Physical Therapy in Military

[Diegito]

Hello, I have few questions for those who are in the military doing physical therapy.
I got accepted into PT school this year, but the tuition is too expensive, around 120,000 dollars so I am thinking about joining the military after my graduation. These are several questions I have.
1. Is it difficult to join the military as physical therapist? Is there difference between army, navy, and air force? When should I apply?
2. Will they cover the tuition? How much would you get paid during your service?
3. Do you have choice in where you would like to be stationed in?
4. What would you daily schedules look like?

Thank you!

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[DPTErudition]

I'm not in the military, but I did some research on it. You may also want to check out the search function on SDN though.
1. At least in the air force, they accept about 9 PTs a year so it can be fairly difficult.
2. Tuition for PT school isn't covered unless you're accepted into the Army Baylor program. That, however, won't help you if you're joining the military after already having obtained the DPT.
3. Typically, you will be given 2-3 different options and you get to choose from them which area you prefer.
4. I would imagine you work M-F 8-5 or there may be the option to do 10 hour shifts 4 times per week, but I'm not sure on this.

 

[Diegito]

I'm not in the military, but I did some research on it. You may also want to check out the search function on SDN though.
1. At least in the air force, they accept about 9 PTs a year so it can be fairly difficult.
2. Tuition for PT school isn't covered unless you're accepted into the Army Baylor program. That, however, won't help you if you're joining the military after already having obtained the DPT.
3. Typically, you will be given 2-3 different options and you get to choose from them which area you prefer.
4. I would imagine you work M-F 8-5 or there may be the option to do 10 hour shifts 4 times per week, but I'm not sure on this.

So are you saying that theres not a program where they help you pay for the tuition?

 

[DPTErudition]

Correct

 

[starrsgirl]

Agree with above....I'm not currently working at PT in the military, but I hope to go that route. It's very hard to get into, from what I understand. I'm looking at AF and Army.....but very few slots each year is what I hear. It's hard to pin down but it doesn't seem like there are any repayment options right now (because so many people want to do it). They used to offer repayment options when they couldn't fill the slots, but those days are gone. Generally the hours in a military PT clinic are 7:30 - 4:30pm, but you also need to figure in going TDY for training and being deployed.

My plan is to do an many military clinical rotations as I can swing, then take my boards as soon an possible (hopefully the early date in the year I graduate). After graduation, snap a job up immediately and start working as a civilian PT while I contact a military medical recruiter and try to get the ball rolling there. (someone told me they like to see PT experience before they will consider bringing you into the military).