So, my commando is only lvl 30 and while not an expert, I do find myself often helping other commando healers, or those wanting to try it, arrange their skills and patterns. It's not overly hard and yet it does take some time to get it all down from what I've seen. Been playing heal spec from lvl 10, so I guess I've grown into the role where others haven't. Anyway, this is just some help for those getting started, or wanting to try it. I am open to suggestions. :)
http://www.torhead.com/skill-calc#800rdRoRdc0z.1
That is the build I'm currently using and eventually will take up 2 points in the Gunnery talent Havoc Rounds for the 20% Kolto Bomb healing.
Now then...
At the end of Nar Shadaa you get M1-4X which is the Commando's first tanking companion, many are tempted to use him... I did and I upgraded all of his gear to the best possible. He takes more damage than Jorgan and deals out a lot less in the long run. With him you go from heals/partial damage absorb to healer/main dps for your soloing. This is not good... you eat easily 2-3x as much ammo trying to be main damage and heals. Better to keep Jorgan for the damage output. Some don't like Jorgan's personality... eh, so? Your goal should be dominating PVE and surviving, not worrying because you don't like his personality.
I see people who also claim to just heal Jorgan and let him kill everything. This is possible, but it's painfully slow, even with his dps. If you want to make real progress and still survive, you need to keep him and yourself in the most update to date weapons possible, which for me is an orange 3 slot assault cannon for us both... the mods are always the newest blue/purple for my level. Anyway, even something as simple as your pyro/cryo grenade, pulse cannon, etc can make life much easier on elite fights.
Using Concussive Round once you have it to take out 1 elite from a fight is a god send later on.
Levels 10-19
These levels can be a little frustrating for starting to heal, but they build a groundwork and understanding of things. When you get combat support cells and supercharged cells to mix with Advanced Medical Probe life gets a bit easier. One thing to remember at this level (and every level) is to keep your charge at 30 between fights in heroics and flashpoints. Having to build the 30 mid-combat at the beginning sucks. lol
For Esseles healing it is very easy and with a smart partner can be done at lvl 10/11 duo regardless of the other person's class. For Hammer Station not having your AoE heal (Kolto Bomb) can make this an exercise in patience. If you do not have a decent supporting cast, it maybe smart to remember your reactive shield at the first and last boss. On the first boss being aware of the droids is important... if they go boom near you, it's painful. Especially more than one...
Levels 20-29
It's in this frame of levels that things really fall into place. By lvl 24 or 25 you should be able to confidently handle anything. Athiss and Mandalorian Raiders are quite easy once you've invested in Kolto residue and Efficient Conversions. The flashpoints are quite simple when you stay on your toes... again having a good tank makes life easier. XD
In your mid-20's (24-27 for me) Field Triage was a must have. 100% chance to reduce the cost of Medical Probe is a godsend to extended healing. Not having this asap is not smart... solo'ing at this point become very, very easy. Using Jorgan it is possible to walk through nearly anything outside of a flash point solo and laugh the whole way. lol...
Skill Rotation
AMP - Advanced Medical Probe
MP - Medical Probe
KB - Kolto Bomb
HS - Hammer Shot
SC - Supercharged Cells
I find myself at lvl 30 using something similar to : AMP -> MP -> MP -> HS -> HS x whatever... in flashpoints and 4man heroics for typical pulls. If my tank, self or dps get in a real pickle... SC - > KB -> AMP -> AMP -> AMP -> MP -> MP ...this one is very intensive ammo wise and really, I'm reluctant to use it unless I believe that my group is in danger of wiping or being crippled. SC gives a couple of ammo back when used and this can be helpful when combined with your normal Ammo Regen skill... especially when you get near the end of a boss fight or champion pull.
Also, while I know it uses some ammo... your grenades are a godsend from time to time. Once you pick up the talent for it, Cryo Grenade and Concussive Round become FREE. Use them wisely and they'll pay huge dividends, whether solo or grouping.
Conclusion:
This is mostly my experiences/opinions. I realize not everyone will agree with what I have written and I respect your personal beliefs, as such respect mine. I am open to suggestions on how to better offer advice in this post or in something i may have over-looked. Hope this helps someone. :)
--Hietala