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68Z Career Guide

Army

68Z: Chief Medical NCO

Career transition guide for Army Chief Medical NCO (68Z)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 68Z veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Healthcare Administrator

$95K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Civilian Healthcare RegulationsMedical Coding and BillingHealthcare Management Software (e.g., Epic, Cerner)

Human Resources Manager

$85K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

HR Certification (SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP)Labor LawConflict Resolution Training

Training and Development Manager

$90K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Instructional DesigneLearning DevelopmentNeeds Assessment

Project Manager

$98K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

PMP CertificationAgile MethodologiesProject Management Software (e.g., Jira, Asana)

Compliance Officer

$78K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

HIPAA CertificationRegulatory ComplianceAuditing Skills

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 68Z training built — and where they transfer.

Team Synchronization

As a senior advisor, this role requires orchestrating the efforts of diverse medical personnel (68E, 68G, etc.) within various facilities (hospitals, clinics) to achieve unified objectives.

This skill translates to effectively coordinating interdisciplinary teams in civilian settings, ensuring all members work cohesively towards common goals.

Rapid Prioritization

Advising commanders on enlisted personnel matters in dynamic medical environments demands quick assessment of situations and efficient allocation of resources to address the most critical issues first.

This translates directly to the ability to triage competing demands, allocate resources effectively, and make quick decisions under pressure in fast-paced civilian workplaces.

Situational Awareness

This role requires constant monitoring of the operational environment, understanding the interplay of various medical activities, and anticipating potential challenges related to personnel to advise commanders effectively.

In the civilian sector, this becomes the ability to quickly grasp the dynamics of a business environment, understand the needs and concerns of stakeholders, and anticipate emerging issues.

Resource Optimization

Managing enlisted personnel across diverse medical functions necessitates efficient allocation of personnel, training, and equipment to maximize operational effectiveness.

This translates to adeptly managing budgets, personnel, and other resources in a business setting to achieve optimal outcomes and minimize waste.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Healthcare Administrator

SOC 11-9111.00

You've been advising commanders and supervising personnel across medical facilities. This experience gives you a strong foundation in healthcare operations, personnel management, and strategic planning, which are all critical to success in healthcare administration. Your understanding of diverse medical functions and resource allocation makes you exceptionally well-prepared to manage the complexities of a healthcare organization.

Human Resources Manager

SOC 11-3121.00

You've been a senior advisor on enlisted personnel matters. This experience has honed your skills in conflict resolution, performance management, and personnel development, all of which are essential for effective HR management. Your understanding of organizational structure and personnel policies translates seamlessly to this role.

Project Manager

SOC 11-9151.00

You've been planning, coordinating, and supervising activities related to unit organization and training. This translates directly to project management where your skills in planning, resource allocation, and team leadership can be highly valuable, especially in complex projects with diverse teams.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Medical NCO Leader Course (MNLC), Fort Sam Houston

160 training hours4 weeksUp to 3 semester hours recommended in leadership and management

Topics Covered

  • Medical Brigade Operations
  • Medical Logistics
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Army Health System
  • Medical Readiness
  • Command and Staff Procedures
  • Mentorship and Leadership Development

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Healthcare Manager (CHM)70% covered

Requires study of healthcare-specific financial management, law/ethics, and managed care principles not explicitly covered in military medical leadership roles.

SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)60% covered

Requires study of HR-specific knowledge domains such as U.S. employment law, compensation and benefits, and employee relations, as the military role focuses more broadly on enlisted personnel management.

Recommended Next Certifications

Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE)Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management (CPHRM)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Army Medical Department (AMEDD) Enterprise PortalHospital management software (e.g., Epic, Cerner)
MODS (Medical Operational Data System)Healthcare data analytics platforms
Defense Medical Human Resources System - internet (DMHRSi)Human Capital Management (HCM) systems for healthcare
e-ProfileElectronic health records (EHR) systems
MEDPROS (Medical Protection System)Employee health and safety management software
DTAS (Defense Travel System)Travel and expense management software (e.g., Concur)

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