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Pilot to Med Corps

cameron172

Member
pilot
Specifically, physiology. Is there a way to work in aerospace physiology without completely redesignating to medical? Would you need a four-year medical degree to do so?

I've seen a few O-3s who have done this but wasn't able to ask them. Does anyone know when/how the switch could be made?
 

helolumpy

Apprentice School Principal
pilot
Contributor
The only pilot who I know that transferred over to Med Corps had to redesignate. (He also got the Navy to pay for Med School).

The only way you could probably stay in aviation and do some av phys type work would be to either become a test pilot or maybe get a job at the Safety Center and get involved that way.

If you want to make a career out of av phys, then you will most likely have to redesignate since you won't be a pilot anymore, but an aviation physiologist.
 

feddoc

Really old guy
Contributor
Well, sorta. If you went into the Aerospace Physiology world, you wouldn't designate to Medical Corps, but to Medical Service Corps.

What kind of degree do you have?

Edit: take a look at this and see if you qualify. There may be a more recent verstion of the PA-115..but, I couldn't find it. http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/navmedmpte/nomi/nami/academics/Documents/PA 115 MSC.PDF

another edit: No you don't need a medical degree, but, you will need a degree in biological science of some sort...biology, physiology, anatomy, etc.



Specifically, physiology. Is there a way to work in aerospace physiology without completely redesignating to medical? Would you need a four-year medical degree to do so?

I've seen a few O-3s who have done this but wasn't able to ask them. Does anyone know when/how the switch could be made?
 

IRfly

Registered User
None
I know a P-3 NFO who went to Av Phys. It was a straight transition (e.g. no med school). Not sure what her degree was, but I've never met a physiologist with an M.D.
 

wlawr005

Well-Known Member
pilot
Contributor
There is a LCDR working at Norfolk AvPhys right now who used to be an HS pilot. She made the direct transition to the Med Service Corps as well. I seem to remember her telling me that she had a master's degree in business/admin and a science undergrad...
 

JD81

FUBIJAR
pilot
There is a P3 dude at Lemoore who is one, he works/worked in the phys building next door to the 'fuge. To echo all above I think its a scientific degree required deal, I would reference the USN's recruiting page for that designator's requirements.
 

feddoc

Really old guy
Contributor
There is a P3 dude at Lemoore who is one, he works/worked in the phys building next door to the 'fuge. To echo all above I think its a scientific degree required deal, I would reference the USN's recruiting page for that designator's requirements.

Good guy, I had a quick soda with him today. He is the director for water, phys and fuge. I should also add there are a few dual designators, some are FS, some are APs...so cameron172, you may not have to lose the NA designation. It all depends on your degree.
 

cameron172

Member
pilot
What kind of degree do you have?

I have a Bachelor in Business Mgt. But like the guy Helolumpy knows, I could probably get the navy to pay for one of the required degrees once I really start thinking about it.

I know a P-3 NFO who went to Av Phys. It was a straight transition (e.g. no med school).

That's like the LT I met at ASTC, but I can't figure out he did it.
 

feddoc

Really old guy
Contributor
There were 2 P3 guys there...at one time. Both were LTs; both are now LCDRs. After follow-on tours, one came back as the head dude; the other is (still) going to school.

I also spoke with the head dude in DC this afternoon. He told me that they will not accept anyone (normal people) without a Master's Degree in a related field. They will accept either an NA or a NFO with a BS in a related field and a lot of PIC time. In other words, it looks like you will have to get your MS before you get into the AP world. USN may pay for that degree in some sort of outservice program. Recruiters would know best about that option.

I have a Bachelor in Business Mgt. But like the guy Helolumpy knows, I could probably get the navy to pay for one of the required degrees once I really start thinking about it.



That's like the LT I met at ASTC, but I can't figure out he did it.
 

cameron172

Member
pilot
I also spoke with the head dude in DC this afternoon. He told me that they will not accept anyone (normal people) without a Master's Degree in a related field. They will accept either an NA or a NFO with a BS in a related field and a lot of PIC time. In other words, it looks like you will have to get your MS before you get into the AP world. USN may pay for that degree in some sort of outservice program. Recruiters would know best about that option.

Wow, perfect! Lots of good info to keep in the back of my mind. Thanks for the research feddoc
 
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