HM (Hospital Corps) "A" School in San Antonio

Sailors becoming Hospital Corpsmen at A School in San Antonio, TX - best rating in the Navy!  The Hospital Corps is the Navy's only enlisted Corps and the most decorated in the Navy.  Families, friends and loved ones, join in!  

WELCOME!! 

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  • Rose HM A School

    @GR8RABsMom - you can give him his cell phone and charger at the airport, but I would wait on the laptop.  My son was going to have us send it to him but he is right across from the computer lab so he doesn't need his own.  Not to mention that getting WiFi in their rooms is a bit of a challenge and somewhat expensive.  As for what to take, we put together a backpack of his clothes, just give him a few days worth because he won't be able to wear them out until he phases up, which may take a few weeks.  Once he gets situated, you can send him more of his things because they each have a walk in closet that my son says is pretty roomy.  As for the flashcards, same thing, I was going to send them to my son but he said he didn't need them because they provide them with all of the study materials they need.  I hope that helps but if you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to ask!  Good luck to your son!!!

  • lizinnj

    Took my daughters laptop, cellphone, chargers. We shopped for a few new undies and clothes which I brought to the airport. My daughters class phased up pretty quickly. She uses Clear for her internet provider which seems to be the most commonly used. She had to purchase the modem but will take it with her to her next duty station. A visa gift card or cash is a good thing to bring too as they go the PX to get sheets and whatnot when they get there. 

  • Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

    (Just so new moms don't freak, they are given sheets and towels LOL)

  • Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

    Speaking of new members, this group has thirty-five new members since March 1st - welcome!!

  • Rhody Navy Mom

    Thanks for clarifying Marcy-Corpsman Mom , I have to admit I was wondering if they had to buy their own!!  :)  Never know with the budget cuts!  

  • Diane aka buzyw2

    Has anyone gotten the May grad schedule for SA?  The last post just repeated the March/April dates?
    My sailor is class 80C and was told her grad is 5/13 so we made reservations from 5/10 to 5/14 as a sort of mini-vacation.  I'd love to confirm dates though.

  • Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

    You have to keep an eye on the BMTCP Facebook page (link above).  They seem to wait to post until the last minute, and don't respond to comments or messages on their FB page either.  Frustrating!

  • Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

    Heartwarming story (literally!) about a corpsman in today's news :)  Corpsman recognized for heroism

  • Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

    @buzyw2, I called a contact at SA and she's looking into helping us out in re posting the schedules asap :)

  • Debbie85614

    Looking for some input from other FEMALE HM moms

    My daughter is HS Sr - has talked with Navy recruiter since last summer re; HM - this is the ONLY job she will enlist with - she's NHS honor student, top ranking in her class, fit/swim team... I could go on & on... this past fall her recruiter told her that female HM slots don't come up often - 4X times they had her "scheduled" to go to MEPS for Navy physical & have cancelled on her for some lame reason (she's taking a hard load of classes & didn't want to miss school) - so that as soon as a female HM came up - they could "grab" it for her, drive to PHX and sign the contract (and she'd only miss one day of school for the contract signing part).  Well... now that the school year is about wrapped up - banking on Navy career - she STILL isn't enlisted and continues to get (what I think) is a run around from the recruiter.  (And same recruiter enlisted my son who's in Pensacola as Air Crew - so we're not all talk & flakes)

    Her plans are to sign HM contract - today if it were in front of her, while serving her 6 years continue education and long term goal to be RN.  Some RN schooling while enlisted and some likely with Post 9/11 GI Bill - parts down the road, where she might be stationed are obviously unknown right now.

    I understand that there are fewer female HM slots (than male HM slots) - but am really thinking she is getting the run around from the recruiter.

    I understand that the recruiters are assigned to specific high schools - but she will graduate soon - am wondering if maybe it would be best to just hang in there until school is out & then to talk to a recruiter at another station?  She did talk with Army, but their medical positions don't seem to offer as much hands on training & have a shorter service time (and I've heard all kinds of stories about actually getting the job want vs what is given to you)

    While "waiting" she is planning on taking EMT class at local community college.  Her Anatomy & Physiology teacher wants to hire her to work in her home health care business... so she has some post High School options.  Plus summer swim team & coaching on local USA Swimming team this fall (if she's here). Quite honestly, I can't afford to send her to our State University with $10K tuition + books + parking/transportation (and we've pretty much missed ALL the scholarship deadlines because she is going to enlist in the Navy...)

