Best Companies for 68W Combat Medic Veterans: Top Employers and Career Opportunities (2025)
Top 30 companies actively hiring 68W Combat Medics with salaries $55K-$135K+. Includes healthcare systems, EMS agencies, medical device companies, and veteran-focused employers.
Bottom Line Up Front
68W Combat Medics are actively recruited by 30+ major healthcare companies, EMS systems, and medical employers offering salaries from $55,000-$135,000+ depending on role and credentials. The best employers provide: veteran hiring programs, tuition assistance for nursing/PA school, sign-on bonuses ($5,000-$25,000), military skills recognition, and clear advancement paths. Top sectors hiring 68W veterans: VA Healthcare ($50K-$90K), hospital systems ($65K-$135K for RN/RT/PA), EMS agencies ($55K-$85K), medical device companies ($75K-$120K), and pharmaceutical companies ($80K-$140K). Companies like HCA Healthcare, Kaiser Permanente, Mayo Clinic, AMR, and Johnson & Johnson have established veteran recruitment programs specifically targeting military medics.
Why Companies Actively Recruit 68W Veterans
Major healthcare employers understand what many HR departments miss: 68W Combat Medics bring operational medical experience that cannot be taught in civilian training programs.
You've provided emergency medical care in the most challenging environments imaginable. You've made critical decisions with limited resources. You understand patient care, trauma response, medical procedures, and maintaining composure under extreme pressure.
Healthcare companies recruiting 68W veterans get:
- Proven clinical competency in emergency and trauma medicine
- Maturity and professionalism that takes civilian medics years to develop
- Teamwork and communication skills essential in healthcare settings
- Adaptability to changing situations and high-stress environments
- Attention to detail and commitment to procedures
- Strong work ethic and accountability
- Leadership potential for future management roles
The companies below have veteran hiring programs, recognize military medical training, and provide clear career advancement paths.
Top Healthcare Systems Hiring 68W Veterans
1. VA Healthcare System (Department of Veterans Affairs)
Why they're great for 68W veterans:
- Specifically designed hiring programs for veteran medics
- Recognize military medical training without requiring full credentials
- Fastest pathway from 68W to civilian healthcare employment
- Excellent federal benefits and job security
- Opportunities to serve fellow veterans
Positions for 68W veterans:
- Intermediate Care Technician (ICT): $50,000-$65,000 - Direct hire program for military medics
- Health Technician: $48,000-$62,000 - Various specialties (ER, surgical, respiratory)
- Nursing Assistant: $42,000-$55,000 - Entry healthcare role
- Licensed Practical Nurse: $55,000-$72,000 - After obtaining LPN license
- Registered Nurse: $70,000-$95,000 - After completing nursing degree
- Physician Assistant: $110,000-$135,000 - After PA school
Veteran benefits:
- Veteran preference in hiring (5-10 point advantage on applications)
- Federal employee benefits: FERS retirement, TSP matching, health insurance
- Tuition assistance: Up to $25,000/year for nursing or PA school
- Career ladder advancement: GS-5 to GS-9+ progression
- Work-life balance: Typically 40-hour weeks, paid leave, holidays
How to apply:
- Search USAJobs.gov for "Intermediate Care Technician" and "Health Technician"
- Apply for multiple VA facilities (150+ VA medical centers nationwide)
- Highlight military medical training and patient care hours
- Process takes 3-6 months from application to hire
Real veteran success: James, former 68W E-5, hired as ICT at VA at $52K after 30-day application process. VA paid for his nursing school. Now RN at VA making $88K after 5 years.
2. HCA Healthcare
Why they're great for 68W veterans:
- Largest hospital system in U.S. (180+ hospitals)
- Dedicated military hiring program ("Salute to Service")
- Tuition assistance up to $5,250/year for nursing school
- Clear advancement paths to RN, respiratory therapy, PA roles
- Sign-on bonuses for experienced medical personnel
Positions for 68W veterans:
- Emergency Room Technician: $38,000-$52,000
- Surgical Technician: $45,000-$65,000 - With certification
- Respiratory Therapy Assistant: $48,000-$62,000
- Certified Medical Assistant: $38,000-$48,000 - Quick certification
- Registered Nurse: $66,000-$90,000 - After completing RN bridge program
- Paramedic: $48,000-$68,000 - After paramedic certification
Veteran benefits:
- Military Skills Training Program: Recognizes 68W training for ER tech positions
- Tuition reimbursement: $5,250/year for nursing, RT, or PA school
- Veteran affinity network: Mentorship and networking
- Flexible scheduling: Accommodate school if pursuing degree
- Career advancement: Internal promotion priority
How to apply:
- Visit HCAhealthcare.com/careers - filter for military/veteran jobs
- Apply to multiple facilities in your region
- Mention 68W training and patient care hours in application
- Expect 2-4 week hiring process
Real veteran success: Sarah, former 68W, hired as ER tech at HCA at $44K. Completed RN program with HCA tuition assistance. Now ER nurse making $78K.
