Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 7/16/2007

Question
I am a prior E-5 91W(HealthCare Specialist).  I served 4 yrs active duty.  I have been out for 3 yrs now.  I am 38yrs old, I have a B.S and an MBA.  However I am interested in coming back into the Army but I wanted to know if I qualify for Direct Commission.  Does my prior medical training and advanced degree count for direct commission?  What are my options?
Thanks

Answer
Dear Fidel --

Since you do not have a professional degree (medical doctor, dentist or lawyer) you do not qualify for a direct commission.  However, your bachelor's degree qualifies you for officer candidate school (OCS), if you wish to enter the service as an officer.

You should be able to re-enlist and go straight to officer candidate school.

Another option is to apply to enter the service as a physician's assistant (PA).  This would get you straight into a program to get additional training in the medical field and a commission to second lieutenant as soon as you get your PA certificate.  The Army has had a push to get qualified enlisted Soldiers and warrant officers to apply to become PAs.

Good luck to you.