Army/Military Physical Therapist?

[KingPT]

I am in my first year of PT school and, amidst all of the studying for Kines., Neuro, & Anatomy, I have been trying lately to find legitimate information about steps to enter the military as a physical therapist after graduation.

I was hoping that someone who either has already gone through this route or who has good information about it to respond if at all possible: what steps do I need to take to enter the army (or maybe Navy?) as a physical therapist after I'm already licensed? Does anyone out there have any details on what it's like (i.e. would I be stationed abroad? front lines? what is the job like?)

Ultimately, I know so far that I should probably do one of my 10 week clinical rotations at a military facility. But other than that I'm clueless. I have read elsewhere that you can enter on a direct commision, but what other training is involved?

ANY information would be welcomed, Thanks!

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[Azimuthal]

Your best bet is to contact a health professions officer recruiter. They will outline everything you need to do as we'll as answer any questions you may have.

 

[greco13]

Yeah there's not a lot of info. available out there regarding PT in the military. Army seems to have to most info. available. Army has a sweet sports med. residency @ West Point. Only people allowed in the residency are Army PTs with ATC or EMT credentials. Can't find much of anything for Navy or Air Force. I'd really like to have some hard numbers to compare as far as benefits are concerned. There's prob. A lot of variation, though depending on degree, years of experience, other stuff. Will prob. Seek legal advice when it comes to pulling the trigger on which rout to go. Make sure I know what I am signing up for. I interned under a PT that came through Baylor and was the Chief of Physical Therapy, Baghdad (Camp Falcon) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He told me some stories where he was def. @ risk of physical harm while being a PT in the Army, being overseas during a war and such. I am still in undergrad. So not willing get to call recruiter. Below are some links. If you learn more info. please share here! Or PM me.

http://www.goarmy.com/content/dam/g...S Medical Specialist Corps Sep 11 LowRes.pdf

http://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-j...specialist-corps-jobs/physical-therapist.html

http://medicalservicecorps.amedd.army.mil/careers.html

http://kach.amedd.army.mil/index/clinics/Cadet_Sports_Physical_Therapy_Clinic/index.html

http://www.airforce.com/careers/detail/physical-therapist/

http://www.navy.com/careers/healthcare/clinical-care/physical-therapy.html

http://www.navyreserve.com/careers/healthcare/clinical-care.html

 

[Lolawashere]

thanks for posting that info greco 13. It is MUCH appreciated!

 

[greco13]

Another one of the Uniformed Services that offers opportunities for health care scientists and students is the USPHS/CC. It looks to me, though that they're not @ all in need for PT students in the JRCOSTEP, SRCOSTE, or even in need for already practicing PTs. Stinks! If anybody digs deeper and finds out different, please PM me.

http://www.usphs.gov/student/jrcostep.aspx

http://www.usphs.gov/student/srcostep.aspx

http://www.usphs.gov/profession/therapist/

http://www.usphs.gov/student/default.aspx

 

[DPTHopeful921]

Actually Army, Navy, and Air Force can all participate in the sports medicine residency at West Point. I know this b/c I worked with all three of them when I was doing observation hours for my PT application.

 

[greco13]

Actually Army, Navy, and Air Force can all participate in the sports medicine residency at West Point. I know this b/c I worked with all three of them when I was doing observation hours for my PT application.

good call.

 

[Nailey13]

Spam.

 

[jblil]

I've noticed an uptick in spam on SDN. If you find a spam message, click on the red triangle on the lower left-hand corner of the post to report it (you have to be logged in to see the triangle). Let's keep SDN spam-free.

 

[KingPT]

Thanks for the responses everyone. ANY more information is appreciated! Anyone have experience with doing this and going the route of Army/Military PT after graduation from a civilian PT program?

 

[WSUPT]

I'm a Navy PT. Fire away with any specific questions you have.

 

[MJHUSKERS2]

I'm a Navy PT. Fire away with any specific questions you have.

I'll take advantage of this oppertunity:

1) did you get mentorship by a therapist in the military during your first year?

2) did you participate in the resisdency or fellowship? if so, questions are to follow.

3) did you actually get to order imaging? are there any other things you get to do that a civilian therapist can't?

4) do you have oppertunity to conduct research?

5) if your a PT in the Navy, does that mean your aboard a ship doing rehab?

Thanks.
-Matt

 

[KingPT]

Thanks for being open to answer questions!

My first question is simple: How do you like it? I have a wife and daughter, but we're willing to live anywhere. Will I have a choice to be either front lines or stationed on a base somewhere?

