Physical Therapists and 68Fs, what career advice could you give someone looking to get into that field with the goal of becoming a DPT?

2018-09-03T18:59:29-04:00

So I’m an infantry veteran (current civilian) with experience as a PT tech, strength coach, and a degree in Kinesiology. I’m looking to retrain as a physical therapist assistant (68f), go active duty, and eventually apply to PT school at the Army Baylor program.
I have about 1 year to 1.5 years worth of prerequisites left and figured this would be a good way to work, support my family, and finish up my classes. Is there any downside to this? Have any 68f’s get the opportunity to go to PT school? What’s Army life like for a DPT and/or Physical Therapist Specialist?

I also saw there was an online bridge program to finish up credits to become a fully certified civilian PTA. So there’s always that route too.

I can see myself retiring from the Army in either of these positions (DPT or PTA) so I just wanted to get some input about the professions from an Army point of view. Thanks!

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2018 7:26 PM

2018-09-03T19:26:27-04:00

I am currently in the 68F course, it is very hard, but I feel it is worth it. Unfortunately, right now the program is not accredited. The only current bridge program that we have has a 2-year waiting list, then you have to do the schooling to obtain the degree, then take the exam. It is going to be a very long process. But, it is a very rewarding job!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2018 8:51 PM

2018-09-03T20:51:43-04:00

Speaking from personal experience knocking out science prereqs w/ labs while on AD can be tough. I tried, but deployment, TDY, training, etc. always caused scheduling conflicts. I ended up getting out and heading back to school where I took nothing but science classes for a year and a half.

From my limited experience I think the life of a military PT is pretty good. First of all we have the best clientele in the world. As clinicians we have more autonomy and freedom than any of our civilian counterparts. We can order imaging and labs, prescribe limited meds, and the ability to perform modalities such as therapeutic dry needling, which many civilians across the country cannot. The opportunities for advanced education are pretty much second to none. If you stick around for a while you can get a PhD, attend an advanced clinical fellowship (while earning a DSc), attend an MHA/MBA program, or a plethora of other opportunities. Outpatient ortho is our bread and butter, but we practice in a variety of environments including inpatient/acute care. The Army has been assigning PTs at the brigade level for years, but they're starting to push more down to the BN level. I believe the Navy and AF are making similar moves. The Navy PTs can serve on larger ships, which is pretty cool. A number of special ops units also have their own PTs now (which is what I want to eventually do). In addition to regular patient care they do a lot of human performance optimization type of stuff.

Is it all puppies and rainbows? Of course not. Like any job in the military it can feel a little stifling at times. There are definitely days when I think about what life will be back on "the outside" where I can regrow my beard and get back to working banker's hours, but there are many more days when I know that I made the right decision to come back in and attend the Army-Baylor DPT program.

If you have any more questions feel free to ask.

Response by MAJ Roger Behrman made Sep 13 at 2018 7:07 PM

2018-09-13T19:07:30-04:00

Many prior PT techs go on to the Baylor Program - 2 out of the 18 Army classmates were prior techs. Being a tech beforehand would allow you to make some nice connections (and recommendations) for the Army-Baylor program, but it doesn't necessarily give you any additional advantage of getting accepted in the program. You'll still need to keep a high GPA (at least a B) and GRE scores. Chances are you would be in a hospital after graduation from 68F school and have time to finish up your pre-requisites.
As for a lifetime career, I would push for your DPT. I've known a couple techs that went on to get their PTA degree but I don't think any of my prior techs stayed in the field. I've been retired for 7 years now and have been working in a civilian clinic. Job availability for PTAs is not that great - some places don't even have any. I would encourage you to go for a DPT where you should have no problems finding jobs. If you decide to stay active, you would be better off as a 65B. I'm not sure what changes have occurred with the change from 91WN9 to 65F MOS but am guessing getting promoted past E-7 would be very difficult (and you wouldn't be working as a PT tech at that point anyway) - this may not be 100% correct since I've been out a while but would have to think that hasn't changed. Best of Luck!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2018 8:23 PM

2018-09-18T20:23:55-04:00

I am a Physical Therapist Assistant - after i left active duty as a 92Y and went National Guard i used my GI bill to get first my associates in PTA and then my bachelors in PTA, from what I'm hearing promotion is very difficult as a military PTA - in fact, some one compared the chances of promotion to being similar to chaplain assistant.
From what i read of the what your taught to get the MOS, the 68f would give you the ability in the civilian world to be a tech not a PTA - go all the way and get your DPT, money in the real world is better, the degree is higher and the rank is better.
I love being a PTA but the licensing exam was very difficult and after everything, depleting my GI Bill and the low success rate of PT school - i decided at 37 i am happy as a PTA but had i been younger when i did this i would have gone DPT.
The difference in the civilian world is only a PT can evaluate and the amount of paperwork/ responsibly.
Photo - getting my associates ;)

Response by SPC J Park made Aug 5 at 2021 5:21 PM

2021-08-05T17:21:11-04:00

SSG Marcus Payton I'm in a similar situation as you 3 years after you posted your original question. Any possible update? Advice?