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!
Good news from a METC Key Performance Indicators report!
"Student Pass Rates: METC has a very successful record of student achievement. Our overall student pass rate by month is 92%. This is attributed to our excellent Instructor-to-Student ratio (I:S). The METC I:S is frequently dictated by accreditation standards for excellence. The METC I:S can be as low as 1:1 in specific live clinical and laboratory situations, and averages 1:20 in the classroom. Our adaptable educational environments utilize classroom, laboratory, simulation, and live clinical settings, as well as one-on-one tutoring and remediation, to provide our students the best possible opportunity for success."
Student Satisfaction: "The METC Post Assessment Survey (PAS) is used to monitor how well our exams are perceived by our students in terms of clarity, content, instructional preparation, and fairness. 99% of METC students were satisfied with their exams in Fiscal Year 2014 (FY14)."
My son finished mod 4 on fri. Was totally stressing out about it. Studied really hard, skipped meals etc. After the test the instructor asked him to stay after class. He has highest gpa for his navy class! Asked him to be education petty officer for his group! So proud! All his hard work is paying off!
FYI from the wonderful people of USO San Antonio & Boudro's on the River Walk: They are hosting a Thanksgiving Day meal event FREE to all active duty troops, retirees and their families to celebrate the holiday with good friends and fabulous food. When and where: Thursday November 27th, 11 am to 3 pm at "Charles Court" located at 205 North Presa between Commerce and Market Street. Thank you USO and Boudro's!
With holiday travel coming up, Military Times teamed with Priceline.com to compute basic travel costs from three major military hubs — San Diego, San Antonio and Washington, D.C. — out to five major hometown metro areas, all within about two days' drive. "Fly or drive? Holiday travel from three major military hubs" - http://www.navytimes.com/story/life/2014/11/20/fly-vs-drive-holiday...
Thank you Marcy for the great info for Buodro's for lunch for Thanksgiving. My brand new Corpsman and his roommate are looking forward to it. Question.... Is there a shuttle, bus, ect... or do they need to get a few together to split a cab?
cboymom - cab might be the best option as buses will be on holiday schedule. The good news about that is if your son and roommate stop by the USO Center (it will be open 11am-4pm) they can get a $5 voucher towards their cab fare back to base! As it's only about six miles from the base to downtown, hopefully the fare is reasonable. The USO Center is at 203 W. Market Street and according to the flyer is "a few steps away" from the luncheon site.
I'm so glad they're going and wish them a Happy Thanksgiving please - we're so thankful for them!!
Also, regarding airfare - airlines only offer military discounts to those traveling on official orders, which isn't the case with leave. Southwest Airlines is favored by many as two bags are free, they don't charge change fees, and your money is "banked" if you have to cancel. If you use them be sure your sailor joins Southwest Rewards to rack up points towards free travel :-) Last, just a reminder that the Navy prefers that sailors not wear uniforms when traveling so they're not targets for theft (i.e. military ID) or other acts.
Marcy is right about Southwest! They have been AWESOME. My son was leaving Ft. Sam to come home on leave before reporting to FMTB-West. He had more than 2 items, shall we say....A LOT MORE! They just checked it through and thanked him for his service. I was going to pay for his extra as I was flying home (different flight) after going to graduation. And....be sure they start sending stuff home prior to their last day or two. My son learned the hard way that he didn't really need all that STUFF he had accumulated! Also...can't stress enough about NOT being in uniform and flying 'under the radar'. The only time my son has worn a uniform while traveling was going from GL RTC to Ft. Sam and that was a requirement to be in the dress uniform.
Hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving. May your loved ones far and near be safe and healthy. I am lucky to have mine home for this holiday.
Southwest is the only airlines that doesn't charge a fee to change if something changes (and doesn't it always when dealing with the Navy?). They were just wonderful when I had to change a flight. Other airlines have not been as accommodating in my experience...which is a HUGE understatement!
Hi new to the group! And just had a question. Might be a silly question of old question but decided to ask anyways! My husband will be going to a school for hm in San Antonio and I was wondering how long it'll be. I remember him saying three months but some articles online say four. Also will I be able to move with him then by any chance?