Second: as I'm enrolled in my first year at a civilian PT program, what process do I need to take to get into this position after graduation? Before graduation? One of my professors suggested completing one of my clinicals at a military base and that sounded like a good thought but I have no idea where to go from there...

Third: I've heard that the autonomy given to you in the military as a PT is incredible. Is this so? Obviously the mix of more autonomy + helping out our brothers that give their lives to serve sounds amazing, but what are your thoughts?

Last but not least: I'm just going to ask it--what is the pay and upward mobility like in the military as a PT? I'm asking from an external perspective because I have no experience with the military but very much would like to serve as a PT. I'm sure many people wonder this and don't ask, but it's certainly part of the whole deal. What kinds of benefits are offered? Any help with tuition that you know of?


I know we just dropped a TON of questions on you, and I appreciate ANY answers you can give. I want to be as prepared as possible, and to get started in that preparation as soon as possible. Thanks so much,

 

[WSUPT]

I'll take advantage of this opportunity:

1) did you get mentorship by a therapist in the military during your first year? If you're a new grad the Navy generally tries to station you somewhere that has another Navy PT already. Having said that, you have to remember that there are also civilian PTs working in the clinic too. So rarely will you be ''THE guy/girl'' at your first duty station.

2) did you participate in the resisdency or fellowship? if so, questions are to follow. I have not. The Navy spot is usually filled with a more senior PT. Your first few years are usually spent learning the job as a PT, learning how to be a Naval Officer, mentoring others, etc.

3) did you actually get to order imaging? are there any other things you get to do that a civilian therapist can't? I frequently order radiographs and MRIs (when warranted, of course.) Military PTs can also order some NSAIDs and muscle relaxers when "signed off." Unlike ordering imaging, this is not an immediate privilege in the Navy.

4) do you have opportunity to conduct research? Yes

5) if your a PT in the Navy, does that mean your aboard a ship doing rehab? There are PTs aboard each of the aircraft carriers

 

[WSUPT]

My first question is simple: How do you like it? I have a wife and daughter, but we're willing to live anywhere. Will I have a choice to be either front lines or stationed on a base somewhere? I love it. As far as "being stationed on the front lines," nobody is stationed on the front lines. You will be deployed to these areas for around 9 months at a time, but nobody is permanently stationed "on the front lines." You will have some sort of choice where you want to be stationed, even if it is just a choice of 1 or 2 locations that they have an opening that needs to be filled. No sarcasm was intended in that by the way.

Second: as I'm enrolled in my first year at a civilian PT program, what process do I need to take to get into this position after graduation? Before graduation? One of my professors suggested completing one of my clinicals at a military base and that sounded like a good thought but I have no idea where to go from there...Nothing can really be done until the beginning of your last year. I'm sure there is a very good reason for this, but I'm not exactly sure whey so I won't pretend to know. I highly recommend setting up a clinical rotation at a Naval Hospital or clinic or whatever branch you're interested in. As in any important decision, you want to be fully aware of the conditions in which you are about to sign up for.

Third: I've heard that the autonomy given to you in the military as a PT is incredible. Is this so? Obviously the mix of more autonomy + helping out our brothers that give their lives to serve sounds amazing, but what are your thoughts? The autonomy we have is ridiculous compared to my civilian couterparts. When I was a student I would get a PT referral from some clown doctor asking for e-stim, ultrasound, and hot packs. This would annoy the living crap out of me. In the Navy, I determine the treatment plan, unless given specific directions - ie by the orthopod that has specific instructions for their post-op pts.

Last but not least: I'm just going to ask it--what is the pay and upward mobility like in the military as a PT? I'm asking from an external perspective because I have no experience with the military but very much would like to serve as a PT. I'm sure many people wonder this and don't ask, but it's certainly part of the whole deal. What kinds of benefits are offered? Any help with tuition that you know of? The pay can be found on a military pay scale. As a DPT you will be paid as an O-3 until you're promoted to O-4 (usually around 6-8 years as an O-3). There is also a specialty pay for board certs that add around $200/month (not exactly sure on the amount - still working on my OCS). Regarding upward mobility...that's a tough question to answer. The job titles you may hold are Staff PT, Department Head of PT/OT, clinic Officer in Charge, and a few other Navy jargon terms that you probably wouldn't understand. The numbers change every year in terms of promotion rates, so really no use discussing that.

 

[KingPT]

Thanks so much for the replies! I'm sure I can speak for everyone and say thank you for your answers.

I have one last question for you:

What happens AFTER graduation if I decide to go this route? Do you start right away, or attend any training first (weapons? no weapons? officer training?) Is the best way to get involved to talk with a recruiter? Thanks again for fielding all of the questions.

