pharmacy. This also helped build trust and support between myself and the pharmacists that worked there. The pharmacists I met there even became advocates of me going to pharmacy school and wrote letters of recommendation on my behalf.

Continue Your Education

If you have access to free tuition assistance, please take advantage! If there is a certification that you can take to build your application or make you stand out professionally; sign up. If you have a class that you weren’t particularly proud of and you know you could score a better grade, retake it if it will be free to you.

Hint, hint. If you are not a certified pharmacy technician that is a big start. I became a certified pharmacy technician because the course was free, I wanted a strong application, and I knew the benefits for my own professional development. Find your reason and take advantage.

Create a Savings Goal

Applying for graduate school is expensive! There is no way around it, unless you have a rich family. If not, I recommend making a list of costs and building a nest egg. Here are some costs to consider:

Of course you can get creative with savings by only applying to schools in the state you currently live in. Whichever you decide, just plan for it financially. It was my personal savings goal to pay off all my credit card debt and my car off before my exit date from the service. Obtaining debt freedom by my exit date helped me to go into pharmacy school so focused. Having a few months of personal savings is a great cushion until your tuition benefits kick in as well.

Building the Ultimate Application

Having a strong application for pharmacy school is the ultimate confidence boost. This is the best introduction you can make for yourself. I recommend submitting a complete application well before the deadline. It shows your eagerness and readiness to attend school.

If you followed my advice from earlier make sure your application highlights these factors:

Your education
Your pharmacy experience
Your volunteer experience
Your certifications
List your awards
Definitely speak on your military service

I served as a Geospatial Engineer although this is a highly unique and specialized field I was somewhat insecure on how this position could help me transition as a pharmacist. Whatever your military occupation code (MOS) is, speak on it with confidence! Show how the skills you’ve obtained in the military will help you as a student and pharmacist. For example, I made highly detailed and complex maps which allow me to pay very close attention to any task at hand.

This is how you build a strong application. Prior to my military experience I had never stepped foot in a pharmacy. I just knew I always wanted to be a pharmacist. Unfortunately, wanting something badly does not get you in. Volunteering helped open the door and allowed me to build my professional network. Serving your country gives you discipline. Planning and saving will reduce obstacles and allow you to complete any mission your mind desires.

Good luck on your transition and feel free to reach out with any questions.

3 thoughts on “From Combat Boots to White Coat”

Brock Everett
November 7, 2022 at 3:55 am

Love this blog! As a follow Veteran, we need more of these great examples to help transitioning service men and women pursue any post military career they desire, and know there are people and resources available to assist. Great job!
ProMaterial
November 7, 2022 at 5:22 am

You are a true queen in a white coat! #womenking
Afsatu Kamara
November 7, 2022 at 4:40 pm

Amber girl am proud of you! Such an inspiration

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