How to become a physical therapist in the military?
Physically wounded warriors, injured civilian athletes, and individuals rehabilitating from surgery or other illnesses can all benefit from the skilled care of physical therapists (PTs) to restore their strength and mobility. If you have a passion for helping people heal and recover, become a physical therapist in the military. In this article, we will guide you on the steps to becoming a PT in the armed forces.
Step 1: Meet the Requirements
- Age: must be at least 19 years old (17.5 for the Army in the first year of duty) to join the U.S. military.
- Education: Earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)-accredited program is essential.
- State License: Must be state licensed in the United States. For the military, an Active Duty PT Assignment only requires a Current Professional Certificate.
What Kind of Physical Therapy Training Will You Need for Military Duty?
| Specialty | Coursework | Clinical Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Orthopedics | Functional anatomy, pathology, physiology, and pathology | Spinal injuries, trauma cases, and non-invasive techniques |
| Cardiovascular/Pulmonary | Respiratory physiology and anatomy | Cardiac rehabilitative and pulmonary rehabilitation case studies |
| Neurorehabilitation | Neurosciences, neuromechanics, and neuroethology | Stroke, cerebral palsy, and neuromuscular disorders |
Step 2: Prepare for the Military Health and Professional Requirements
| Requirements | Military Branch Guidance |
|---|---|
| Physical Medical Exam: | Conduct physical evaluations under the guidance of military medics |
| Licensure Exemptions: | PTs already licensed in Arizona, California, Idaho, North Dakota, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, Texas and Rhode Island are initially waived but must obtain valid certification from the American Boards of Physical Therapy Specialties within two years of activation |
Step 3: Gain Military Experience or Military Health Services
Choose an internship or residency focusing on musculoskeletal diagnosis, injury prevention, performance training, and rehabilitation; Gain clinical experience in either orthopedics, vestibular or cardio-pulmonary, and neurodevelopmental treatments; Service Medical Residency Program offers clinical and didactic work; Medical Officer Assistant: Assisting in patient clinics or ward duties.
| Options | Military Branch Exclusives |
|---|---|
| Hospital Internship | Army/Navy Internship Program |
| Resident/Fellowship Air Force/Air- National Guard | |
| Army and Navy Acute Care for Physical Health, 1-year commitment. Air Force Geriatrics Resident, 6 months | Army Advanced Cardiovascular Rehabilitation, a year long program |
Step 4: Apply or Interview Process
- File and fill out the electronic forms provided by the Recruiter Service Branch (Service/Regiment) which could lead to a preliminary qualification to join the PT specialty unit.
- Online job announcement: Search & Application
Step 5: Join the Uniformed Services
- Basic Military Training (BCT/Officer Candidate Training [OCT]): This varies for each branch Military personnel is assigned to training base/Officer academy before completing a PT/Doctor internship.
Pros of being a Physical Therapist in the Military
- Mission Critical Support: PT help Soldiers to maintain their well-being while deployed, support those returning from combat while managing post-traumatic-stress.
- Wide Opportunities for Growth: Leadership and development opportunities in an inter-military environment expand opportunities.
Conclusion: Following the steps outlined within, joining the military means making the world a larger for wounded warriors, saving, strengthening, and enabling more, with the hope and compassion that drives so many who have chosen professions, helping to heal other countries of their own service of care.
Please consider serving as a physiotherapy professional in armed forces of the United State: U.S. Marine Corps (USMC)* Physical therapy (PT* -PT) in Physical therapist assistant (physical therapist, physical therapist assist, as a PT helper)*PT Assistant the assistant)assistant**US Naval.
