Become a Navy Medical Corps Officer or Navy Doctor (2025)

Last Updated on October 14, 2024

This guide provides useful information that will help with your decision to become a Navy Medical Corps Officer during Fiscal Year 2025.

A Medical Corps Officer is a Staff Corps Officer in the Navy who provides care to military members and their families in the same manner that a civilian doctor would. The Navy Officer designator code for Medical Corp Officer is 2100.

As you’ll notice, the Medical Corps has a wide range of specialties, each with its own specific requirements.

We’ll get into those details, but first, let’s cover the basics.

Medical Corps Officer Job Description

As mentioned, as a Navy Medical Corps doctor, you’ll treat service members and their families just like any civilian doctor would. But in Navy Health Care, you’ll gain a broader range of experience—and a lot faster—because you’ll be working at the cutting edge of medicine.

Joining the Navy as a doctor and Medical Officer will put your career on the fast track, ahead of many of your peers. Plus, you’ll have the chance to take part in humanitarian missions, both here at home and around the world.

When you work at some of the top military medical facilities, you get access to cutting-edge training and tech that’s so advanced, the civilian world might not even know it exists yet.

Navy doctors often call their patients and medical teams “amazing” and “the best,” and you’ll probably feel the same way once you’re there.

What’s really special is the sense of camaraderie you’ll build. Plus, you’ll get to focus on the real details of medicine without having to worry about the financial and business headaches that come with running a private practice.

As a Navy Physician, you will play an important role in leading the well regarded Navy Health Care staff.

You can help with medical relief operations in our nation and throughout the world, helping victims of anything from illness to conflict, disease to poverty, and hurricanes to earthquakes.

You will use cutting-edge technology like Light-Emitting Diode (LED) probes created in collaboration with NASA to help wounds heal quicker.

Not only that, but you will also get to experience cutting-edge techniques like “forward surgery,” which connects field medics with bigger medical centers for life-saving advice and treatment.

Aside from that, you will:

Distinguish yourself as a Navy Physician and Medical Corps Officer with pride and respect
Experience manageable patient ratios for high-quality, one-on-one care
Earn excellent compensation in an established, thriving practice

Expand your expertise through hands-on experience and Navy-funded advanced training

When you practice Navy Medicine, you will not have to deal with many of the challenges that your civilian counterparts may face:

No malpractice insurance to purchase

No employees to recruit
No startup expenditures
No equipment to purchase

No office to furnish

You will also have a more flexible schedule, which means more time for family, personal interests, and adventure.

Responsibilities of Navy Physicians

As a Navy Medical Corps Officer, you will deliver high-quality medical treatment to Sailors, Marines, servicemembers, their families, and, when called upon, any individual worldwide.

You will be in charge of everything a conventional physician does, such as diagnosing illnesses, treating injuries, and saving lives.

Then you will have the chance to go beyond the mundane:

Acquire managerial experience that will help you throughout your career

Collaborate with fellow military doctors and other Health Care Officers, and partner with International Relief Teams and organizations such as FEMA and USAID
Operate as a leader within your focus area, while also gaining exposure outside your specialty
Work at the best military medical facilities on land, at sea, and even in the battlefield

What to Expect as a Navy Physician

As a member of the Navy Medical Corps, you may serve at any of the more than 250 Navy and medical institutions throughout the world, in some of the most dynamic settings conceivable – from Hawaii to Japan, Germany to Guam, and Washington, D.C. to Washington state.

You may work in one of the highly regarded Medical Centers in Bethesda, Maryland, Portsmouth, Virginia, or San Diego, California.

Alternatively, you might give medical assistance to deployed soldiers aboard one of two specialist hospital ships, the USNS Comfort and USNS Mercy.

The Navy Medical Corps includes about 4,300 active duty and reserve doctors who work or train across 23 different medical and surgical fields, with more than 200 subspecialties.

Navy doctors aren’t just in hospitals—they’re stationed at military treatment facilities, research units, clinics, medical education centers, and even out at sea with the Marine Forces, both in the U.S. and around the world.

Navy doctors play a crucial role, providing direct medical support to commanders, squadrons, battalions, and units in the Navy and Marine Corps.

They also get deployed to help with combat operations, disaster relief, and humanitarian missions, delivering top-notch care whether on land or at sea.

Whether you’re on a ship, working with an aviation squadron, or part of the Fleet Marine Force, the Navy offers a variety of healthcare roles at home and abroad.

No matter where you serve, you’re bringing your leadership and medical skills to the people protecting our country, their families, and those who need it most.

Navy Medicine

Navy Health Care is genuinely world-class when it comes to health-care networks.