3. Kaiser Permanente
Why they're great for 68W veterans:
- Integrated healthcare system (39 hospitals, 700+ facilities)
- Strong veteran hiring initiatives
- Excellent benefits and work-life balance
- Union positions with job security
- Higher than average pay (especially California locations)
Positions for 68W veterans:
- Emergency Department Technician: $50,000-$70,000 (CA: $60K-$85K)
- Medical Assistant: $42,000-$58,000
- Licensed Vocational Nurse: $58,000-$75,000
- Registered Nurse: $95,000-$135,000 (CA: $110K-$145K+)
- Respiratory Therapist: $80,000-$105,000
Veteran benefits:
- Veteran recruitment program: Active outreach to military medics
- Educational assistance: Tuition support for continuing education
- Comprehensive benefits: Full medical, dental, vision, retirement
- Union representation: Job security and defined pay scales
- Work-life balance: 36-40 hour work weeks typical
How to apply:
- Kaiser Permanente careers site - "Military & Veterans" section
- Strong presence in California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Hawaii
- Competitive hiring - emphasize trauma experience and adaptability
- Process: 3-6 weeks application to offer
Real veteran success: Tyler, former SOCM-trained 68W, hired as ED tech at Kaiser Oakland at $68K. Completed BSN using Kaiser tuition assistance. Now ER RN making $128K.
4. Mayo Clinic
Why they're great for 68W veterans:
- Premier medical institution with excellent reputation
- Values military medical training and experience
- Outstanding benefits and professional development
- Research and advanced medicine exposure
- Career advancement opportunities
Positions for 68W veterans:
- Nursing Assistant: $38,000-$48,000
- Emergency Department Technician: $45,000-$60,000
- Surgical Technologist: $52,000-$70,000 - After certification
- Registered Nurse: $72,000-$98,000
- Physician Assistant: $110,000-$135,000
Veteran benefits:
- Veterans hiring program: Dedicated recruiter for military healthcare
- Tuition benefits: Educational assistance for degree programs
- Professional development: Training and certification support
- Research opportunities: Exposure to cutting-edge medicine
- Reputation: Mayo Clinic on resume opens future doors
How to apply:
- Mayo Clinic careers - Rochester MN, Phoenix AZ, Jacksonville FL
- Highly competitive - emphasize clinical skills and professionalism
- Highlight deployment medicine and autonomous practice experience
- Process: 4-8 weeks
Real veteran success: Jennifer, former 68W IDC, hired at Mayo as surgical tech at $58K. Mayo supported PA school application. Now PA at Mayo making $118K.
5. Cleveland Clinic
Why they're great for 68W veterans:
- Top-ranked hospital system
- Military hiring initiatives
- Strong education and advancement culture
- Excellent benefits
- Multiple specialties and career paths
Positions for 68W veterans:
- Patient Care Technician: $38,000-$50,000
- Emergency Services Technician: $42,000-$58,000
- Surgical Technologist: $50,000-$68,000
- Respiratory Therapist: $68,000-$88,000 - After RT degree
- Registered Nurse: $68,000-$95,000
Veteran benefits:
- Military appreciation: Active veteran recruitment
- Education support: Tuition assistance programs
- Mentorship: Veteran employee resource group
- Career development: Internal advancement priority
- Comprehensive benefits: Health, retirement, paid time off
How to apply:
- Cleveland Clinic careers portal
- Multiple locations in Ohio, Florida, Nevada, Canada
- Emphasize emergency medicine and trauma experience
- Timeline: 3-6 weeks hiring process
Top EMS Agencies and Ambulance Services
6. American Medical Response (AMR)
Why they're great for 68W veterans:
- Largest private ambulance service in U.S.