Kiwi.Miwi: hey girl school for HM is 4 months and you can choose to move (like I did) but they will not pay for you to move out there. My husband will be here a total of 11 months so we both decided for me to move. Now people will tell you it isn't worth it to move but in the end it's both your decisions. Hope that helps.
Thanks lizzieBear! Did he know he was going to have c school there too or did he find out later? I'm debating on moving with him during a school or c school
Hey girl unfortunately my honey bunny didn't find out until a week or two before graduation. Kind of went on a leap of faith that it would be worth it for me to move. It ended up working out so its up to both of you. I rented a room until his A school was done because he will not be able to live with you during A school. If he's phase 3, he can come home Friday and be dropped off Sunday. Now that he's C school, we got an apartment 12mins from the base with our two pups. It all worked out great and in 3 mon that we will know our orders :)
LizzieBear that sounds awesome! Hopefully things will work ok for us too x) when u say you rented a room during a school do u mean at like a hotel? So you didn't no about his c school until boot camp was over or a school? Sorry just trying to make sure I'm understanding correctly! Xp
Does anyone have info on C School (Surg Tech) classes and clinicals. Are the 4 1/2 month clinicals being rotated between San Antonio and San Diego? What if the Sailor is living off-base w/spouse and child, will Sailor get to stay in San Antonio for his clinicals? Any info or insight please.
Selah: for surg tech school, they are given their orders and it tells them whether they are going to be at Fort Sam or San Diego. Classroom time and clinicals are broken down into two phases therefore they won't move the spouse and child (but they can move on their own). Classes are from 7:30-5 and it's extremely intense, lots of studying but can have a social life too. Four months are in class and 2 months at the hospital. They have certain amount of hours (surgical assist hours) to do before being able to take the certification test.
If the sailor lives off base, as my husband does, I advise them to live within a 10-15min radius of he wants to come home every night while in the classroom. I wouldn't advise him living off base (unless he has his/her own vehicle) because clinicals start at 4am and last until 5pm. He won't have PT but will have field day if he has a dorm, which I advise him or her to do so because after PT (during classroom phase) he or she will want to shower do going all the way home would be a waste of time but he could just change his page two.
I have come across some HM-related cool things and because it's the holiday season, it seems ok to post a few HM-related items. I'm NOT promoting anyone in particular, or even anyone I know! Anyone else have a link to something cool they'd to share?
Good morning!!
My sailor arrived at fort Sam late last night and finally into her room at 4:15 am. She told me they will muster at 7am this morning and going shopping today. My question is, if I drive out there today what are the chances if any that I would be able to see her and give her the stuff I could not at the airport yesterday?
EastTexas you can definitely go into the base and set up a time to meet with her. The first week is mainly getting situated so once you go in, ask her to meet you at the SAC (student activity center) or in front of the dorms. It's pretty chill at the base and for the first two weeks she will be in phase one-two so she can go off base (phase 2) but has to be back by midnight on weekends. Phase one she can go off base but will be in "peanut butters"/NSU's. Hope that helps
my son just informed me that his class grad date has been pushed up. I haven't been able to find a schedule anywhere for grads that happen before may 2015. I do know that class 015 grad is Feb 11, 2015!
Also my boy will be home for xmas! so excited to get my hug! Ha!
MommaBB usually there's a Facebook page for you to be a part of with all the dates, plus you can totally interact with other members too. Here's the link and let me know if it works or not. https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=365855973496773
Jim and Liz:
Graduation is at 2 until about 3-3:30. Afterwards if they are staying for C school, they must stay and pack their things in order to move over to Jaenke Hall. If they are not staying for C school, most leave the following morning or afternoon. They usually go out into downtown area and hang around before the class parts ways. My husband did not take leave since I was in town therefore we just hung out that weekend. If he is staying for C school, he will be TMD (don't ask me what that means because I have no idea lol) until he classes up. I would come the day before and plan on staying until Sunday :)
lizziebear0803 the link did take me to the FB page. I am already part of that amazing group. There is not a schedule there either. Not a big deal I guess. Son keeps me up to date on what he gets told. He just got "verbal" orders. (I think its really called soft orders) FMTB Camp Pendleton, CA. Yikes! that is a looong way from central WI! But exactly what he wants to do, so I'm proud, happy, sad, scared, nervous, etc! ha!
