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Medical · Army career profile

68S Preventive Medicine Specialist

As a Preventive Medicine Specialist, you'll be a major contributor when it comes to keeping the Army healthy and preventing the spread of infection and disease. You'll conduct laboratory tests to monitor the spread of bacteria, keep health records, and survey and track conditions for potential risks. You’ll have the skills and training necessary to recommend proper corrective actions to ensure good health for our Soldiers.

ASVABST 98
Training10 weeks of Basic Training + 15 weeks of Advanced Individual Training
Physical demandsModerate
ClearanceNo security-clearance requirement is listed on the current public GoArmy profile

What the job involves

Typical duties

  • As a Preventive Medicine Specialist, you'll be a major contributor when it comes to keeping the Army healthy and preventing the spread of infection and disease.
  • You'll conduct laboratory tests to monitor the spread of bacteria, keep health records, and survey and track conditions for potential risks.
  • You’ll have the skills and training necessary to recommend proper corrective actions to ensure good health for our Soldiers.

Transferable experience

Skills learned

Water AnalysisChemistry & BiologyInspection & AnalysisAbility to work with detailed plans and proceduresAnalyze information and make decisionsAbility to apply technical and critical thinking skillsKeep accurate records

Education insight

Training may support future education.

Estimated potential recommendation range: 0–9 semester hours.

EnlistReady estimate based on the longest training segment stated in the current public profile (15 weeks). Actual recommendations appear on an individual Joint Services Transcript and each college decides what it will accept and how credits apply.

Related degree ideas

  • Health Sciences
  • Allied Health

Civilian connection

Potential civilian jobs related to 68S experience.

Military experience does not guarantee civilian employment or a salary outcome. Requirements vary by employer, location, education, certification, licensing, and experience.

Potential role

Workplace Safety Inspector

Illustrative salary information: $38,000–$90,000 illustrative U.S. range; verify the matching BLS occupation and local licensing

Example employers: Hospitals, Clinics, Public health systems

Credential note: A civilian license, certification, academy, or employer-approved credential may be required.

Search current Workplace Safety Inspector jobs on Indeed ↗
Potential role

Environmental Health & Safety Specialist

Illustrative salary information: $38,000–$90,000 illustrative U.S. range; verify the matching BLS occupation and local licensing

Example employers: Hospitals, Clinics, Public health systems

Credential note: A college degree may be required or preferred; some employers may also require professional certification or licensing.

Search current Environmental Health & Safety Specialist jobs on Indeed ↗
Potential role

Water Resource Specialist

Illustrative salary information: $38,000–$90,000 illustrative U.S. range; verify the matching BLS occupation and local licensing

Example employers: Hospitals, Clinics, Public health systems

Credential note: A college degree may be required or preferred; some employers may also require professional certification or licensing.

Search current Water Resource Specialist jobs on Indeed ↗

Verify important details

Official and supporting sources

Keep exploring

Related medical MOS options

18DSpecial Forces Medical SergeantAs a Special Forces Medical Sergeant, you'll become Green Berets, one of the most highly skilled Soldiers in the world. Though you’ll primarily train with an emphasis on first-response and trauma medicine much like a paramedic in the civilian world, you’ll also have a working knowledge of dentistry, veterinary care, public sanitation, water quality, and optometry.68ABiomedical Equipment SpecialistAs a Biomedical Equipment Specialist, you’ll maintain and repair medical equipment that Soldiers rely on, including X-ray systems and life-support monitors. You’ll diagnose problems, fix malfunctions, and install mechanical or radiological equipment to keep critical medical technology running.68BOrthopedic SpecialistAs an Orthopedic Specialist, you'll assist with all kinds of patient care at an Orthopedic clinic—where patients are treated for pain and injuries to bones, joints, and muscles. You'll help prep patients for surgery, monitor their care afterwards, and even assist orthopedic surgeons with procedures in the operating room.68CPractical Nursing SpecialistAs a Practical Nursing Specialist, you'll provide the highest level of quality medical care to Soldiers and their families by performing preventive, therapeutic, and emergency nursing care under the supervision of a physician, registered nurse, or non-commissioned Officer.

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