 

[WSUPT]

You're welcome. After you graduate from PT school the Navy will send you to Officer Development School. It's 5 weeks long. There is no weapons training. As I alluded to above, you should start talking to a recruiter about a year out from graduation. Be patient, it's a long process. Also, ask about a healthcare VIP trip. Sometimes they'll fly you to a Naval Station and give you a tour of the hospital and a ship if any are homeported there.

 

[trichic]

I am familiar with the military and as far as promotions go, it is merit based and goes by year group (the year of your commission). As long as you do your job well, you will promote when you are supposed to. Also, it is entirely possible to be stationed "on the front lines", even if you are female. NSW (Naval Special Warfare) takes their PTs with them.

 

[Azimuthal]

I am familiar with the military and as far as promotions go, it is merit based and goes by year group (the year of your commission). As long as you do your job well, you will promote when you are supposed to. Also, it is entirely possible to be stationed "on the front lines", even if you are female. NSW (Naval Special Warfare) takes their PTs with them.

Define "front lines". I'm pretty sure I won't find a PT, let alone a female PT deployed (stationed in the front lines??? New to me.) to a small FOB. Example: Bagram AFB, though in theater, is hardly considered "front lines".

 

[Myosin]

My first question is simple: How do you like it? I have a wife and daughter, but we're willing to live anywhere. Will I have a choice to be either front lines or stationed on a base somewhere? I love it. As far as "being stationed on the front lines," nobody is stationed on the front lines. You will be deployed to these areas for around 9 months at a time, but nobody is permanently stationed "on the front lines." You will have some sort of choice where you want to be stationed, even if it is just a choice of 1 or 2 locations that they have an opening that needs to be filled. No sarcasm was intended in that by the way.

Second: as I'm enrolled in my first year at a civilian PT program, what process do I need to take to get into this position after graduation? Before graduation? One of my professors suggested completing one of my clinicals at a military base and that sounded like a good thought but I have no idea where to go from there...Nothing can really be done until the beginning of your last year. I'm sure there is a very good reason for this, but I'm not exactly sure whey so I won't pretend to know. I highly recommend setting up a clinical rotation at a Naval Hospital or clinic or whatever branch you're interested in. As in any important decision, you want to be fully aware of the conditions in which you are about to sign up for.

Third: I've heard that the autonomy given to you in the military as a PT is incredible. Is this so? Obviously the mix of more autonomy + helping out our brothers that give their lives to serve sounds amazing, but what are your thoughts? The autonomy we have is ridiculous compared to my civilian couterparts. When I was a student I would get a PT referral from some clown doctor asking for e-stim, ultrasound, and hot packs. This would annoy the living crap out of me. In the Navy, I determine the treatment plan, unless given specific directions - ie by the orthopod that has specific instructions for their post-op pts.

Last but not least: I'm just going to ask it--what is the pay and upward mobility like in the military as a PT? I'm asking from an external perspective because I have no experience with the military but very much would like to serve as a PT. I'm sure many people wonder this and don't ask, but it's certainly part of the whole deal. What kinds of benefits are offered? Any help with tuition that you know of? The pay can be found on a military pay scale. As a DPT you will be paid as an O-3 until you're promoted to O-4 (usually around 6-8 years as an O-3). There is also a specialty pay for board certs that add around $200/month (not exactly sure on the amount - still working on my OCS). Regarding upward mobility...that's a tough question to answer. The job titles you may hold are Staff PT, Department Head of PT/OT, clinic Officer in Charge, and a few other Navy jargon terms that you probably wouldn't understand. The numbers change every year in terms of promotion rates, so really no use discussing that.

I appreciate you posting in this thread. As a future student, I am always interested in career options

I was actually considering the Air Force before deciding on PT school.

I looked up the pay grade scale and it ranges from ~45k-~73k for less than 2 years. Not bad at all considering you have virtually no cost of living while in the military and most civilian PTs will make ~55k-~65k with the same amount of experience. It would make saving money and paying down debt extremely easy because I could pretty much just throw all of my earnings at the loan while in.

It's a while away, but lets say I wanted to pursue this when I graduate. Where would one go to do a clinical rotation for the Air Force or other branches of the military, while in school? The Air Force base near my school? Would the military base near my house (in my state) allow a person to get observation hours. I can't imagine that would be much different than regular out patient though.

