The United States Army labels your job in the branch as a “Military Occupational Specialty” (MOS).
Everyone in the military has a job specialty that represents their career during service.
The 68 Series MOS refers to jobs in the U.S. Army that are related to the medical field.
The U.S. Army has many different medical careers and it’s something you should consider as the military may be able to finance some or all of med school.
Learn more about each medical profession under Army 68 Series MOS.
The links will have more information on what you need to do to pursue this career path:
Jump To An MOS
1. Biomedical Equipment Specialist (MOS 68A)
2. Orthopedic Specialist (MOS 68B)
3. Practical Nursing Specialist (MOS 68C)
4. Operating Room Specialist (MOS 68D)
5. Dental Specialist (MOS 68E)
6. Physical Therapy Specialist (MOS 68F)
7. Patient Administration Specialist (MOS 68G)
8. Optical Laboratory Specialist (MOS 68H)
9. Medical Logistics Specialist (MOS 68J)
10. Medical Laboratory Specialist (MOS 68K)
11. Occupational Therapist Specialist (MOS 68L)
12. Nutrition Care Specialist (MOS 68M)
13. Cardiovascular Specialist (MOS 68N)
14. Radiology Specialist (MOS 68O)
15. Pharmacy Specialist (MOS 68Q)
16. Veterinarian Food Inspection Specialist (MOS 68R)
17. Preventive Medicine Specialist (MOS 68S)
18. Animal Care Specialist (MOS 68T)
19. Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Specialist (MOS 68U)
20. Respiratory Specialist (MOS 68V)
21. Combat Medic Specialist (MOS 68W)
22. Behavioral Health Specialist (MOS 68X)
23. Eye Specialist (MOS 68Y)
1. Biomedical Equipment Specialist (MOS 68A)
A Biomedical Equipment Specialist (MOS 68A) is responsible for maintaining and servicing medical equipment.
In a nutshell, they install medical equipment and also regularly maintain mechanical components.
The types of equipment include hydraulic, pneumatic, digital, electronic, or optical functions.
Click Here to learn more about MOS 68A Biomedical Equipment Specialist.
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2. Orthopedic Specialist (MOS 68B)
Army Orthopedic Specialists, or MOS 68B, provide treatment for patients with orthopedic injuries or conditions.
An orthopedic injury is something that involves the patient’s bones or joints.
Consequently, the day to day activities of an Orthopedic Specialist include assisting, managing, or supervising treatment taking place at a military clinic.
Army 68B MOS Specialists generally work under the supervision of an Orthopedic Physician.
3. Practical Nursing Specialist (MOS 68C)
The Practical Nursing Specialist (MOS 68C) has an important function within Army 68 Series MOS.
The Specialist performs preventive, therapeutic, and emergency nursing care to soldiers.
These nursing care procedures are conducted under the supervision of a physician, registered nurse, or NCO.
One of their primary job functions is to change/dress wounds.
Click Here to find out more information about becoming a Practical Nursing Specialist MOS 68C.
4. Operating Room Specialist (MOS 68D)
An Operating Room Specialist (MOS 68D) has a critical job in the medical field.
The Army MOS 68D Specialist prepares the patient and operating room for medical procedures.
They also have other job functions to assist medical staff during surgery.
Operating Room Specialists handle the centralized material service and keep inventory regarding medical supplies.
An important job responsibility is to sterilize all the medical equipment and prepare the equipment for the next operation.
Click Here to learn more about MOS 68D Operating Room Specialist.
5. Dental Specialist (MOS 68E)
The Army Dental Specialist (MOS 68E) is tasked with assisting dentists during examinations.
They work closely with the dentist to design the best treatment plan for patients.
Additionally, Army MOS 68E assistants keep the office orderly and manage day-to-day functions.
Dental Specialists measure and record blood pressure, pulse, body temperature, and other vitals.
Lastly, they assist with the administration of anesthesia and other related duties.
Click Here to find out what it takes to become MOS 68E Dental Specialist.
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6. Physical Therapy Specialist (MOS 68F)
The U.S. Army utilizes a Physical Therapy Specialist (MOS 68F) in many different avenues.