A devoted organization of thousands of doctors, dentists, nurses, and healthcare specialists working together to serve the public.

They support the many needs of servicemembers, their families, and mankind as a whole, spreading kindness and wellness wherever it is needed.

Whether it is saving lives or promoting good health, reaching out to those in need or driving the field of healthcare ahead, Navy Health Care offers a chance unlike any other.

To be a part of anything significant.

To be a part of a world-class health-care team that makes an impact on a global scale.

And to experience challenges and rewards that are normally unavailable in the private sector.

Navy Medical Corps Specialties

Navy Medicine provides clinical practice opportunities in over 30 specialties and subspecialties, including:

Anesthesiology

Dermatology
Emergency Medicine
Family Medicine

Fleet Marine Corps Medicine
Geriatrics
Global Health Engagement

Internal Medicine
- Allergy/Immunology
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
- Hematology/Oncology
- Infectious Disease
- Nephrology
  - Pulmonary/Critical Care
  - Rheumatology
Histopathology
Neonatology

Neurology
Nuclear Medicine
Obstetrics/Gynecology

Occupational Medicine
Ophthalmology
Orthopedics

Osteopathic Medicine
Otolaryngology
Pain Management

Pathology
Pediatrics
Physical Medicine

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Preventive Medicine
Psychiatry

Transfusion Medicine
Tropical Medicine
Undersea/Diving Medicine

Urology

Operational Medical Officer

The Navy’s pretty unique compared to other military branches because its doctors get to work in every type of battlefield—on land, at sea, in the air, even in space and cyberspace.

Throughout your career, you’ll have the opportunity to work with people across all these areas, which means a lot of variety and some pretty cool experiences.

In the Navy, you will practice medicine in a variety of settings, including:

In conventional hospitals and clinics (otherwise called Military Treatment Facilities or MTFs)
Units and field hospitals (for example, an Expeditionary Medical Facility)

On board ships (Surface Force Medicine)
Submerged (Undersea Medicine)
In the Sky (Aviation Medicine)

As a member of the United States Marine Corps (Fleet Marine Force Medicine)
General Medical Officers, or GMOs, have traditionally provided operational medical care. These are doctors who have finished their internship but have deferred their residency study in order to serve the fleet.

Navy Medicine is changing things up. Instead of the old way where doctors had breaks in their training, they’re moving to a system where medical students go straight through their residency without interruptions, following the same timeline as civilian doctors.

Because of this, we’ll probably see fewer General Medical Officers (GMOs) in the Navy and more residency-trained doctors working in operational roles. These doctors will be called Operational Medical Officers (OMOs).

Now, this shift is going to take time, so GMOs will still be needed for a while even after things change. This setup might interest people who aren’t looking to finish their residency in one go and prefer some flexibility.

Below is a breakdown of the different operational communities you can work with in Navy Medicine.

Undersea Medical Officer

Undersea Medical Officers (UMOs) are doctors who know all about the challenges of being underwater, like dealing with pressure changes, radiation exposure, and being stuck in isolated spots for long stretches. It’s a pretty specialized job, focusing on keeping folks safe in tough environments.

Back in the day, most doctors became UMOs after finishing their internships, but now, with more people becoming Operational Medical Officers (OMOs), many are expected to start their UMO training after finishing their residency tour.

There are 108 spots available in the UMO community, and they’re key players in the Submarine Force, Naval Special Warfare, Marine Corps, Diving Units, and Research teams. UMOs are experts in dive medicine, submarine medicine, and radiation health. They take care of people working underwater, making sure they stay healthy and safe.

Along with their medical duties, UMOs also train and supervise Independent Duty Corpsmen, give medical advice to top leaders, and are crucial to these specialized teams. You’ll find UMOs in submarine squadrons, Naval Special Warfare, Marine Special Ops (MARSOC), Navy Diving Commands, Explosive Ordnance Disposal units, and even research labs and clinics.

Since diving is part of the job, UMOs have to meet special physical standards for diving and must pass the Diver Physical Criteria Test.

Training to become a UMO starts in Groton, Connecticut, with six weeks covering physical fitness, radiation health, and submarine medicine. Then, trainees head down to Panama City, Florida, for nine weeks of dive and hyperbaric medicine, learning different types of SCUBA and how to run a hyperbaric chamber. By the end of this, they’re certified as Navy Divers.

After the diving training, UMOs go back to Groton for another eight weeks of training that includes submarine escape techniques, clinical hyperbaric oxygen treatment, and operational medicine. The whole thing wraps up with a big oral exam to test everything they’ve learned.