- Active military medic recruiting
- Paramedic bridge programs for 68W soldiers
- Sign-on bonuses for credentialed medics
- Career advancement to management
Positions for 68W veterans:
- EMT: $36,000-$48,000 - After EMT certification
- Paramedic: $50,000-$72,000 - After paramedic cert (bridge programs available)
- Critical Care Paramedic: $65,000-$85,000 - Advanced certification
- Field Training Officer: $60,000-$80,000
- Operations Supervisor: $70,000-$95,000
Veteran benefits:
- 68W-to-Paramedic bridge programs: Recognizes military training
- Sign-on bonuses: $3,000-$10,000 for credentialed paramedics
- Tuition assistance: Support for advanced certifications
- Flexible scheduling: 12 or 24-hour shifts
- Nationwide presence: Opportunities in most major cities
How to apply:
- AMR careers website
- Operates in 40+ states
- Can start as EMT immediately, advance to paramedic
- Fast hiring process: 2-4 weeks
Real veteran success: Marcus, former 68W, completed AMR's paramedic bridge program (6 months). Started at $58K as paramedic, now operations supervisor making $82K after 4 years.
7. FDNY EMS (New York City Fire Department)
Why they're great for 68W veterans:
- Prestige and reputation
- Excellent civil service benefits
- Union representation and job security
- Pension after 20-25 years
- High call volume = excellent experience
Positions for 68W veterans:
- EMT: $47,000-$58,000 (starting, increases with longevity)
- Paramedic: $55,000-$75,000 + overtime
- Lieutenant (supervisor): $75,000-$95,000
- Captain: $90,000-$115,000
Veteran benefits:
- Veteran preference: Extra points on civil service exam
- Military credit: Time in service counts toward seniority/pension
- Union benefits: FDNY has strong union representation
- Pension: 20-25 year retirement with pension
- Healthcare: Full benefits for life after retirement
How to apply:
- NYC.gov/fdny - wait for EMS exam announcement
- Must pass written exam, physical, medical, background
- Veteran preference gives significant advantage
- Process: 12-18 months (civil service requirements)
8. Rural/Metro (Envision Healthcare)
Positions and Pay: EMT ($38K-$52K), Paramedic ($52K-$75K), Supervisor ($70K-$90K)
Veteran Benefits: Military medic recruiting, multiple states, advancement opportunities
9. Acadian Ambulance
Positions and Pay: EMT ($36K-$48K), Paramedic ($50K-$70K), Critical Care Paramedic ($65K-$85K)
Veteran Benefits: Military bridge programs, tuition assistance, South/Midwest presence
10. City/County EMS Agencies
Examples: LA County EMS, Houston Fire Department EMS, Seattle/King County Medic One
Positions and Pay: EMT ($45K-$60K), Paramedic ($60K-$95K with overtime)
Veteran Benefits: Civil service veteran preference, pension systems, excellent benefits
Medical Device and Healthcare Technology Companies
11. Johnson & Johnson
Why they're great for 68W veterans:
- Massive healthcare company with military initiatives
- Multiple divisions (medical devices, pharmaceuticals, consumer health)
- Excellent benefits and professional development
- Strong company culture and ethics
- Career advancement opportunities
Positions for 68W veterans:
- Clinical Specialist: $75,000-$105,000 - Support surgeons using J&J devices
- Sales Representative: $70,000-$110,000 base + commission
- Clinical Educator: $80,000-$115,000 - Train healthcare professionals
- Field Service Engineer: $65,000-$90,000 - Maintain medical equipment
- Regulatory Affairs Associate: $70,000-$95,000 - After additional training
Veteran benefits:
- Veteran Leadership Council: Networking and support
- Military skills translator: Matches MOS to J&J roles
- Tuition assistance: Educational support
- Comprehensive benefits: Health, 401k, stock options, bonuses
- Career development: Internal mobility and advancement
How to apply:
- J&J careers site - "Military & Veterans" section
- Sales roles value clinical knowledge + people skills
- Clinical specialist roles perfect for 68W experience
- Process: 4-8 weeks
Real veteran success: David, former 68W, hired as clinical specialist for J&J orthopedics at $82K. Now senior clinical specialist making $105K supporting spine surgery cases.