Soldiers get hurt and need means to a quick recovery so they can return to full capacity.
Physical Therapy Specialists supervise and administer physical therapy principles to help improve recovery time.
They also promote physical fitness with patients to offer new techniques to avoid injury in the future.
It’s a very people-oriented and hands-on military occupation in 68 MOS Series which many enjoy.
Click Here to read more about Physical Therapy Specialist (MOS 68F).
7. Patient Administration Specialist (MOS 68G)
An Army Patient Administration Specialist (MOS 68G) performs administrative tasks for the military branch.
The military needs medical admin like any other functioning society.
Therefore, the Patient Administrative Specialist compiles data and prepares statistical reports for review.
Furthermore, they supervise medical records and other official documents that are helpful during board proceedings and other events.
Maintaining a medical record tracking system is one of the primary jobs of MOS 68G and important to the overall operations of the branch.
8. Optical Laboratory Specialist (MOS 68H)
Army Optical Laboratory Specialists produce eyeglasses for service members.
They also make repairs to lenses which allows soldiers to return to the field in a more timely manner.
Optical Laboratory Specialists primarily correct surface lens and build prescription spectacles from scratch.
Optical Laboratory Specialists are just one of many working components within 68 Series MOS.
9. Medical Logistics Specialist (MOS 68J)
The Medical Logistics Specialist (MOS 68J) is another important component of 68 MOS Series.
Medical Logistics Specialists receive and store Army issued medical supplies.
As a result, inventory and financial management are necessary for MOS 68J.
Specialists use forklifts and hand trucks to load/unload stock around a warehouse.
Click Here for more job details about Medical Logistics Specialist MOS 68J.
10. Medical Laboratory Specialist (MOS 68K)
The Army relies on a Medical Laboratory Specialist (MOS 68K) for medical assistance.
The Specialist conduct tests on the blood, body fluids, and tissue of patients for health purposes.
For this reason, Medical Laboratory Specialists assist with hematology, clinical chemistry, immunohematology, serology, parasitology, bacteriology, and urinalysis.
Army MOS 68K Specialists collect blood via venipuncture and capillary puncture techniques.
Click Here to learn more about MOS 68K Medical Laboratory Specialists.
11. Occupational Therapist Specialist (MOS 68L)
Army Occupational Therapist Specialists (MOS 68L) provide critical patient care to injured soldiers.
They work under the direction and supervision of a registered occupational therapist.
Army MOS 68L Specialists assist and test patients to see how far they are moving in terms of recovery.
They treat both physical and mental disabilities that result from injury, illness, or trauma.
Click Here to discover how to become MOS 68L Occupational Therapist Specialist.
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12. Nutrition Care Specialist (MOS 68M)
An Army Nutrition Care Specialist works with patients in a variety of settings.
The Specialist collaborates with a Registered Dietitian (RD) to create plans for patients.
Nutrition Care Specialists build plans for both individuals during private consultations as well as in group settings.
The objective is to create a healthier diet for soldiers that might need a strict diet for several different reasons.
13. Cardiovascular Specialist (MOS 68N)
The Army has Cardiovascular Specialists like a traditional clinic.
Those that join Army MOS 68N complete intense training to provide assistance at cardiac clinics throughout the world.
They administer and record tests that obtain vital information about the heart.
Additionally, Cardiovascular Specialists assist physicians with diagnostic and interventional catheterizations.
Click Here to learn more about MOS 68N Cardiovascular Specialist.
14. Radiology Specialist (MOS 68P)
A Radiology Specialist (MOS 68P) perform X-rays on patients.
The Specialist rely on X-ray and other technology to diagnose and treat injuries and diseases.
Consequently, a Radiology Specialist may operate fixed or portable radiology equipment depending on the situation.
They also prepare and assemble instruments, materials, and equipment for operation.
It’s easy to see why a Radiology Specilist is so important to 68 Series MOS.
15. Pharmacy Specialist (MOS 68Q)
An Army Pharmacy Specialist, like many military medical professions, is comparable to its civilian counterpart.
Pharmacy Specialists (MOS 68Q) prepare and dispense prescription medication to patients.
They also maintain pharmacy supplies and records during downtime.
