What are the chances of a physical therapist with a year experience getting directly commissioned into the Army or another branch?

Toneyell Shropshire — Wed, 04 Apr 2018 23:13:13 -0400

I posted this on another site on an older thread but I thought I would try this community as well. I have applied to Air Force and Army as a Physical therapist this past year. I received a non selected from the Air Force and am currently on OML for the Army. I am just curious as to the chances of getting a slot as a new grad, I have been practicing for almost a year. Being part of the military has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember but it seems like the process now, at 26 as a physical therapist, is harder than when I was fresh out of high school or college. I can think of no better way to use my talents than for the men and women that fight for us and our freedoms. So back to my question, is there anything in particular that the selection board is looking for? What type of leadership experience would be best for me to gain for my application if I am not selected off the OML list this year? Any other suggestions would be appreciated as well. I really want this and I am willing to do whatever it takes to put on a uniform and serve my country and the men and women who secure our freedoms. I know that sounds generic but I really want to serve with the talents and knowledge that I have been given.

Response by Toneyell Shropshire made Apr 16 at 2018 7:50 PM

Toneyell Shropshire — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 19:50:51 -0400

So I would go through OCS instead of direct commissioning? I am not sure how that would work with my profession. Will I still be going in as a physical therapist or will I have to wait until a spot opens up for a therapist?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2018 6:48 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Apr 2018 18:48:41 -0400

I know from the Army Reserve side, we are overstrength in CPT up to COL ranks for physical therapists. The Army graduates it's own PT's from Baylor and the demand for PT's ebbs and flows. When the military can't get positions they recruit with bonuses. If you are not selected, apply again and continue to build your clinical skills.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2018 9:27 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Apr 2018 21:27:51 -0400

Are you looking at active duty or Reserves? There aren't a ton of PTs in the Army and we get most of them through the Army-Baylor DPT program. Most of the non-Baylor PTs I know of had at least a few years of experience under their belts before they commissioned. The only one I know that was a new grad was someone who commissioned through ROTC then received an ed delay for PT school. There's actually a pilot program in place to place more PTs at the battalion level. If that program takes off there will definitely be an increased need and Army-Baylor won't be able to to meet the demand with the 18-20 Army folks they graduate every year. Have you looked into the Navy as well? They have a good amount of PTs but they generally only take 3-4 slots per year in the Army-Baylor program. I believe they take in more civilian PTs than the Army does. I think I'm starting to ramble a bit and I have to be up in 7 hours for my APFT. If you send me a PM I might be able to point you in the right direction or put you in touch with someone who has gone through the process before.