12. Stryker Corporation
Positions and Pay: Clinical Sales Rep ($75K-$120K + commission), Clinical Specialist ($80K-$115K), Field Service Rep ($65K-$90K)
Veteran Benefits: Military hiring program, clinical knowledge valued, excellent compensation
13. Medtronic
Positions and Pay: Clinical Specialist ($78K-$110K), Territory Manager ($85K-$130K), Clinical Educator ($80K-$105K)
Veteran Benefits: Military recruiting, tuition assistance, global opportunities
14. Boston Scientific
Positions and Pay: Clinical Specialist ($75K-$108K), Sales Rep ($80K-$125K), Clinical Research Associate ($70K-$95K)
Veteran Benefits: Veteran hiring initiatives, medical device training provided
15. Zimmer Biomet
Positions and Pay: Clinical Specialist ($75K-$105K), Sales Associate ($70K-$115K)
Veteran Benefits: OR experience valued, orthopedic focus, strong compensation
Pharmaceutical and Biotech Companies
16. Pfizer
Positions and Pay: Clinical Trial Associate ($70K-$95K), Medical Science Liaison ($110K-$145K - requires advanced degree), Sales Rep ($75K-$110K base + bonus)
Veteran Benefits: Military hiring program, research opportunities, comprehensive benefits
17. AbbVie
Positions and Pay: Territory Business Manager ($85K-$125K), Clinical Educator ($80K-$110K), Research Associate ($65K-$85K)
Veteran Benefits: Veteran recruitment, pharmaceutical sales training, strong benefits
18. Moderna
Positions and Pay: Clinical Operations Associate ($75K-$100K), Clinical Trial Coordinator ($65K-$85K)
Veteran Benefits: Biotech growth company, innovative culture, stock options
19. Merck
Positions and Pay: Pharmaceutical Sales ($80K-$120K), Clinical Research Coordinator ($70K-$95K)
Veteran Benefits: Established military recruiting, excellent reputation, career growth
20. Eli Lilly
Positions and Pay: Diabetes Care Specialist ($80K-$115K), Clinical Account Specialist ($75K-$105K)
Veteran Benefits: Healthcare focus, veteran networking groups, advancement opportunities
Healthcare Staffing and Travel Nursing Companies
21. AMN Healthcare
Why they're great for 68W veterans:
- Largest healthcare staffing company
- Travel nursing and allied health opportunities
- Higher pay than staff positions
- Flexibility and variety
Positions for 68W veterans:
- Travel ER Technician: $55,000-$75,000
- Travel Respiratory Therapist: $85,000-$110,000 - After RT credentials
- Travel Surgical Tech: $65,000-$85,000 - After certification
- Travel RN: $90,000-$130,000+ - After nursing degree
- Per Diem positions: Flexible scheduling, high hourly rates
Veteran Benefits:
- Housing stipends: Tax-free allowances
- Travel reimbursement: Paid relocation
- Health benefits: Comprehensive coverage
- Flexibility: Choose assignments and locations
- Higher pay: 20-40% more than staff positions
22. Cross Country Healthcare
Similar to AMN: Travel positions for RN, RT, Surgical Tech, Medical Tech - $70K-$120K+ depending on specialty
23. Aya Healthcare
Travel Healthcare: Strong reputation, excellent pay packages, veteran-friendly
Federal and Government Healthcare Employers
24. Indian Health Service (IHS)
Positions and Pay: Health Technician (GS-5 to GS-7, $40K-$60K), Paramedic (GS-7 to GS-9, $50K-$75K), RN (GS-7 to GS-11, $50K-$90K)
Veteran Benefits: Federal hiring preference, serve Native American communities, loan repayment programs ($40K-$80K for underserved areas), FERS retirement
25. Bureau of Prisons (BOP)
Positions and Pay: Health Services Technician ($48K-$65K), PA ($100K-$125K), Nurse Practitioner ($95K-$120K)
Veteran Benefits: Federal employment, veteran preference, correctional healthcare experience, FERS retirement
26. Military Treatment Facilities (Civilian)
Examples: Walter Reed, Landstuhl, Tripler Army Medical Center
Positions and Pay: Health Technician (GS-5 to GS-9, $40K-$75K), RN (GS-7 to GS-12, $50K-$105K)
Veteran Benefits: Familiar environment, serve military families, federal benefits
Insurance and Healthcare Management
27. UnitedHealth Group
Positions and Pay: Clinical Review Nurse ($70K-$95K after RN), Healthcare Analyst ($65K-$90K), Case Manager ($60K-$85K)
Veteran Benefits: Largest health insurer, military hiring program, remote work options, benefits
28. Cigna
Positions and Pay: Clinical Coordinator ($65K-$85K), Case Manager ($70K-$95K after credentials)
Veteran Benefits: Healthcare insurance, veteran recruiting, work-life balance
29. Anthem (Elevance Health)
Positions and Pay: Case Manager ($68K-$90K), Utilization Review Nurse ($75K-$100K)
Veteran Benefits: Major health insurer, remote positions available, comprehensive benefits
Urgent Care and Retail Healthcare
30. CVS Health (MinuteClinic, Aetna)
Positions and Pay: Medical Assistant ($38K-$52K), LPN ($50K-$68K), RN ($70K-$90K), NP ($95K-$120K)
