HNHospitalman(HN Navy Rating)
Undesignated hospitalman apprentice working in medical divisions while awaiting HM rating assignment.
PACT (Professional Apprenticeship Career Track) — Medical. Hospitalman Apprentice (HN) is an undesignated medical Sailor working in clinics, hospitals, or with Fleet Marine Force units while preparing for permanent Hospital Corpsman rating.
### What is PACT?
The Professional Apprenticeship Career Track (PACT) is a program where Sailors enlist into the Navy without a guaranteed rating. Unlike other PACT tracks that feed into many possible ratings, the medical PACT track has only one target: Hospital Corpsman (HM). After boot camp, HN Sailors typically attend HM A-School (Basic Hospital Corps School in Fort Sam Houston, TX) and then serve in medical roles. The "apprentice" period is shorter than other PACT tracks.
### Ratings HN can convert into
- HM — Hospital Corpsman — the only target rating for the medical apprenticeship track.
Overall
Quick Stats
Security Clearance
No Clearance — Open to Permanent Residents
This rate does not require a security clearance and is open to lawful permanent residents (green card holders) as well as U.S. citizens.
ASVAB Requirements
No ASVAB data available
Remarks
HM SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must be informed that they will be assigned to duties involving direct patient care and clinical services and may be assigned to the Fleet Marine Force (FMF) for duty. Licensed physicians, dentists, graduates of a medical or dental school in any country are not eligible for this rating. No history of drug abuse or commission of offenses involving alcohol, narcotics, or other controlled substances with the exception of experimental or casual use of marijuana. Applicants must be of highest standards as requirements are strictly adhered to before accession into the HM community.
Who This Is Best For
Best for aspiring medical professionals committed to a healthcare career path who want to build their clinical foundation before advancing. If you're certain about medicine but still developing your skills, this is your entry point into the Hospital Corpsman pipeline.
+Pros
- ✓Strong civilian career transition
–Cons
Real Opinions
+Positive
“Being an HM changed my life. The medical experience you get is unmatched, especially if you go FMF.”
“Being in the Navy brought a lot of joy. I learned so much from the doctors and senior corpsmen — doctors and nurses never hesitated to teach you. Military service as a corpsman is very fulfilling where you can make a real change in people's lives.”
–Negative & Mixed
“Advancement is painfully slow. Prepare to be an E-3 for a while unless you get FMF or go corpsman C-school.”
“Low advancement, toxic leadership, no work-home balance. You do not get out of the Navy what you put into it. Advancement is slow and the system makes no sense — hard work is not rewarded, making the right friends is.”
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0 charsRecruiter vs Reality
What the recruiter says vs. what it's actually like.
🫡 Recruiter says
“You will save lives and get incredible medical training equivalent to a paramedic!”
💀 Reality
Source: MyNavyRates researchTraining is solid but advancement is extremely competitive. Many HMs spend years doing administrative medical work rather than hands-on patient care. FMF and specialized C-schools are the path to clinical experience.
🫡 Recruiter says
“You should go HN if you want to be a nurse or paramedic.”
💀 Reality
Source: veteran feedbackHN clinical exposure helps but does not count as college credit or certification. You still need to complete a full nursing or paramedic program. The GI Bill funds this after service, but HN alone is not a medical credential.
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Horror Stories
Real stories people have shared about this rate. Swipe to browse.
“The most common HN experience: a sailor comes in with a real medical problem and you're told to give them 800mg of Motrin and send them back to work. You know something is wrong but you don't have the authority or training to diagnose it. When they come back worse, it's your fault.”
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0 charsRelated Reading
Guides on picking a rate, ASVAB, bonuses, promotion, and life after the Navy.
Getting Started
How do you choose the right Navy rate for you?
Choosing a Navy rate means weighing your ASVAB scores, lifestyle preferences, civilian career goals, and willingness to deploy or go to sea. Start by identifying which ratings you qualify for, then narrow the list by what matters most to you.
Getting Started
What is the ASVAB and what scores do you need?
The ASVAB is a multi-aptitude test that determines which Navy ratings you qualify for. Your sub-test scores combine into line scores, and each rating has minimum line-score requirements. Higher scores open more options.
Career & Pay
Which Navy rates have the biggest enlistment bonuses in 2026?
Active Component (Active Duty) only. Per the CNRC GENADMIN dated 24 July 2026, the biggest source-rate bonus is $40,000 — Nuclear Field on FY26 ship dates ($75,000 EB cap). Special Warfare Boat Operator (SB) follows at $35,000, then EOD and SEAL (SO) at $30,000, and Aviation Rescue Swimmer (AIRR) and Cryptologic Technician Maintenance (CTM) at $25,000. Special Operations Future Sailors who clear the elevated PST standards add a flat $20,000 EBPST. Most rates cap at $50,000 total EB. The Loan Repayment Program adds up to $65,000 on top, separately. Reserve component (SELRES) bonuses are governed by a different message and are not covered here.