If you’re a 68W (Combat Medic Specialist) in the U.S. Army, you already possess vital skills that save lives in challenging environments. But did you know that your training and certifications can also earn you college credits? These credits can fast-track your education, saving you time and money while opening doors to civilian career opportunities. Let’s dive into how 68W college credits work and how you can make the most of them.
What is 68W Training, and Why Does It Matter?
68W training equips service members with essential medical skills, from administering emergency care to managing patient evacuations in combat and non-combat situations. The rigorous training includes courses on:
- Emergency Medical Technology (EMT).
- Anatomy and Physiology.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).
These skills directly align with college-level coursework, making it possible to earn academic credit for your military service.
How Many College Credits Can You Earn as a 68W?
The number of college credits you can earn depends on the level of your training and certifications. According to the American Council on Education (ACE), 68W training typically translates to 20–40 college credits in fields like:
- Emergency Medical Technology.
- Health Care Management.
- Life Sciences and First Aid.
These credits can significantly reduce the time and cost required to complete a degree.
Steps to Convert Your 68W Training Into College Credits
Turning your military training into college credits is straightforward. Follow these steps:
Obtain Your Joint Services Transcript (JST):
The JST documents your military training and ACE credit recommendations.
You can request your JST online through the Joint Services Transcript website.
Choose a Military-Friendly College:
Many institutions recognize military training and accept JST evaluations for credit transfer.
Submit Your JST for Evaluation:
Provide your JST to the admissions office of your chosen college.
Work with an academic advisor to map your credits toward your desired degree.
Top Colleges for 68W College Credits
Some colleges are particularly welcoming to military students and offer generous credit transfer policies. Here are a few:
- American Military University (AMU): Known for its flexible online programs tailored to service members.
- University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC): Offers healthcare-related degrees that align with 68W training.
- Excelsior College: Specializes in credit transfers and degree programs for military veterans.
Benefits of Using 68W Credits Toward a Degree
Earning college credits for your 68W training comes with several advantages:
- Cost Savings: Military training credits reduce the number of courses you need to take, lowering tuition costs.
- Accelerated Graduation: By earning credits upfront, you can complete your degree faster.
- Career Opportunities: Degrees in healthcare, nursing, or emergency services align well with 68W skills, making it easier to transition into civilian roles.
Certifications That Enhance Your Credit Transfer
Certifications earned during your 68W training can boost your credit eligibility. For example:
- National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT): Recognized by many colleges as equivalent to EMT coursework.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS): Add value to your academic portfolio.
Maintaining and renewing these certifications ensures their relevance when transferring credits.
Real-Life Success Stories
Many 68W veterans have successfully leveraged their military training to pursue higher education and rewarding careers. For example:
- A former 68W used their credits to earn a degree in Healthcare Administration and now manages a team of medical professionals.
- Another veteran transitioned to a civilian role as a Paramedic, completing their degree in half the time thanks to their 68W training.
Conclusion
Your experience as a 68W has already made a difference in the lives of others. Now, it’s time to invest in your future. By converting your military training into 68W college credits, you can save time and money while pursuing a degree that opens doors to rewarding civilian careers. Take the first step today by obtaining your JST and exploring military-friendly colleges. The skills you’ve gained through 68W training and college credits are invaluable—and so is your future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are 68W college credits?
68W college credits are academic credits earned from military training and certifications as a Combat Medic Specialist, which can be applied toward a degree.
How do I get my 68W training evaluated for college credit?
Submit your Joint Services Transcript (JST) to a military-friendly college for evaluation and credit transfer.
Can 68W college credits be used for healthcare degrees?
Yes, 68W credits align well with healthcare degrees like Nursing, Paramedic Science, or Healthcare Administration.
How much money can I save with 68W college credits?
By transferring military training credits, you can reduce tuition costs significantly and graduate faster.
Are 68W college credits recognized at all colleges?
Not all colleges accept military credits, so it\u2019s essential to choose institutions with strong military transfer policies.
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