NAval Medical Center San Diego

[Yoyo254]

Hi, I Graduate NHCS on 08Feb. My first duty command is Naval Medical center in San Diego. I am both excited and nervous about going. I just want some tips or hints going into that hospital. Also I want to get that X-Ray tech C-school. What can I do to get ahead of the game so I can hopefully get that C-school?

[8404]

yoyo254:

Welcome Aboard and congratulations on your Feb 2008 NHCS graduation. You're going to love San Diego, California. The weather is absolutely wonderful, the ocean, sailing, fishing all are fantastic. I'm a former Californian and know the area well.

I will have to leave the question about tips for Naval Medical Center San Diego for someone more knowledgeable with this base.

Here is the website for the Naval Medical Center San Diego: http://www-nmcsd.med.navy.mil/

HM-8452 Advanced X-Ray Technician

Description of NEC: Operates medical X-ray equipment in performance of all diagnostic radiographic examinations. Operates ultrasound equipment, applying the concept of acoustical physics, basic equipment knowledge and clinical procedures. Assists the radiologist in performing fluoroscopic examinations and computerized axial tomographic examinations (CAT scans). Performs special radiographic procedures, Xeroradiographic examinations and vascular procedures. Processes X-ray and Xeroradiographic films. Has knowledge of all administrative procedures relative to the Radiology Service. Performs photodosimetric duties. Source ratings: HM (http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/navyjobs/navyjobs2/blhm.htm)
Paygrades Authorized to Hold NEC: E3-E7
Training Course: Course Mandatory
Open to Women: Yes

SOURCE: http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/navynec/blhm8452.htm?terms=clinic+radiology

If you are excellent at Algebra and Physics (grades are verified via transcripts), then check with your career counselor on how to submit a package requesting this 'C' school. It would also be nice to have in your package, letters of recommendation from your Directorate and your Department Head. In order to get those, remember the three C's. Excel in what you do for the Command, Your Community and College.

It's a highly competitive and one of the most sought after 'C' schools in the Navy. It's also a one year condensed school, located in either California or Virginia.

Special Note: The detailer receives literally thousands of applications Navy wide annualy for this school and there are approximately 350 seats between the two schools. It's a very difficult school to get accepted to. I personally know of one Sailor who applied 18 months prior to his PRD for this school.

Fair Winds and Following Seas to you on your Naval career.

[bigambaUSN]

Ive been stationed here for 2 years now and ill tell you, you will love it. i would say your are lucky to be here for your first duty station because this hospital is so big, there are endless opprtunities to learn something new. Depending where you are placed within the hospital, you may have time to take advantage of all the training classes they have (or even getting OJT for XRAY tech). Getting some certificates in your training record (not just from online training) will really show initiative to your chain of command and will help you out A LOT when advancement time comes around. also, take advantage of going to school. San Deigo City College is literally right down the street from the hospital and the command is easy to work with as far as TA goes. I'm not really sure what to tell you but if you have any questions, id be happy to answer! good luck!

[8404]

Excellent response bigamba:

He's right, San Diego, California is considered a "choice" shore billet. To receive that as your 'first' duty' station out of corps school is a real nice deal.

Definitely, go to school and work on a college degree while you're there.

[Sailor85]

Im heading there too after corps school but i will be at the branch clinic at MCRD San Diego. This is going to be my 2nd duty station. i have 2 more weeks to go!!

[8404]

Congratulations Sailor85 on your upcoming graduation.

Be sure to share corpsman.com with all of your shipmates at the MCRD, San Diego.

MCRD = US Marine Corps bootcamp San Diego, California

[Yoyo254]

Thanks for all the encouragement. I am hoping to have fun there. Wish me the best of luck.

[8404]

Best of luck to you yoyo,

remember it's not just a job, it's an adventure!