Veteran Benefits: Large company, advancement opportunities, tuition assistance, retail healthcare growing
Additional Companies Actively Hiring 68W Veterans:
- Walgreens Healthcare Clinics: Similar to CVS, MA/LPN/RN positions
- Community Health Systems: Hospital network, 80+ facilities
- Tenet Healthcare: Hospital system, veteran initiatives
- DaVita (Dialysis): Dialysis care, Clinical Coordinator roles ($55K-$75K)
- Fresenius Medical Care: Dialysis, Patient Care Technician roles
How to Maximize Your Chances with These Companies
1. Translate Your 68W Experience Effectively
Don't write: "68W Combat Medic, provided medical care to soldiers"
Do write: "Emergency medical professional with 5,000+ patient care hours spanning trauma stabilization, primary care, pharmacology, and emergency response in high-stress environments"
2. Highlight Specific Clinical Skills
- Emergency medical procedures (airway management, IV therapy, trauma care)
- Patient assessment and triage
- Medication administration and pharmacology
- Documentation and medical records
- Medical equipment operation
- Sterile technique and infection control
- Numbers: "Managed care for 300+ patients," "Performed 500+ emergency medical procedures"
3. Get Foundational Certifications Before Applying
- NREMT (National Registry EMT): Required for EMS positions, 68W can challenge exam
- BLS/ACLS: Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support - $200-400 total
- CMA (Certified Medical Assistant): Quick certification for MA roles
- State licenses: Required for some positions
4. Use Your Network
- Connect with veteran employees at target companies (LinkedIn)
- Join company veteran employee resource groups
- Attend military hiring events and job fairs
- Use veteran recruiting services (Hiring Our Heroes, RecruitMilitary)
5. Apply Strategically
- Apply to 10-20 positions at once (increases odds)
- Follow up 1 week after application
- Prepare for interviews: Clinical scenarios, behavioral questions
- Emphasize adaptability, teamwork, and clinical judgment
6. Consider Geographic Flexibility
- Some regions pay significantly higher (California, Northeast)
- Rural and underserved areas offer loan repayment incentives
- Some companies offer relocation assistance
- Remote positions available with some companies (case management, utilization review)
Salary Comparison by Career Path
Entry-Level Positions (Immediate hire with 68W + Basic Certs):
- VA Health Technician/ICT: $50,000-$65,000
- Hospital ER Technician: $38,000-$55,000
- EMS EMT: $36,000-$50,000
- Medical Assistant: $38,000-$52,000
Mid-Level (With Paramedic or LPN Certification):
- Paramedic (EMS): $50,000-$75,000
- Licensed Practical Nurse: $52,000-$72,000
- Surgical Technologist: $52,000-$72,000
- EMS Supervisor: $70,000-$90,000
Advanced (With Associate/Bachelor's Degree + Certification):
- Registered Nurse: $70,000-$135,000 (varies significantly by location)
- Respiratory Therapist: $68,000-$95,000
- Radiology Technologist: $65,000-$90,000
- Medical Device Clinical Specialist: $75,000-$115,000
Top Level (With Master's Degree):
- Physician Assistant: $110,000-$150,000
- Nurse Practitioner: $100,000-$140,000
- Medical Science Liaison: $110,000-$160,000
Bottom Line for 68W Combat Medics
Your military medical training is highly valued by America's top healthcare employers.
Companies listed here have demonstrated commitment to hiring veterans, understand military medical experience, and provide clear advancement paths from entry roles to six-figure careers.
Immediate opportunities (within 30-90 days): VA Healthcare ($50K-$65K), hospital ER tech positions ($40K-$55K), EMS agencies ($40K-$70K)
Medium-term opportunities (6-18 months with certifications): Paramedic ($55K-$75K), LPN ($55K-$72K), Surgical Tech ($55K-$75K), Medical Device Clinical Specialist ($75K-$105K)
Long-term opportunities (2-4 years with degree programs): RN ($70K-$135K), Respiratory Therapist ($75K-$95K), PA ($110K-$150K)
The companies listed actively recruit 68W veterans because you bring: proven clinical competency, maturity, adaptability, teamwork, and work ethic that civilian training programs cannot replicate.
Don't just apply - strategically target companies with veteran programs, translate your experience effectively, get foundational certifications, and leverage your network.
Your 68W experience opens doors at some of America's best healthcare employers. Take advantage of these opportunities.
Ready to start applying? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to track applications, prepare for interviews, and connect with veteran healthcare professionals at these companies.