u/Left_Cat_8816

I’ve seen some questions about this program and some very conflicting responses, so figured I would share and I am currently a student in this program.

Firstly, yes, you will be a part of the US Military (Army, Navy, or Air Force). There are 32 seats per class, with 24 belonging to the Army and 4 each to the Navy and Air Force. Prior service is welcome to apply.

Upon applying and being accepted, you will be joining the US Military as an active duty soldier. You will go through the typical MEPS sequence as all soldiers do. You will also go through direct commissioning and/or basic officer leadership courses prior to beginning the program (very watered down and easy to pass). The training is far from basic training - you will not get screamed at or anything remotely intense. You will be apart of the medical specialist corps in each respective branch.

What’s in it for you?

The moment you commission, you start making a full-time salary as an Active duty service member. That full-time salary on day 1 is comparable to an entry-level DPT salary that just graduated. I’ve received 3-4 raises and have promoted since beginning the program.

You also receive free healthcare coverage.

You can start saving and investing for retirement ASAP.

Your school is completely free. Your “repayment” is 5 years of service upon graduating from the program. Many people think this is a big deal, but you will be paying off loans way longer in the civilian sector.

You do not live on base unless you have dependents. You also receive a basic allowance for housing (BAH) as all service members do if they choose to live off base. It’s non-taxable and relative to the location you’re stationed in (Fort Sam Houston, Texas while receiving the didactic portion)

What does daily school look like?

The program is very intense, with 36 courses being completed in 17-18 months. You complete over 80 credit hours worth of educational training. However, the program prioritizes outpatient neuro musculoskeletal material as that is what you will mostly be practicing upon graduation. The program is located in JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, Texas. You will get reimbursed for moving expenses.

Currently, there is no mandatory unit physical training or readiness. Your education is the main priority at the school house. Your physical training is your personal job outside of class and studying

You are expected to wear the physical fitness uniform or duty uniforms for your respective branch.

You will have 2 physical training tests 1-2x per year depending on your branch. Sometimes you will attend a unit run or change of command ceremony (mostly for Army - only happened twice).

What does work look like after graduation?

You will be sent to a conventional military unit to be a PT at a base somewhere. You wear the service duty uniform, have an office, and do what a PT does.

Yes, there is the possibility of being deployed. Deployments have a bad rap but they can be very insightful. You basically still do a PT’s job from a different location, in a well controlled environment. It’s not like you’re in the front lines doing the dirty work - your job is to help people make it back to the front lines.

Unique PT priviliges

As a Physical Therapist in the military, you have the unique privilege of ordering imaging studies and prescribing certain medications. You’re considered a “physician extender.” This is one of the most autonomous positions a physical therapist can have.

Also, specialties like NCS/OCS/SCS pay an extra untaxed $8,000 per year and your study materials are covered.

All in all, it’s a free program where you make really good money and can maximize every aspect of a PT’s capabilities. The program really tested my limits. I questioned my abilities quite often, but I love the position I’m in and am super grateful to represent the program and US military

I’ve seen some questions about this program and some very conflicting responses, so figured I would share and I am currently a student in this program.

Firstly, yes, you will be a part of the US Military (Army, Navy, or Air Force). There are 32 seats per class, with 24 belonging to the Army and 4 each to the Navy and Air Force. Prior service is welcome to apply.

Upon applying and being accepted, you will be joining the US Military as an active duty soldier. You will go through the typical MEPS sequence as all soldiers do. You will also go through direct commissioning and/or basic officer leadership courses prior to beginning the program (very watered down and easy to pass). The training is far from basic training - you will not get screamed at or anything remotely intense. You will be apart of the medical specialist corps in each respective branch.

What’s in it for you?

The moment you commission, you start making a full-time salary as an Active duty service member. That full-time salary on day 1 is comparable to an entry-level DPT salary that just graduated. I’ve received 3-4 raises and have promoted since beginning the program.

You also receive free healthcare coverage.

You can start saving and investing for retirement ASAP.

Your school is completely free. Your “repayment” is 5 years of service upon graduating from the program. Many people think this is a big deal, but you will be paying off loans way longer in the civilian sector.

You do not live on base unless you have dependents. You also receive a basic allowance for housing (BAH) as all service members do if they choose to live off base. It’s non-taxable and relative to the location you’re stationed in (Fort Sam Houston, Texas while receiving the didactic portion)

What does daily school look like?

The program is very intense, with 36 courses being completed in 17-18 months. You complete over 80 credit hours worth of educational training. However, the program prioritizes outpatient neuro musculoskeletal material as that is what you will mostly be practicing upon graduation. The program is located in JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, Texas. You will get reimbursed for moving expenses.

Currently, there is no mandatory unit physical training or readiness. Your education is the main priority at the school house. Your physical training is your personal job outside of class and studying

You are expected to wear the physical fitness uniform or duty uniforms for your respective branch.

You will have 2 physical training tests 1-2x per year depending on your branch. Sometimes you will attend a unit run or change of command ceremony (mostly for Army - only happened twice).

What does work look like after graduation?

You will be sent to a conventional military unit to be a PT at a base somewhere. You wear the service duty uniform, have an office, and do what a PT does.

Yes, there is the possibility of being deployed. Deployments have a bad rap but they can be very insightful. You basically still do a PT’s job from a different location, in a well controlled environment. It’s not like you’re in the front lines doing the dirty work - your job is to help people make it back to the front lines.

Unique PT priviliges

As a Physical Therapist in the military, you have the unique privilege of ordering imaging studies and prescribing certain medications. You’re considered a “physician extender.” This is one of the most autonomous positions a physical therapist can have.

Also, specialties like NCS/OCS/SCS pay an extra untaxed $8,000 per year and your study materials are covered.

All in all, it’s a free program where you make really good money and can maximize every aspect of a PT’s capabilities. The program really tested my limits. I questioned my abilities quite often, but I love the position I’m in and am super grateful to represent the program and US military