Click Here to learn what it takes to become an Army Pharmacy Specialist (MOS 68Q).
16. Veterinarian Food Inspection Specialist (MOS 68R)
A Veterinarian Food Inspection Specialist (MOS 68R) has an underappreciated role in the U.S. Army.
The Food Inspection Specialist checks food to make sure it’s appropriate for human consumption.
They evaluate packaging and marking requirements, as well as report unsanitary food preparation conditions.
Veterinarian Food Inspection Specialists are yet another key function of 68 Series MOS.
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17. Preventive Medicine Specialist (MOS 68S)
Preventive medicine is crucial to keeping soldiers healthy and happy which facilitates maintaining high morale.
Therefore, the Army invests in a team of workers known as Preventive Medicine Specialists (MOS 68S).
The type of medical specialist is responsible for conducting or assisting with preventive medicine procedures.
They perform surveys and inspections to make sure operations are up to standards.
Click Here to learn more about MOS 68S Preventive Medicine Specialist.
18. Animal Care Specialist (MOS 68T)
An Animal Care Specialist (MOS 68T) has interests in the prevention and control of diseases that are transmitted from animal to man.
Anyone that has familiarity with the outbreak of COVID-19 understands the importance of this health function.
Animal Care Specialists also take care of government-owned animals during their time in the military.
Therefore, the second part of their job is assisting veterinarians in many different functions.
Click Here to read more about Animal Care Specialists (MOS 68T).
19. Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Specialist (MOS 68U)
An Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Specialist does precisely what the job title indicates.
The specialist conducts routine diagnostic tests and assists with the care and treatment of audiology patients.
Army ENT Specialists work alongside an otolaryngologist to assist with daily functions.
Their primary responsibilities are to set-up the exam room with equipment and sterilize medical supplies.
20. Respiratory Specialist (MOS 68V)
The respiratory system is one of the most critical components of the human body.
Consequently, the Army Respiratory Specialist (MOS 68V) helps manage respiratory problems and diseases.
They administer respiratory therapy as well as perform pulmonary function tests.
Army MOS 68V are supervised by a physician or nurse anesthetist.
Click here to learn what it takes to become a Respiratory Specialist (MOS 68V).
21. Combat Medic Specialist (MOS 68W)
An Army Combat Medic Specialist (MOS 68W) is what most people think about when they envision a medic in the military.
The Army Combat Medic provides emergency medical treatment on the battlefield.
They are severely limited in terms of primary care and protection yet can quickly evaluate a patient and direct orders for additional treatment.
It’s a very stressful and frantic work environment as medics often make a diagnosis while receiving fire from an enemy force.
When not in the battlefield, Army Combat Medics may assist with inpatient or outpatient care.
Click Here to learn how to become an Army Combat Medic (MOS 68W)
22. Behavioral Health Specialist (MOS 68X)
Behavioral Health is highly underestimated in society and the military is beginning to take more of an interest with it because of PTSD.
Army Behavioral Health Specialists (MOS 68X) provide mental health treatment for patients.
There are many different management techniques for Behavioral Health Specialists to explore based on the condition.
They primarily work with patients struggling with personal, behavioral, or psychological problems.
Click Here to learn how to become an Army Behavioral Health Specialist (MOS 68X).
23. Eye Specialist (MOS 68Y)
An Army Eye Specialist (MOS 68Y) performs routine diagnostic tests on patients.
They also assist in the care and treatment of soldiers dealing with ophthalmology related issues.
Eye Specialists are under the command of an Ophthalmologist or Optometrist.
They provide a lot of basic testing for patients like field exams and tonometry tests.
Related Article – Joining The Military After College: How To Do It The “Right” Way
68 Series MOS Can Be Your Future
The most popular 68 Series MOS is an Army Combat Medic (MOS 68W) just because it’s the most recognizable.
However, there are many more behind-the-scenes medical roles in the U.S. Army.
You should consider enlisting in the 68 Series MOS for an opportunity to develop a medical profession during service.
After your time in the military you can use the same job skills at a civilian hospital or clinic.
Resources
Zach currently resides in Syracuse, New York, and is very active in politics and local news media.
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