Aviation Medicine

Aviation medicine is all about helping pilots and aircrew with their health while keeping in mind the tough, high-pressure world they work in. You’re not just a doctor; you’re supporting Sailors and Marines on a personal level, helping them stay sharp and mission-ready.

As a flight surgeon, you’ll probably be attached to an aircraft squadron or a command overseeing multiple squadrons. The people you serve will look at you as their go-to doc, a fellow aircrew member, and sometimes even a friend. It’s a tight connection that’s not found in most medical fields.

The role also comes with a lot of perks—like traveling to new places and having the freedom to run your practice independently. These experiences will push your leadership, planning, and teaching skills to new levels, which is what the job demands.

One of your big responsibilities as a flight surgeon is to make sure flying is as safe as possible. This means keeping aircrew healthy and reducing the chances of accidents. To really understand what aircrew go through, you’ll join them on flights, see the stresses they face, and check out how well they work together.

Becoming a flight surgeon involves a 26-week course covering everything from flight physiology to how to investigate aviation accidents. Training runs three times a year, and after graduation, you’ll put your skills to the test in real-world scenarios with an aircraft unit.

The course itself is split into three phases. Phase I is seven weeks of bookwork and survival training. You’ll cover topics like environmental physiology and the medical challenges aircrew face. Phase II is six weeks of Aviation Preflight Indoctrination, where you learn the basics like engines, weather, navigation, and water survival. Phase III is 11 weeks of actual flight training, where you’ll experience the challenges of flying firsthand. The last couple weeks dive into aviation safety programs and crash investigation.

To be a flight surgeon, you’ll need to meet certain physical standards, but they’re pretty flexible, and exceptions can be made.

There are more than 240 flight surgeon positions in the Navy and Marine Corps, with opportunities all over the world—including Italy, Japan, Bahrain, and Hawaii. There’s also a similar role as an Aviation Medical Examiner, which requires seven weeks of training but doesn’t include flying. It’s more focused on clinical aviation support.

If you’re really into the field, there’s a Navy Residency in Aerospace Medicine—a two-year program that leads to board certification in aerospace medicine, focusing on preventive and occupational medicine. These pros are expected to lead in aerospace health and safety while having experience in both operational and medical facility settings.

Surface Force Medical Officer

Surface Force Medical billets offer vital leadership opportunities for Medical Officers who choose to serve aboard or support Surface Force ships.

In these roles, Medical Corps Officers act as medical experts, department heads, and special advisors to Commanding Officers, so having leadership experience is a must. You’ll find opportunities on a wide variety of ships and in locations around the world.

You’re expected to provide expertise in areas like industrial hygiene, occupational and preventive medicine, emergency care, medical evacuations, and medical intelligence.

As the ship’s Department Head, you’ll manage all medical matters for the crew, oversee department organization and training, handle medical reports and staff assignments, evaluate personnel performance, and ensure your team is prepared for promotions.

Fleet Marine Medical Officer

Fleet Marine Medical Officers (FMMOs) provide critical medical guidance to Marine Corps Commanding Officers. They’re responsible for the medical readiness of the unit and supervise Independent Duty Corpsmen, physician assistants, and Hospital Corpsmen.

FMMOs deliver patient care, track patients, and provide emergency trauma treatment and resuscitation in the field. They also serve as the Medical Department Head and are expected to live like Marines—knowing Marine Corps history and customs, excelling in shooting, running, hiking, and looking the part.

They must also meet Fleet Marine Force (FMF) Qualification standards and serve as role models for both peers and enlisted soldiers.

Marine Corps training for FMMOs covers topics like Officership 101, Field Medical Training Battalion-Field Medical Service Officer, Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), Fresh Whole Blood Transfusion, Basic Rifle Marksmanship, and USMC Customs and Courtesies.

Navy Medical School Scholarships and Incentives

The Navy offers plenty of financial support and continuing education programs to help ease your financial burdens and advance your career, no matter where you are in your medical journey.

You can benefit from scholarships, sign-on bonuses, and debt repayment assistance. These options are available whether you’re in grad school, residency, or already practicing.

Health Professional Scholarship Program (HPSP)

The Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) provides a full-tuition scholarship to the medical school of your choice, as well as a monthly stipend surpassing $2,300 per month and a $20,000 signing bonus in exchange for a three or four-year commitment to service as a Navy physician following residency.

Here is the official document for HPSP.

Health Services Collegiate Program (HSCP)

In exchange for duty as a Navy physician following residency, this program gives up to $269,000 while attending medical school, including a monthly military wage, considerable housing allowance (depending on location), and a full benefits package.

Here is the official document for HSCP.

