Can Green-to Gold be used to Commission to 68B?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Aug 2019 13:57:53 -0400

Im looking into reclassing to be a 68F (Physical Therapy Assistant) and was wondering if i can do green to gold to commission to be a 65B ( Physical Therapist) i always wanted to be a physical therapist but i was told promotion basically stops once you hit E-6 so i thought of i go that route, would I be able to commission to 68B through green to gold?

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 27 at 2019 2:08 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 27 Aug 2019 14:08:36 -0400

I think you need to have 2 years of college under your belt to go green to gold.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 27 at 2019 10:45 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Aug 2019 22:45:14 -0400

The entry level degree for physical therapists is a doctorate. The programs typically run between 2 1/2 to 3 years. I know it is possible to complete ROTC for grad school but I don’t know anyone who has done so during a DPT program. During PT school you’re typically in class for 30 or more hours a week (we were typically in class from 8-4 or 5). I really don’t see how you fit ROTC classes into your schedule. We also went to class through the summer, which would make it impossible to complete required training.

I see a couple of viable options. You can get your Bachelor’s degree with ROTC then apply for a Ed Delay to attend a civilian PT program. It’s not a guarantee, but I’ve seen it done. You can also apply to the Army-Baylor DPT program. You’d still need a bachelor’s degree before applying. It’s pretty competitive. The Army only accepts 18-20 students per year. You commission before attending the program. You get paid as an O to attend school and you don’t pay any tuition. It’s also one of the top programs in the country.

If you’re thinking about PT school you’ll need to start taking prerequisite coursework. Those courses vary by school but it’s typically something like a year each of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and A&P, plus some other assorted classes. You’ll also need to take the GRE in your junior or senior year (the results expire after 5 years so there’s no reason to take it super early). Schools also require observation hours in various PT settings. The number of hours depends on the program.

If you have any specific questions about preparing for or applying to PT school please feel free to message me.