Ex-Military Experience on applications

[ski2thelimit]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hey all,
I am a senior(graduating in Winter 14 and an air force veteran. While serving, I worked in a health and wellness facility, heading up gait analysis and fitness training, as well as working with an exercise physiologist and physical therapist. I was also deployed and received awards for exemplary performance. I'll be preparing to begin the application process for DPT at several schools once this semester is over and done with.

Firstly, does anyone have experience with veteran applications and any general advice therewith associated? Secondly, how can I make these accomplishments applicable, or are they already?

Thanks!

 

[hopefulapplicant]

I'm not sure on the veteran stuff because I am not a veteran but that could be some really good things to include in your personal statement! Thanks for serving =)

 

[SBanks]

As a veteran, use your military experience to help convey positive attributes you gained by serving such as professionalism, communication, leadership etc... I wouldn't use experience in health and wellness settings because that's probably not very different than a civilian working in a fitness/rehab setting. They probably don't care how much you think you know by working in that type of setting- they'll get an idea through your grades. Certainly use your military commendations in the awards section on PTCAS. Write a well-thought out essay expressing those positive attributes you gained by serving, and show them you aren't a typical college graduate with very little experience.

 

[Azimuthal]

Being a veteran is usually a +. It worked out great for me and makes a good conversation piece at interviews.

 

[starrsgirl]

I definitely included all my military stuff on awards and honors section. I also used the essay to go in depth about my military experience and how it both related and helped me become interested in PT.

If any of your hours were directly working with a PT, I also think you could count those hours only towards observation hours.

In general, I found that schools were receptive and interested in my military background.

 

[Lil Mick]

I know it's a bit different for PT, but I put it in my personal statement and another part of my application to medical school. I had a pretty good response overall, and several interviewers were interested in talking about some of those experiences. Hope that helps and good luck with applications!

 

[IndianaDPT]

@ski2thelimit

Thanks for your message, and your service.

I agree with other posters that the military service is an advantage, particularly in how you used your time in PT-related activities. It's relevant to your PT prospects and is as important as full time work on the civilian side.

My suggestion is to develop your personal statement highlighting the experiences in the service related to PT and how the service has developed your character, persistence, etc. There's a lot to recommend military service and certainly the service ethic of PTs will be well in hand for you.

Good luck!

Josh Morrison
Director, Student Enrollment Services
IU School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences
[email protected]