Military Physical Therapists
Military Career
General Information
Description
Physical therapists examine patients and develop a plan using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. They provide therapeutic exercises and manual therapy techniques, such as joint and soft tissue mobilization, or treatments such as ultrasound, taping, or electrical stimulation. Additionally, they teach patients how to prevent or manage their conditions so they will achieve long-term health benefits.
Explore this career outside the MilitaryWork Environment
Physical therapists work in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, and other medical facilities.
Workplace at a Glance
What you can expect to experience while on the job
- Responsibility
- Exposure to job hazards
- Physical activity
- Decision making
- Repetitiveness
- Level of competition
- Time pressure
Comparable Industries
- Health Science
Military Outlook
Service Branches
Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
Air Force
Coast Guard
Space ForceMilitary Status
- Officer
- Managerial/professional
- College degree required
Military Workforce
Physical Therapists in the Military
487
Salary
Salary Information
Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
$85,836
Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location. Learn more about Military benefits.
$31,064 - $198,543
What makes up a Military salary?
Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.
They also offer:
- Housing allowances
- Subsistence allowances
- Special and incentive pays
- Cost-of-living allowances
- Hazardous-duty pay
- Bonuses
Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator
Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits
Education
Most Common Education Levels
People in this career achieve this level of education.
-
Doctoral degree 47%
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Master's degree 38%
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Bachelor's degree 8%
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Associate's degree 6%
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High school 0%
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Some college 0%
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Post baccalaureate 0%
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Less than high school 0%
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Post-doctoral training 0%
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Post-master's certificate 0%
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First professional degree 0%
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Post-secondary certificate 0%
Military training
Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Job training for physical therapists primarily consists of on-the-job learning in various training environments. Physical therapists often have the opportunity to teach, research, and learn at various health education programs. Like other officers working in healthcare, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, orientation to military structure, healthcare and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development.
Read MoreSkills at a Glance
Skills helpful in this career
- Verbal skills
- Critical thinking & problem solving
- Equipment operation & maintenance
- Math & science skills
- Technology design & control
- Leadership
Related College Majors
Select major to see colleges that offer it
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- Therapy and Counseling
- Psychology
- Education and Training
- Medicine and Dentistry
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