Healthcare Careers in Unique Federal Settings: Opportunities Beyond Hospitals
When considering federal healthcare jobs, we often picture working in public hospitals and clinics. But have you ever considered the medical professionals working in places like science laboratories or military bases? These are still federal healthcare jobs, but with the added excitement of offering medical services in unconventional places.
In this article, we'll explore unique federal healthcare careers that go beyond the traditional hospital environment. We’ll explore the incredible benefits these roles offer and the challenges that come with them.
Unique Federal Healthcare Careers You Should Know About
Here are three federal healthcare careers you’ve probably seen on TV but might not know much about.
1. Military Nurse in Military Bases
A military nurse is a registered nurse who cares for soldiers, their families, and sometimes civilians. They work in military base clinics and naval ships, like Fort Bragg in North Carolina or Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia—sometimes, even in bases in other countries or active war zones.
Their duties include treating injuries, assisting in surgeries, responding to emergencies, and helping service members recover. Like civilian nurses, they provide essential care, but their work can be more intense and unpredictable in military settings.
One day, they might treat a sick soldier on a military base; the next, they could be part of a medical evacuation. This is why military nurses often receive competitive salaries on top of a wide range of benefits. A new nurse without military experience might earn around $40,000 a year, but after 10 years of service, they could make up to $97,000.¹
Other notable careers in military settings include:
Combat Medic/Health Care Specialist: This is an enlisted position in charge of emergency medical care in the field, especially during combat.
Military Pharmacist: This is a pharmacist in the military who gives out medicines, advises on how to use them, and makes sure soldiers get the right prescriptions.
Military Physician: Doctors in the military provide general medical care to soldiers. They often have both a medical degree and a military rank.
2. Clinical Researchers in Research Institutions
Clinical researchers work to push medical knowledge forward, improving patient care through scientific studies. They design and run experiments to test the safety and effectiveness of new treatments and medicine. Their work is so crucial to the country that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has been the largest source of federal funding for basic research since 1967.²
Many clinical researchers work in government offices like the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These institutions bridge the gap between scientific innovation and real-life application. For instance, Researchers in the NIH understand diseases and create new treatments, while those in the CDC conduct research to guide public health policies on disease prevention, health education, emergency preparedness, and environmental health.
Other notable careers in research facilities include:
Epidemiologist: Epidemiologists study how diseases spread in populations and use that information to help prevent and control outbreaks.
Biomedical Scientist: This role involves researching the causes of diseases and developing new treatments.
Regulatory Health Scientist: Regulatory health scientists at the FDA review new medical products to make sure they are safe, effective, and ready for public use.
3. Public Health Nurse in Community Settings
A public health nurse (PHN) focuses on improving the health of entire communities, not just individual patients. They use knowledge from nursing, social sciences, and public health to promote healthy living, prevent diseases, and reduce health inequalities.
PHNs often work in public places like health departments, schools, homes, vaccination clinics, and even mobile health units to reach people who need care the most. They often spend a lot of time with individuals and families to better understand their needs. To succeed in their jobs, PHNs need extra training in public health, good communication skills, and the ability to adapt to many different situations.
Other notable careers in public or community settings include:
Community Health Worker: They help people in communities by providing health education, connecting them to healthcare services, and offering support to manage their health.
Environmental Health Specialist: These specialists monitor and inspect the environment, making sure things like air, water, and food are safe for the community.
Public Health Educator: Public health educators create programs to teach people about healthy habits, disease prevention, and community wellness.
The Pros and Cons of Non-Hospital Federal Healthcare Jobs
If you're interested in these federal healthcare jobs, it's important to know that while they offer exciting opportunities, they also come with their own challenges. Here's a quick breakdown:
The Benefits of Federal Healthcare Jobs
Job Stability and Security. Federal healthcare jobs often have long-term contracts and government-backed benefits like healthcare, retirement plans, and paid time off. Because federal funding for healthcare is steady, there are consistent job opportunities in many fields.
Specialized Training and Growth. Federal jobs often provide specialized training and chances to grow in your career. For example, military healthcare roles might teach you how to treat combat injuries, while public health jobs could focus on handling national health crises. The government often pays for professional development, like certifications or conferences, helping you advance your skills.
Serving Underserved Populations. Many federal roles also let you work with underserved groups, like rural communities or incarcerated individuals. This allows you to make a real difference while enhancing your career.
The Challenges of Federal Healthcare Jobs
Extensive Security Clearances and Background Checks. Some roles in federal healthcare require security clearances and background checks, especially in military and research settings. These processes can take months and might slow your ability to move between jobs or advance your career.
Bureaucratic Processes. Decisions in federal government settings may take longer because of regulations and multiple layers of approval. Some roles also include a lot of paperwork and administrative tasks, which can sometimes feel slow or frustrating.
Tough Location Requirements. Federal healthcare jobs are often in uncommon medical workspaces, like military bases, rural public health offices, or remote regions. You might need to relocate for assignments, which could limit your options if you prefer specific locations.
Adjustments to Non-Traditional Work Environments. Federal healthcare settings can also be very different from traditional hospitals. For example, working in a military base might mean adjusting to strict security rules and hazardous working conditions. These environments may require extra training and a new mindset.
Make your adjustments to federal healthcare easier with Matrix Providers!
At Matrix Providers, we're here to help you thrive as you explore new and exciting federal opportunities. With years of experience connecting top talent to excellent federal jobs, we know how to support you as you transition into hospital and non-hospital settings.
We offer various federal healthcare jobs, including upcoming jobs from an exclusive new $43-billion government contract focusing on military medical care. If you're looking for unique and non-traditional career opportunities, these federal roles like Clinical Psychologist or Dentist specializing in Public Health could be the perfect stepping stones for you.
Ready to take the next step? Check out our job openings and reach out to us today—we're here to help you succeed in your federal healthcare career!
References:
1. Hamlin, Kristen. “Military Nurse Career Overview” NurseJournal, 10 Feb. 2023, nursejournal.org/careers/military-nurse/.
2. Pece, Christopher, and Gary Anderson. “Analysis of Federal Funding for Research and Development in 2022: Basic Research.” National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, 15 Aug. 2024, ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsf24332.