I went to my son's graduation yesterday. I was very disappointed. I spent only couple minutes with him afterwards because it was suppose to be at 1 and they moved it to 12. They decided to wait 15 minutes for us .My other family that drove down missed most of it . It was very upsetting and they had no consideration for family . Not a very family friendly event . Similar situation happen to another Navy mom the week before that
Michelle:
It's nothing like their boot camp one at all. When my husband graduated I spent like 10 minutes with him and came back later to pick him up for a few hours. I understand why and you just need to see that they need to be packed and ready to move either to Jaenke hall or leave to their first duty station by the next day. Unfortunately that's how the Navy is, all about the sailors not about the family often times :/
I am so very sorry to hear of your experiences. My son graduated A School when it was in Great Lakes, IL (it moved to TX in 2011) and it was one of the most special and moving ceremonies I've ever experienced. What a shame that this has changed. I hope you will post your comments on this Facebook page, perhaps it will help address the issue for future corpsmen and their loved ones: BMTCP on Facebook
Hi ! Curious to know if anyone will be at the METC graduation on Thursday, the 18th ? I need info please ! Like when does it start.. And how fancy should I dress ?
Sonia,
Sometimes it starts at 12 or 1 but it is scheduled for 2pm. It is very chill not like basic training graduation. It'll be in Anderson Hall. I commented on this question below if you want more information.
They can change it on you with no warning that day that is what happen to us half of my family missed most of it . My advice is to be there before 12. My son's shipmate is graduating Thursday and it's suppose to be at 12
I enjoyed the A school graduation at Ft.Sam. It was in July 2012 and in the morning. It's true that my son spent most of the day packing to leave after his graduation as he was coming home on leave for 14 days before he reported to FMTB West. His graduation was on a Monday so I flew in early Saturday morning to have the weekend with him. We flew out on the day after graduation on different airlines arriving in Portland Oregon within 30 minutes of each other. It is more chill for sure but glad I got to see it and spend what time I had with him. I had a chance to meet some of his favorite instructors and his friends before the graduation. I have been fortunate to be at all three of his graduations (RTC, A school, FMTB) and each was very special. There is NOTHING like PIR and when those doors roll open but when the newly-minted Corpsmen were taking the Oath, I was glad I had a box of tissues with me. Just my 2 cents!
I agree DramaSoul I absolutely enjoyed the Corpsman graduation. Yes it is smaller and more intimate which was nice to be able to get up close and take pictures. And being able to visit with my son was the best. His was on a Monday as well and we flew in Friday and had the whole weekend with him, he did have to be back early Sunday to be ready for Monday however. After graduation there is alot of waiting and running around as they all have to clean out their rooms, even if they are staying for C School. They will have a "de-briefing" before this as well. We had to wait almost two hours for my son, but when they were all finished we took him and some of his friends out to dinner at the Riverwalk.
My Daughter and I are planning on attending my son's graduation in March. Is there somewhere on Base in San Antonio, Tx to stay? Louielou, where did you stay? Any suggestion were to stay from anyone? We wil be flying in and using a renter car. What do I need to know about getting on base for graduation? Please anything would help. I am single mom, and would appreciate any advise so I may plan. Thank you
Mother of twins:
I put some information on comments below about graduation and what to expect. They have a hotel called IHG (or something like that) very very close to the Navy side.
As far as what you need for graduation, get a guest pass as someone stated beforehand.
Please let your current or future corpsman to ignore a hoax that is circulating. There is a FAKE "Marine Corps Times" page on Facebook that has a fake story about moving corpsmen from the Navy to the Marines. It's a hoax, a fake, not true. Please let your corpsman know to ignore and not share anything from the page with the address Facebook.com/TheMarineCorpsTimes.com. The official page for Marine Corps Times does NOT have the word "The"as part of its name in the address bar. The legal department of Gannett Media (parent company of Marine Corps Times) is pursuing action and is trying to get Facebook to get the page taken down. Here's a screenshot of the link to the FAKE story:
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Good news from a METC Key Performance Indicators report!
