What was the first enlisted rating that required specific qualifications?

The Surgeon Steward was indeed the first enlisted rating that required specific qualifications within the U.S. Navy. Established in the 19th century, this position signified a significant evolution in the role of enlisted medical personnel. Prior to the introduction of the Surgeon Steward rating, there were other roles such as Loblolly Boy and Hospital Apprentice that did not necessitate formal qualifications or training.

With the creation of the Surgeon Steward rating, the Navy recognized the need for trained medical personnel who could provide care and manage the health needs of sailors effectively. This role required candidates to have certain medical knowledge and skills, which included understanding the treatment of injuries and illnesses that occurred at sea. This important development laid the groundwork for the specialized training and emphasis on qualifications that would characterize later ratings in the hospital corps and the medical field in general. Thus, the Surgeon Steward rating marked a pivotal advancement in the professionalism and training of enlisted medical staff in the Navy.