Linsey Heane ⋅ Waldorf, MD ⋅ 1 years experience

Hi John,

I am a physical therapist and love talking about the profession! I graduated in 2013 and did a lot of PT school research prior to enrolling. I have also worked/volunteered/interned in 10 different clinics in various settings, so I can answer any questions about settings as well. There are some major differences between military and civilian PTs in what they are allowed to do. For example, military PTs are allowed to order x-rays, where civilian PTs are not. I am unsure of the credentials/job requirements of a military physical therapy specialist, but I can tell you what is out there in the civilian job market...

Physical Therapy Aides/Technicians: This job does not require a PT or PTA degree. Some usual job duties include making hot packs, setting up patients, cleaning the clinics, doing inventory, and scheduling patients. Job duties vary based on the clinic, but those are some of the basics. Many people become an aide or tech in order to get the experience to apply for PT/PTA school.

Physical Therapy Assistants: A PTA must graduate from an accredited PTA school (associates degree) and pass the boards. PTAs can only treat patients, they are not allowed to perform initial evaluations or reevaluations.

Physical Therapists: A PT must graduate from an accredited PT school (doctorate degree) and pass the boards. In order to get into PT school, you must have a bachelors degree. There are some 6 year programs available if you do not already have your bachelors (3 yrs undergrad and 3 years grad) and a few weekend programs that allow you to work while you get your PT degree.

A great resource is the American Physical Therapy Association (www.apta.org). They have great information for current and prospective students. They have information for both PTs and PTAs like salaries, list of accredited schools, career statistics (I use some of these numbers to negotiate salary), etc.

I would encourage you to look into a physical therapy career. It is a great and rewarding profession. One thing to be aware of is that some employers prefer to hire PTs over PTAs due to billing/legal issues. If you are considering returning to school to become a PTA, I would talk to local clinics and see if they hire both PTAs and PTs or just PTs. That will give you an idea of the job market in your area after graduating.

The physical therapy field is also moving towards a wellness/preventative direction. Having said this, many outpatient clinics are paring up with personal trainers, health coaches, massage therapists, and dietitians. These may be other careers to look in to if you are interested.

I hope this helps! I would love to answer any additional questions you may have about the profession, education, and job market. Feel free to message or email me if you have additional questions or want more information.

Thanks for your service!

Linsey

Susana Moraga ⋅ Hayward, CA California State University East Bay ⋅ 20 years experience

John,

You truly want to start developing experience in your field both to get a job and to get into a PT program, both are competitive. Start by contacting local clinics, hospitals and practitioners, if there is a VA facility near you, you would be a stronger prospect than a non-vet.
Best,
Susana

Joel Carbon ⋅ Reston, VA ⋅ 25 years experience

John,

If you haven't used up your GI Bill yet, there are a lot of Yellow Ribbon schools with PTA programs, and the costs shouldn't bleed you dry to complete the program. It'll probably take you anywhere from 18 to 24 months to finish it, which isn't a long time, given the potential returns of having the education and training for what you want to do. I transferred my GI Bill to my son who completed the PTA program in 2013, and he's doing very well on his own.

BTW, I come from a family of professionals in the specialty you wish to get into, so I have a fairly good idea of where your plans will take you, should you choose to continue pursuing it.

Hope this gives you some perspective. Ping me directly if you need further mentorship or advice in this area.

Joel

ACP AdvisorNet Staff ⋅ New York, NY ⋅ 10 years experience

Hi John,

Thank you for your service! I think looking for a career in Physical Therapy is a great opportunity. Have you decided when you're going to begin school? If you already have your certification as a PT Aid, are there any opportunities for you to get a part-time job in that field while you return to school? You might also want to consider volunteering in the Physical Therapy field to gain experience while you attend school or look for a job!

If there is any specific advice that our advisors can help you with, please continue to post your questions here!

Best of Luck,
Chelsea
ACP AdvisorNet Staff