"Student Pass Rates: METC has a very successful record of student achievement. Our overall student pass rate by month is 92%. This is attributed to our excellent Instructor-to-Student ratio (I:S). The METC I:S is frequently dictated by accreditation standards for excellence. The METC I:S can be as low as 1:1 in specific live clinical and laboratory situations, and averages 1:20 in the classroom. Our adaptable educational environments utilize classroom, laboratory, simulation, and live clinical settings, as well as one-on-one tutoring and remediation, to provide our students the best possible opportunity for success."
Student Satisfaction: "The METC Post Assessment Survey (PAS) is used to monitor how well our exams are perceived by our students in terms of clarity, content, instructional preparation, and fairness. 99% of METC students were satisfied with their exams in Fiscal Year 2014 (FY14)."
Nov 7, 2014
MommaBB
Nov 12, 2014
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Congratulations proud mama and your son!
Nov 12, 2014
Froggy
Congratulations MommaBB! And kudos to your son! Well done sailor!!!!
Nov 12, 2014
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
FYI from the wonderful people of USO San Antonio & Boudro's on the River Walk: They are hosting a Thanksgiving Day meal event FREE to all active duty troops, retirees and their families to celebrate the holiday with good friends and fabulous food. When and where: Thursday November 27th, 11 am to 3 pm at "Charles Court" located at 205 North Presa between Commerce and Market Street. Thank you USO and Boudro's!
Nov 14, 2014
Rosa
Nov 14, 2014
mikes mom
How thoughtful
Nov 15, 2014
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
With holiday travel coming up, Military Times teamed with Priceline.com to compute basic travel costs from three major military hubs — San Diego, San Antonio and Washington, D.C. — out to five major hometown metro areas, all within about two days' drive. "Fly or drive? Holiday travel from three major military hubs" - http://www.navytimes.com/story/life/2014/11/20/fly-vs-drive-holiday...
Nov 20, 2014
cboymom
Thank you Marcy for the great info for Buodro's for lunch for Thanksgiving. My brand new Corpsman and his roommate are looking forward to it. Question.... Is there a shuttle, bus, ect... or do they need to get a few together to split a cab?
Nov 25, 2014
cboymom
Christmas Liberity question. Do airlines give any sort of discount for Active Duty military?
Nov 25, 2014
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
cboymom - cab might be the best option as buses will be on holiday schedule. The good news about that is if your son and roommate stop by the USO Center (it will be open 11am-4pm) they can get a $5 voucher towards their cab fare back to base! As it's only about six miles from the base to downtown, hopefully the fare is reasonable. The USO Center is at 203 W. Market Street and according to the flyer is "a few steps away" from the luncheon site.
I'm so glad they're going and wish them a Happy Thanksgiving please - we're so thankful for them!!
Nov 26, 2014
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Also, regarding airfare - airlines only offer military discounts to those traveling on official orders, which isn't the case with leave. Southwest Airlines is favored by many as two bags are free, they don't charge change fees, and your money is "banked" if you have to cancel. If you use them be sure your sailor joins Southwest Rewards to rack up points towards free travel :-) Last, just a reminder that the Navy prefers that sailors not wear uniforms when traveling so they're not targets for theft (i.e. military ID) or other acts.
Nov 26, 2014
DramaSoul
Marcy is right about Southwest! They have been AWESOME. My son was leaving Ft. Sam to come home on leave before reporting to FMTB-West. He had more than 2 items, shall we say....A LOT MORE! They just checked it through and thanked him for his service. I was going to pay for his extra as I was flying home (different flight) after going to graduation. And....be sure they start sending stuff home prior to their last day or two. My son learned the hard way that he didn't really need all that STUFF he had accumulated! Also...can't stress enough about NOT being in uniform and flying 'under the radar'. The only time my son has worn a uniform while traveling was going from GL RTC to Ft. Sam and that was a requirement to be in the dress uniform.
Hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving. May your loved ones far and near be safe and healthy. I am lucky to have mine home for this holiday.
Nov 26, 2014
DramaSoul
Southwest is the only airlines that doesn't charge a fee to change if something changes (and doesn't it always when dealing with the Navy?). They were just wonderful when I had to change a flight. Other airlines have not been as accommodating in my experience...which is a HUGE understatement!