Thank you again for posting this

 

[WSUPT]

What I meant by not being stationed on the front lines is that you won't be permanently stationed on the front lines. Deployed to them, yes. The Army does have PTs integrated into many units at FOBs (Forward Operating Bases). And as mentioned, we have PTs with the SEAL teams and with Marine Corps units.

As far as promotions go, it is hardly "do well at your job, and you'll promote when it's your time." Without getting too in-depth for those who aren't familiar - only a percentage of those up for promotion are promoted. It's far from guaranteed. Having said that, most people who do perform well promote on time.

 

[Nailey13]

Yes, WSUPT. I know that for the Army, anything past captain (maybe major), is based on what things you've done before your review board (leadership positions outside your scope of practice being the biggest one, I think). And given that a person coming out of PT school won't be making the relatively guaranteed progression from 2LT to CPT (since they start at CPT, correct?), they'll have to start working to acquire the experiences that will make the difference when it comes time for review.

 

[WSUPT]

That is correct. DPTs commission as O-3 in all branches with all promotions after that being merit based. Depending on the year groupings, you most likely won't even be up for your first promotion for 5 years.

 

[WSUPT]

Myosin: One thing to consider when looking at a military pay chart - you do receive other pay such as allowances for housing and food. These aren't taxable which effectively increases your salary.. You can find these online as well. Search for BAH and BAS.

When I was in PT school I asked the director of clinical education at school to set up a military rotation for me. Not sure about being allowed on base for observation only unless you already have access to the base ie a family member being active duty or retired. Not sure about how Army treatment facilities operate, but Navy clinics are not exactly like civilian OP clinics. Navy generally perform evaluation while the PTAs or corpsmen do the treatments. Also, if you have no prior military service it will give you some insight on what is like to be in the military.

 

[DPTHopeful921]

Army MTFs operate the same way...PT does the eval and the 68Ws N9 do the work of the PTA

 

[trichic]

Define "front lines". I'm pretty sure I won't find a PT, let alone a female PT deployed (stationed in the front lines??? New to me.) to a small FOB. Example: Bagram AFB, though in theater, is hardly considered "front lines".

As WSUPT said, there are PTs on SEAL teams and they are not in Bagram. These units have surgeons, PTs, etc. and a common misconception is that they are all male.

 

[Nailey13]

Army MTFs operate the same way...PT does the eval and the 68Ws N9 do the work of the PTA

Is this what you meant last year when you said that your experience volunteering at Fort Sam was not what you had expected going in? I.e. were you disappointed to find that PTs are responsible largely for evals, manual therapy and dry needling only (and not actual exercise-based rehabilitation)?

 

[DPTHopeful921]

is this question directed at me or someone else?

 

[DPTHopeful921]

WSUPT, i do have one question- when you are a military PT, do you have a say in whether you get to assigned to an inpatient or outpatient type setting while being a physical therapist in the military?

 

[Mahalom]

Hey WSUPT, its been a while since any postings have been written on here, but I am currently getting into graduate schools for DPT program and am seriously considering Baylor as a top choice. I just got into University of Miami (today! ), and Baylor is the only school that I would decline it for.

Did you go to Baylor, or did you go to a civilian school then join the Navy later? I have some real questions about the difference between going to a civilian school then joining the military vs going to Baylor first, as well as some questions about the major differences in service as a DPT between the Army and Navy. I hope you still check this thread once in a while and we can be in contact

Josh

 

[WSUPT]

You do have some say in where you will be stationed. Often times it may only be a choice between a few openings. The majority of Navy PT billets are outpatient. I do cover inpatient once a week, though.

 

[WSUPT]

Congrats on your acceptance to PT school. I did not go to Baylor, but have had the opportunity to take a course there and interact with the staff closely. I can assure you that it is a top notch program. A ton of research is coming out of that place. Having said that, I did not feel that my education was inferior. Once you get into the field, the playing field tends to level out if you're keeping up with continuing education.

To those interested in this thread...I will be on sporadically over the upcoming months.

 

[Sav13]

Hi. I know this post is super old but I was hoping you could give me some information. I was originally planning on applying to the Army Baylor PT program. My uncle was a general in the Army and after visiting him and multiple hospitals on bases I really wanted to help rehab that kind of population. After much thought I decided to withdraw my app from the recruiter. However, I still would love to work on base somehow or even in VA hospitals. I know VA's hire civilian PTs but how do civilian PTs get jobs on base? This may change in the next 3 years (I will be attending the University of South Florida's DPT program this fall) but I would love to maybe have some insight so I can look into doing clinicals on base. Thanks!

 

[saywuh]

why cant regular PTs be able to get the same scope as these PTs. it makes sense to broaden our scope because clearly it works.