    Any comments - suggestions?

    Thanks!

  • PatsFan923 HM Mom

    @Debbie85614 - all of the newly enlisted recruits are on a minimum of a 6 month DEP (delayed entry program).  From personal experience being a Personnelman in the Navy, all of the jobs (schools) are open at the very beginning of each month and that is the time to get the school of her choice.  If it is HM that she wants, she needs to really ride her recruiter or find a different one.  You mentioned PHX - not sure where you are located, but I have a friend whose husband got the run-around at MEPS in PHX and went to the recruiters at Superstition Springs (now located East of Power Road, on Southern next to the car wash).  Those guys are great and teh Chief who is running the place is wonderful.  My son went through them when they were at the mall and my son got his HM A school because I made it a point to remind them that I knew when the billets opened and were available.

     

    Has she taken her ASVABS, etc., physical - it sounds as if she has, not sure, but they cannot "grab" her school paperwork for her, she has to be there because it is a 5 year contract that she has to sign that day when she gets her HM A School and swears in.  Six months later or less she goes off to bootcamp and then to HM A School after PIR.  Good luck.  IM me if you have any questions.

  • Britt<3Corpsman Wife

    The only advice I can offer is to have her miss school so she can go to MEPS and do the physical, asvab and meet with a detailer/sign a contract. Sometimes a recruiter can be very hard to get a hold of. It took my husband about 6months to enlist after he first met with the recruiter. He got the run around a lot and his MEPS date kept changing. He ended up going down to MEPS 3 times before he was offered a job. Mind you, he did not need any waivers or anything to get in. That was just how it worked out for him. The first trip was to take the asvab. A month later he went for the physical and a month or so after that he went to get his job. He had 5 jobs that he was willing to take (the only thing he was disqualified from was Nuke because of his age)he met with the detailer and they gave him HM. According to him and other guys he was in HM A school with many of them only got a contract because of their heritage. They all signed their contracts around the same time. The day before my husband signed his contract the recruiter called and asked if he could go to meps the next morning because they were looking for hispanic males to enlist. I have heard this story from several people as well. That the recruiters are told they need to bring in a certain demographic. Examples I have heard: females only, pacific islander, asian, hispanic, etc. I think you just need to huny the recruiter down and be willing to go at any time.
  • PatsFan923 HM Mom

    New Graduation Schedule for HM A school students has been posted on the school's FB page, if you need a quick peek.

  • Debbie85614

    Thx for input. She's taken ASVAB - qualified for everything except Nukes. Made arrangements to take physical several times (including pre-taking school tests, getting missed assignments) & recruiter has cancelled on her... At this point nearing the end of the semester/graduation - very solid As, missing 2 days (drive up to PHX one day & physical/contract the 2nd day) of school isn't as bad as earlier in The semester. The last MEPS physical cancellation was because "they didn't have the budget" to send her up there just for physical (knowing she had no intent of signing any contract).
    We recognize that there will be some time in DEP before Basic training (I really hope we won't have another cold winter FebruaryPIR!!!)... My son got his Aircrew contract on last/first day of the month - so we have been let in on that bit...
    They've also suggested she go as medic rescue swimmer (which she can meet physical requirements) but that's not really the medical direction she wants to go (and of course that job doesn't come up often either!!)
    Just hate to see the clock tick away.
  • markswifey

    Good morning! Aas anyone move to SA to be with their sailor lately? Need some info pls. Thanks!
  • Britt<3Corpsman Wife

    I moved to SA in October... we love it here! What kind of info are you looking for?
  • markswifey

    Hi Britf! Added u. :)
  • Diane aka buzyw2

    thx Marcy.  Greatly appreciated.  We're confirmed for weekend of 5/11 to 5/14.  woot!

  • Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

    Exciting!!  Promise you'll post about it for the next batch of moms!  :)  Is she heading to FMTB after graduation?