Nov 26, 2014
Kiwi.Miwi
Dec 4, 2014
Kiwi.Miwi
Dec 4, 2014
Lizzie_Corpsmanwife
Dec 4, 2014
Kiwi.Miwi
Dec 4, 2014
Lizzie_Corpsmanwife
Dec 4, 2014
Kiwi.Miwi
Dec 4, 2014
Lizzie_Corpsmanwife
Dec 4, 2014
Kiwi.Miwi
Dec 5, 2014
Selah
Does anyone have info on C School (Surg Tech) classes and clinicals. Are the 4 1/2 month clinicals being rotated between San Antonio and San Diego? What if the Sailor is living off-base w/spouse and child, will Sailor get to stay in San Antonio for his clinicals? Any info or insight please.
Dec 5, 2014
Lizzie_Corpsmanwife
If the sailor lives off base, as my husband does, I advise them to live within a 10-15min radius of he wants to come home every night while in the classroom. I wouldn't advise him living off base (unless he has his/her own vehicle) because clinicals start at 4am and last until 5pm. He won't have PT but will have field day if he has a dorm, which I advise him or her to do so because after PT (during classroom phase) he or she will want to shower do going all the way home would be a waste of time but he could just change his page two.
That's all I got for now.
Dec 5, 2014
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
I have come across some HM-related cool things and because it's the holiday season, it seems ok to post a few HM-related items. I'm NOT promoting anyone in particular, or even anyone I know! Anyone else have a link to something cool they'd to share?
HM T shirt: http://teespring.com/NAVYHM
FMF Doc travel mug: http://herotees.com/collections/drinkware/products/16-oz-doc-shield...
Corpsman Mom car decal: https://www.etsy.com/listing/190157897/navy-corpsman-mom-vinyl-deca...
Personalized stethoscopes: http://www.allheart.com/stethoscopes/c/105/view/all/
Corpsman license plate frame: http://www.armysurplusworld.com/product.asp?ProductID=44008
Dec 6, 2014
Easttexasnavymomma
My sailor arrived at fort Sam late last night and finally into her room at 4:15 am. She told me they will muster at 7am this morning and going shopping today. My question is, if I drive out there today what are the chances if any that I would be able to see her and give her the stuff I could not at the airport yesterday?
Dec 7, 2014
Lizzie_Corpsmanwife
Dec 7, 2014
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Welcome new group co-admin Lizziebear_0803 and thanks for all the good experience and advice you pass along!
Dec 9, 2014
MommaBB
my son just informed me that his class grad date has been pushed up. I haven't been able to find a schedule anywhere for grads that happen before may 2015. I do know that class 015 grad is Feb 11, 2015!
Also my boy will be home for xmas! so excited to get my hug! Ha!
Dec 10, 2014
Lizzie_Corpsmanwife
https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=365855973496773
Dec 10, 2014
Lizzie_Corpsmanwife
Dec 10, 2014
Lizzie_Corpsmanwife
Graduation is at 2 until about 3-3:30. Afterwards if they are staying for C school, they must stay and pack their things in order to move over to Jaenke Hall. If they are not staying for C school, most leave the following morning or afternoon. They usually go out into downtown area and hang around before the class parts ways. My husband did not take leave since I was in town therefore we just hung out that weekend. If he is staying for C school, he will be TMD (don't ask me what that means because I have no idea lol) until he classes up. I would come the day before and plan on staying until Sunday :)
Dec 12, 2014
MommaBB
lizziebear0803 the link did take me to the FB page. I am already part of that amazing group. There is not a schedule there either. Not a big deal I guess. Son keeps me up to date on what he gets told. He just got "verbal" orders. (I think its really called soft orders) FMTB Camp Pendleton, CA. Yikes! that is a looong way from central WI! But exactly what he wants to do, so I'm proud, happy, sad, scared, nervous, etc! ha!
Dec 12, 2014
MommaBB
The grad dates up above only start with class 145 May 7th and goes forward from there. Nothing from now until then is posted anywhere that I can find.
