USAF School of Health Care Sciences

• Origins in WWII: The USAF School of Health Care Sciences traces its roots back to World War II, when the Army Air Forces recognized the need for well-trained medical personnel to support burgeoning air operations. • Brooks Air Force Base: The school was primarily located at Brooks Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas, which became a central hub for Air Force medical training until the base’s closure in 2011. • Training Thousands Annually: At its peak, the School graduated over 6,000 medical specialists annually, including nurses, technicians, and biomedical equipment specialists. • Medical Readiness Innovation: The school was instrumental in developing the USAF’s aeromedical evacuation system, training personnel to deliver care in flight and under combat conditions. • Birthplace of the Biomedical Equipment Technician Program: The first formal Air Force program for biomedical equipment repair technicians was launched at the school, a critical specialty for modern military medicine. • Integration into METC: In 2010, as part of the DoD’s Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, the school was merged into the Medical Education and Training Campus (METC) at Fort Sam Houston, furthering joint service cooperation. • Civilian Partnerships: The school partnered with civilian institutions, allowing airmen to earn college credits and certifications recognized outside the military, advancing both military and post-service careers. • Notable Alumni: Many graduates have gone on to become leaders in military and civilian health care, including generals, chief nurses, and medical research pioneers. • Simulation Training Leadership: The school was among the first in the military to use high-fidelity simulation mannequins for trauma and emergency care training. • Legacy of the School: Though the original school has closed, its traditions and excellence continue through the Air Force elements at METC, carrying forward a legacy of world-class military medical education.