  • Navymom101 (Ship 02 Div 922)

    I can't find any current information on liberty HM school. How soon till he
    Can leave base? Can we go on base to see him? We live 1.5 hr from san Antonio and can go see him if we can get on base.
  • Diane aka buzyw2

    Still waiting for her orders (supposed to have gotten them Friday but that didn't happen), so not sure yet after graduation.  ... and yes, will post about it.  :)

  • Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

    Navymom101 -  "Phases" refers to levels of liberty and privileges.  The following info may have changed (this is as of a few months ago) so double-check with your sailor.  

    Phase 1 - Liberty on base. In uniform at all times.  Must check in by 10 p.m.

    Phase 2 - Liberty off base until 10 p.m. Mon - Thurs, weekends midnight. Civilian clothes.

    Phase 3 - Liberty off base (overnight) Friday night until 10 p.m. Sunday night.  Off base Liberty is permitted within a 50 mile radius.

    When they get to Phase Two Liberty (after approximately three weeks) they can leave the base (up to 50 miles) and return by midnight every night.

    At Phase Three Liberty, they can stay off base from Friday night until Sunday night (Monday night on holiday weekends).

    A class may be moved back a phase if even one sailor commits a violation - some examples of this happening are someone caught texting in class; and being out of uniform while on duty.  

    There is also Phase 0 for some who are on special types of hold, and curfew doesn't apply; however, they must muster and attend programs and classes as required.

  • txdylansmom

    Are there any veteran mom's on here that can shed light on procedures for reporting to next duty station after leave after graduation?  1) We know where his orders are to go but I am not sure if he has to go back to San Antonio and fly from there to NC or if he flies from Houston since he will be home on leave.  2) Does he buy the plane ticket or is that handled through the Navy?

  • johnr

    hi everyone I have two sons that just went to a school in the corpsman

  • Katze90210 (3/113)

    I drove my son from A to home and the from home to his duty station. Because he didn't use his ticket the Navy gave him a credit of $200 dollars! But he was able to come home on leave
  • Trish from Texas

    @txdylansmom-Hey Neighbor! We are from Houston, too! I was stationed in NC a gazillion years ago, so you'll have to let me know if Thunderbirds is still there!

    He will receive his tickets from the Navy and they will be to leave from Houston after liberty is done. Good luck to you, and congrats on having your son come home soon!
  • PatsFan923 HM Mom

    I have a couple of questions for the seasoned Moms/Dads on this site:  After graduation, do they typically depart the base the following day, unless they are attending a C School in San Antonio?  If their orders are for FMTB, do they get leave prior to reporting or do they get leave AFTER FMTB? Ok, I have 3 total questions.  How do they get FMF - is that also on a dream sheet?

  • myboysmom(Ship09/Div078)

    Quick question......My son will be graduating from A school in S.A. in June. What are the requirements to get on base for the graduation and where do I go???? He doesn't have any of that info yet. I hope he finds out something. Also, where is some where nice to stay in the area? Thanks!

  • Ashton's Mom, Tx

    Good morning. I have a quick question. Can anyone provide me with the information for study materials for my son? He's having a difficult time and I would like to get the materials for him and drive them up this weekend. The names of the material and where to purchase would be so helpful. Thanks.
  • Ole-CorpsmanMom

    Does anyone have a suggestion on where to stay in San Antonio.  Not far from base but a place that might have a kitchenette?  

  • lizinnj

    We stayed at Home 2 Suites and plan on staying there again in August. It has a great kitchen in the room. Very spacious and the price wasn't bad at all.

  • PatsFan923 HM Mom

    Thank you Kathy!  How will my Sailor get into a FMF command, if it is not put on a dream sheet?  I am sure that he would have to communicate his interest to someone . . . .

  • Britt<3Corpsman Wife

    Ashton's Mom- if he has already started classes, there should be a study group that meets after school for a few hours everyday. If he is struggling and not passing tests the study group will be mandatory for him to attend. He should have already received the course guides and books. I do not reccommend bombarding him with additional reading/study material. Maybe he can find a few guys/girls to have additional study time with on the weekends.
  • Diane aka buzyw2

    @ Ole-Navymom:  We are staying at the Townplace Suites (Marriott).  They have a kitchenette in each room.  It's not cheap but not as expensive as some extended stays we've been to.

  • Ole-CorpsmanMom

    @Lizinni or buzyw2 do either of you have the link to the suites?  When are you going for graduation?

