Physical Therapy Assistants (Enlisted)
Opportunities
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.
Training Provided
Physical therapy assistants in the Military will gain skills through classroom study, including practice in providing patient healthcare, and on-the-job experience.
- Anatomy, physiology, and psychology
- Methods of therapy, including massage, electric therapy, and radiation therapy
- Handling and positioning of patients
- Principles of rehabilitation
- Patient care
- Working on a medical team
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.
Earnings
Military pay and benefits are set by Congress, which normally grants a cost-of-living pay increase once each year. All members of the military receive "basic pay," which is the largest component of a member's pay. A member's grade (usually the same as rank) and years of service determines the amount of basic pay received. Enlisted members can progress through nine enlisted pay grades during their careers. In 2023, most enlisted personnel started as recruits at Grade E-1 ($23,011/year basic pay); however, those with special skills or above average education started as high as Grade E-4 ($30,042/year basic pay). In addition to pay, the military provides many of life's necessities, such as food, clothing, and housing, or pays allowances for them. Other benefits include health care, 30 days paid vacation, legal assistance, recreational programs, education assistance, and military store privileges.
Services offering this occupation
Army
Navy