Senator Murray Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Expand Successful Military Medic Program Nationwide

Special Operations Command (SOCOM) Medic Pilot Program shortens certification for military medics to become physician assistants after their service

(Washington, D.C.)  – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), joined by Senator Richard Burr (R-NC), introduced a bill to require the Department of Defense (DoD) to partner with medical schools and healthcare systems in states with a Special Operations Command (SOCOM) presence such as Washington, Florida, California, and North Carolina, to allow military medics to transfer their experience into credit for a Master’s Degree to become Physician Assistants (PAs). The SOCOM Medic Pilot Program expands upon a successful public-private partnership between the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, the Carolinas Healthcare System, and Wake Forest University, which effectively shortens the time of post-military Physician Assistant’s certification from 2 years to 5 months for military medics.

“One of the most important commitments we make to our servicemembers is to help them more easily transition back to civilian life, including finding a career when they return home,” said Senator Murray. “In addition to increasing investments and improving access to additional training and education we should absolutely recognize the invaluable skills and experience these men and women earned while serving, and count that experience toward a new career. I’m glad this program is working in Senator Burr’s home state, and I’m proud to introduce this legislation to expand this program to communities in Washington state and around the country.”

Additional Info:

Currently, a public-private-partnership exists between U.S. Army Special Operations Command, the Carolinas Healthcare System, and Wake Forest University, which effectively shortens the time of post-military PA certification from 2 years to 5 months for military medics. The SOCOM Medic Pilot Program seeks to institute this model formally with special operations, requiring the Department of Defense (DoD) to partner with institutions of higher education and healthcare systems, as determined by the Secretary, to allow SOCOM medics to earn a year of academic credit and civilian-equivalent training towards a Master’s PA degree for military operational work.

The Secretary would be required to provide two reports to Congress, upon implementation and before completion of the program, respectively, outlining the feasibility and advisability of permanently extending DoD this authority under 10 U.S.C. Section 107. The Secretary has the ability to utilize the 1-3 service payback model outlined in DoD instruction 1322.10 (PME), minimizing or eliminating the cost of the program. The SOCOM Medic Pilot Program would enhance SOCOM medics’ technical and critical-thinking skills, strengthen recruiting, improve retention, and increase mission capabilities.