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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Military Physical and Occupational Therapy Specialists

Median Salary
97,001
Workforce Count
481

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Physical and occupational therapy specialists assist physical and occupational therapists in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by the therapist. All of this is done with the goal of helping their patients regain strength and mobility.

What is the work environment like?

Physical and occupational therapy specialists work in hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers.

How many people have this role in the Military?

481

Compensation

Understanding How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary

Base pay is the standard income you’ll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.

  • Always fixed based on rank and service time.
  • Distributed monthly.
Learn More About Military Benefits

What is the typical salary range?

Salary by Years of Service

$120,689

2 Years

$95,911

6 Years

$120,689

10+ Years
Median Salary
97,001

Military Details

Is this a staff or leadership role?

Enlisted
Officer
Enlisted service members execute vital tasks, support operations alongside officers and develop role-specific skills to achieve mission success.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer Paths

What does the training for this role entail?

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 and occupational therapy specialists in the Military will gain skills through classroom study, including practice in providing patient healthcare, and on-the-job experience. Job-specific training may include:

  • Anatomy, physiology, and psychology
  • Methods of therapy, including massage, electric therapy, and radiation therapy
  • Handling and positioning of patients
  • Principles of rehabilitation
  • Patient care

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Master's degree

    86%

  • Bachelor's degree

    13%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Occupational Therapy/Therapist

Learn About How Military Can Pay for 100% of your College Degree

The Military has several programs that cover college costs — so you can pursue your education with little to no debt.
Learn More About Paying For College

Skills and Interest

What skills will set you up for success?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    High

  • Leadership

    High

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

What knowledge is essential to bring to the table?

  • Psychology
  • Therapy and Counseling
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Education and Training
  • Medicine and Dentistry

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Decision Making

    High

  • Time Pressure

    Mid

  • Responsibility

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Mid

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Low

  • Repetitiveness

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Social

You love connecting with people, helping others and making a difference in your community.

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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