Colorado Technical University

Is it feasible to get a doctoral degree as an Air Force medical officer?

I am thinking of joining the air force as a clinical laboratory scientist. I have a bachelors degree in biology and am about to start my year of clinical training. I do want to get a Ph.D. in my field, and was wondering if it could be done in the Air Force. The problem is there aren't a lot of doctoral programs for CLS, so do they allow you to attend a university that has one? Do they have programs to let you study for a Ph.D. and stay on active duty?

Public Comments

1. the military is a time intensive operation. Especially if you are good. Capable officers and NCOs are heavily tasked and it is very difficult to fit a PhD program into my last assignment - 10 hour days Mon-Fri, half a day on Saturday, two hours on Sunday, + TDY 180 days a year. Add in a wife, kids and some level of PFT and now you are really burdened. But it is worth it!