  • PatsFan923 HM Mom

    Are there any people out on this website that can answer whether Sailors are granted leave after FMTB?

  • PatsFan923 HM Mom

    Also, FMTB is an 8 week school, correct?

  • Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

    Yes, it's eight weeks.  Can only speak from my experience, seemed like everyone my son knew was headed straight to their duty station.  For info on the FMTB course, go to FMTB-EAST  -> Students -> Welcome -> FMST -> Course Description.  

    Ashton's Mom, I agree with Britt.  Reviewing his study skills (note taking, making flashcards) and going over the materials with him this weekend could be good for him (calming too).  There's a book, EMT-Basic Review by Kaplan, that might help, bookstores carry it (I got mine at Barnes & Noble), but again, I think Britt's got the right idea.  They want your son to succeed, have the study groups she mentioned, and will help him.

  • PatsFan923 HM Mom

    Here is the class schedule:

    Field Medical Service Technician (FMST) (WEST)

    Hospital Corpsmen HM-8404

     Class Number   Report Net Date   Report Date    Grad Date   
     2013040           25 JUL 13              28 JUL 13        26 SEP 13   

     

    -All female Students are ordered to FMTB East.

     

    _____________________________________________________________________

     

    Field Medical Service Technician (FMST) (EAST)

     

    Hospital Corpsmen HM-8404

     Class Number   Report Net Date   Report Date    Grad Date   
     13050           12 AUG 13            14 AUG 13       11 OCT 13    

    So if they do not have to report until late July or mid August and they graduate in mid June and they do not get leave, do they simply report and stand watches and participate in field day duties?

  • Diane aka buzyw2

    @Ole-Navymom:
    http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sattd-towneplace-suites-san-a...
    We will be there 5/10 through 5/14

  • txdylansmom

    PatsFan923- where did you find those report dates?  I know my son reports to FMTB East on May 20 but I would love to find out his graduation date from LeJeune.

  • PatsFan923 HM Mom

  • Britt<3Corpsman Wife

    It is my understanding that A schoolers are not allowed to have a vehicle on base. My husband is in C school at Ft. Sam right now and they are very strict with where and who can park in certain places. Since your son is a fleet returnee those rules may not apply to him. I would suggest he call the quarterdeck to ask. There are not many fleet returnees who go thru HM A school (in my experience), I'm not sure anyone would have a definite answer for you.

    Ft. Sam also does not give base stickers to students. They have 100% ID check at all gates. They also do vehicle checks, check registration, and insurance randomly. If he needs the quarterdeck phone number, PM me.
  • Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

    Congratulations to today's graduates!!

    CORPSMAN OATH

    I solemnly pledge myself before God and these witnesses to practice faithfully all of my duties as a member of the Hospital Corps.

    I hold the care of the sick and injured to be a privilege and a sacred trust, and will assist the medical officer with loyalty and honesty.

    I will not knowingly permit harm to come to any patient.

    I will not partake nor administer any unauthorized medication. 

    I will hold all personal matters pertaining to the private lives of patients in strict confidence.

    I dedicate my heart, mind and strength to the work before me.  

    I shall do all within my power to show in myself an example of all that is honorable and good throughout my Naval career.

  • Rhody Navy Mom

    Can anyone share names/addresses of places to stay for graduation from A School in San Antonio?  Nothing fancy, but safe area since it might be just me!  

    Thanks so much!  Tammy

  • Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

    Hi Tammy! This Discussion has some good ones ... How great that you can go!  http://www.navyformoms.com/group/hmhospitalcorpsmanaschoolinsananto...

  • Rachel/Corpsman mom

    I have a question, my son was told the other day that his PIR group of corpsmen were on hold until May 13 or maybe a month because of a chemical spill? does anybody know what is going on?

  • Nana

    I asked My grandson last weekend about this. He said in one of the barracks they had a sewage pipe break an then a fire in the same building. I don't know the extent of the damage or the time frame to fix and clean.
  • Rachel/Corpsman mom

    Thank you Nana for the information.

  • Britt<3Corpsman Wife

    They have been having issues with the air conditioner in one of the dorm buildings there. And there was recently a fire. I don't want to say what happened because that's how rumors start. Nobody was hurt and there was minimal damage.