Direct Commissioning

Practicing medical doctors may receive a sign-on bonus of $180K to $400K when you qualify. Incentive offers have many variables depending on the service agreement and chosen specialty.

Here is the official document for Medical Corps commissioning.

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU)

You can also apply directly to the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences (USU).

Approved students get free tuition, a housing allowance, and a salary.

Known as “America’s Medical School,” USU trains and prepares military and U.S. Public Health Service doctors to support the nation’s military, public health systems, national security, and defense strategies, along with ensuring the readiness of our Uniformed Services.

Here is the admission information at USU.

Financial Assistance Program (FAP)

The Financial Assistance Program (FAP) offers financial incentives to doctors who complete certain residencies and fellowships that lead to postings on active service in the Medical Corps.

While completing your residency or fellowship, you will be eligible for a $45,000 yearly award and receive a monthly compensation of more than $2,300.

Navy Physician Basic Qualification

To become a Navy Medical Corps Officer, you must be an American citizen no older than 42 years of age with a qualifying medical degree and license as prescribed by the United States Navy. Qualified students who are admitted to an accredited medical school may apply for a Navy Medical Corps scholarship.

The detailed list of Medical Corps Officer requirements below are current as of July 2019, per the Navy Personnel Command. No updates have been issued so far.

Medical Corps Officer Basic Qualifications

Citizenship

To apply for the Medical Corps Officer program, you must be a U.S. citizen (either born in the U.S., naturalized, or born abroad to U.S. parents), unless the Secretary of Defense waives this requirement for appointments below lieutenant commander.

If you hold dual citizenship, you can still apply, but you’ll need to provide proof that you’ve renounced your non-U.S. citizenship before being considered for final selection.

Additionally, SECNAVINST 5510.30B requires all applicants to undergo a personnel security investigation.

Age

Applicants for the Medical Corps must be commissioned before their 42nd birthday.

Waivers will be handled on an individual basis.

Age Waiver

In some cases, an age waiver can be approved if a candidate exceeds the statutory age for commissioning but has an exceptional record or specialized skills that the Navy needs.

When reviewing these requests, the Navy will prioritize specialties that are understaffed or have consistently missed recruiting goals.

Gender

The Medical Corps Officer program is open to both men and women with no restrictions.

Education

To be qualified for appointment in the Navy Medical Corps, the candidate must complete one of the following educational qualifications, as outlined in OPNAVINST 1120.4C (Appointment of Regular and Reserve Officers in the Medical Corps of the Navy):

Physician (Doctor of Medicine): Graduate of a medical school in the United States or Puerto Rico approved by the American Medical Association’s Liaison Committee on Medical Education and licensed to practice medicine or surgery in a U.S. State, territory, commonwealth, possession, or the District of Columbia.
Physician (Doctor of Osteopathy): Graduate of an American Osteopathic Association-approved institution of osteopathy and be licensed to practice medicine, surgery, or osteopathy in a U.S. State, territory, commonwealth, possession, or the District of Columbia.

Physician graduates of foreign medical schools in specialties approved by the Deputy Chief Of Naval Operations (Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education) who complete all standards stipulated in OPNAVINST I 120.4C.

Physical

Medical Corps applicants have to meet the physical standards laid out in Chapter 15 of the Manual of the Medical Department, as well as those specified in DoD Instruction 6130.03 (Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction in the Military Services) from May 6, 2018.

Licensure

Applicants for the Medical Corps must be licensed to practice medicine or surgery in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, possession, or in the District of Columbia, as required by BUMEDINST 6010.30. (Credentialing and Privileging Program).

Professional Qualifications Review

The Professional Review Board (PRB) at the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED) will assess all applicants’ credentials and professional qualifications.

Before sending an accession package to the PRB for review, the Medical Corps program manager at Commander, Navy Recruiting Command (CNRC), needs to have the applicant’s credentials verified by the Centralized Credentialing and Privileging Directorate in Jacksonville, Florida.

Medical Corps Service Obligation

Active Duty

Once you’re appointed, there’s a three-year Active Duty commitment. The rest of your service, up to a total of eight years, can be spent in the Ready Reserve.

If you receive special pay, bonuses, or have education obligations, or if there are minimum activity tour requirements, these could extend your service commitment beyond that original timeframe.

Reserves

If you’re selected for the Medical Corps Reserve Component, you’ll have an eight-year Ready Reserve obligation, with the first three years as a Selected Reserve. This commitment starts when you’re commissioned.

Keep in mind, if you receive special compensation, bonuses, or have educational obligations, your service term could be extended beyond that.

More Information

If you wish more information with regard to becoming a Navy Medical Corps Officer, the next logical step is to contact your local Navy Officer Recruiter.