Dec 12, 2014
Lizzie_Corpsmanwife
Dec 12, 2014
Kiwi.Miwi
!i didnt no they have graduation for a school too! sounds exicitng
Dec 14, 2014
MommaBB
looking for info on a condo type of place to stay for a school grad in feb. any locals have any ideas? we r staying a week and have 6 people going.
Dec 16, 2014
Betsy
MommaBB, I'd try airbnb and vrbo websites.
Dec 16, 2014
Michelle
Dec 16, 2014
Lizzie_Corpsmanwife
It's nothing like their boot camp one at all. When my husband graduated I spent like 10 minutes with him and came back later to pick him up for a few hours. I understand why and you just need to see that they need to be packed and ready to move either to Jaenke hall or leave to their first duty station by the next day. Unfortunately that's how the Navy is, all about the sailors not about the family often times :/
Dec 16, 2014
Lizzie_Corpsmanwife
Dec 16, 2014
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
I am so very sorry to hear of your experiences. My son graduated A School when it was in Great Lakes, IL (it moved to TX in 2011) and it was one of the most special and moving ceremonies I've ever experienced. What a shame that this has changed. I hope you will post your comments on this Facebook page, perhaps it will help address the issue for future corpsmen and their loved ones: BMTCP on Facebook
Dec 16, 2014
Sonia
Dec 16, 2014
Lizzie_Corpsmanwife
Sometimes it starts at 12 or 1 but it is scheduled for 2pm. It is very chill not like basic training graduation. It'll be in Anderson Hall. I commented on this question below if you want more information.
Congrats on the grad for your sailor.
Dec 16, 2014
Michelle
Dec 16, 2014
DramaSoul
I enjoyed the A school graduation at Ft.Sam. It was in July 2012 and in the morning. It's true that my son spent most of the day packing to leave after his graduation as he was coming home on leave for 14 days before he reported to FMTB West. His graduation was on a Monday so I flew in early Saturday morning to have the weekend with him. We flew out on the day after graduation on different airlines arriving in Portland Oregon within 30 minutes of each other. It is more chill for sure but glad I got to see it and spend what time I had with him. I had a chance to meet some of his favorite instructors and his friends before the graduation. I have been fortunate to be at all three of his graduations (RTC, A school, FMTB) and each was very special. There is NOTHING like PIR and when those doors roll open but when the newly-minted Corpsmen were taking the Oath, I was glad I had a box of tissues with me. Just my 2 cents!
Dec 17, 2014
louielou
I agree DramaSoul I absolutely enjoyed the Corpsman graduation. Yes it is smaller and more intimate which was nice to be able to get up close and take pictures. And being able to visit with my son was the best. His was on a Monday as well and we flew in Friday and had the whole weekend with him, he did have to be back early Sunday to be ready for Monday however. After graduation there is alot of waiting and running around as they all have to clean out their rooms, even if they are staying for C School. They will have a "de-briefing" before this as well. We had to wait almost two hours for my son, but when they were all finished we took him and some of his friends out to dinner at the Riverwalk.
Dec 17, 2014
Mother of Twins
My Daughter and I are planning on attending my son's graduation in March. Is there somewhere on Base in San Antonio, Tx to stay? Louielou, where did you stay? Any suggestion were to stay from anyone? We wil be flying in and using a renter car. What do I need to know about getting on base for graduation? Please anything would help. I am single mom, and would appreciate any advise so I may plan. Thank you
Dec 18, 2014
Lizzie_Corpsmanwife
I put some information on comments below about graduation and what to expect. They have a hotel called IHG (or something like that) very very close to the Navy side.
As far as what you need for graduation, get a guest pass as someone stated beforehand.
Dec 18, 2014
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Please let your current or future corpsman to ignore a hoax that is circulating. There is a FAKE "Marine Corps Times" page on Facebook that has a fake story about moving corpsmen from the Navy to the Marines. It's a hoax, a fake, not true. Please let your corpsman know to ignore and not share anything from the page with the address Facebook.com/TheMarineCorpsTimes.com. The official page for Marine Corps Times does NOT have the word "The"as part of its name in the address bar. The legal department of Gannett Media (parent company of Marine Corps Times) is pursuing action and is trying to get Facebook to get the page taken down. Here's a screenshot of the link to the FAKE story:
Dec 22, 2014