Civilian EMS Career Opportunities After Military Service

How the DoD’s Skill Bridge Program supports transitioning Service Members

The Department of Defense’s (DoD) Skill Bridge Program supports the career transition of honorably discharging military service members, offering them an ‘apprenticeship or internship’ in their last 180 of service to explore a civilian career option.

HOW IT WORKS

The SkillBridge Program partners service members and their spouses with industry partners before military discharge. During the last 180 days of active duty, service members train fulltime with their industry partner. Service members receive military compensation and benefits throughout the program at no cost to industry partners. Upon discharge from the military, service members can be offered a position with their industry partner. Since its launch in 2011, the DoD’s SkillBridge Program has helped over 50,000 service members transition into civilian careers.

EMS Agency Partners with DoD

EMS agencies can partner with the DoD’s SkillBridge Program in providing comprehensive training for military medics transitioning into civilian EMS roles. Wake County EMS recently partnered with the SkillBridge Program. Their director, Dr. Jon Studnek, PhD, NRP, noted in a recent news article, “Veterans bring a wealth of transferable skills to the EMS field, including discipline, leadership, and the ability to perform under pressure,” making them ideal candidates for civilian EMS.

Successful Transitions

Finding a civilian job after military discharge is daunting for many service members. Hunter Davis, a veteran combat medical specialist for the U.S. Army, described feeling “worried about not having steady employment during [the] transition back into civilian life.”

After discovering the Skill Bridge Program at Wake County EMS, Davis applied for a military equivalency credential to obtain his North Carolina AEMT. Throughout the Skill Bridge Program, Davis attended the academy at Wake County EMS. As discussed in a recent WUNC news article, Davis received additional training with unique populations, like pediatrics, and responded to increased call volume. Davis described feeling “set up for success” as he transitioned into civilian EMS. Upon military exit, he secured a job with Wake County EMS and is now pursuing a paramedic license with the agency.

Davis credits the Skill Bridge Program with hands-on experience that solidified his choice to pursue civilian EMS. More broadly, the Skill Bridge Program provides benefits beyond career success. For Davis, participating in the program “gave a civilian life experience, like finding a residence and paying bills that DOD previously handled. It provided clarity on life outside the military.” By exposing service members to all facets of civilian life, the Skill Bridge Program facilitates a successful transition out of the military.

Mutual Benefits

The SkillBridge Program also benefits participating industry partners. The DoD’s website notes that the program offers industry partners the “opportunity to access and leverage the world’s most highly trained and motivated workforce at no cost.” In addition to giving back to military service members, participating EMS agencies can train skilled talent without added costs.

Eligibility

To be eligible, participants must have served for at least 180 days and have less than 180 days before discharge. They must also carry an EMT or military medic certification. After receiving written authorization from their chain of command, participants train full-time with the EMS agency, often attending the academy to obtain the necessary certification or licensing. After military discharge, the participant may easily transition into a fulltime role with their industry partner. While participating EMS agencies are not required to hire candidates into a full-time role after completing the program, they must offer a high probability of full-time employment and appropriate compensation.

AVAILABLE OPPORTUNITIES

Opportunities are available for service members nearing their discharge date and EMS agencies looking to become industry partners.

Service Members

Service members interested in joining the SkillBridge Program should contact their installation’s SkillBridge point of contact. More information is available at https://skillbridge.osd.mil/resources.htm#military-members.

EMS Agencies

EMS agencies interested in becoming an industry partner with the SkillBridge Program must apply. For more information and to apply, visit the DoD’s SkillBridge Program website at https:// skillbridge.osd.mil/.