Military Physical Therapy Assistants
Military Career
General Information
Description
Physical therapy assistants support physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. Under the direction of a physical therapist and following medical referral, these specialists administer physical therapy to decrease physical disabilities and promote physical fitness of service members. They treat disease, injury, or deformity by physical methods such as massage, heat treatment, and therapeutic exercise, rather than by drugs or surgery.
Explore this career outside the MilitaryWork Environment
Physical therapy assistants work in hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers.
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
- Enlisted
- Hands-on/specialized
- High school diploma required
Military Workforce
Physical Therapy Assistants 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.
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Associate's degree 84%
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Bachelor's degree 14%
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High school 0%
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Some college 0%
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Master's degree 0%
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Doctoral degree 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
All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Physical therapy assistants in the Military will gain skills through classroom study, including practice in providing patient healthcare, and on-the-job experience. Job-specific training content may include: Anatomy, physiology, and psychologyMethods of therapy, including massage, electric therapy, and radiation therapyHandling and positioning of patientsPrinciples of rehabilitationPatient careWorking on a medical team
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
- Psychology
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
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