How do I move from enlisted 13R to physical therapist?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Mar 2021 16:43:29 -0500

I am currently an active duty 13R in the Army. I was previously a physical therapist and am actively licensed as a physical therapist. I want to be an active duty physical therapist in the army and am looking for any advice suggestions contact's etc that anyone knows of and is willing to share. I already have a doctorate in physical therapy and a current valid state license to practice but don't know where and who to talk to to get the process going or if that is even an option for me, any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2021 5:01 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Mar 2021 17:01:50 -0500

If you're a 13R you should have a secret clearance, as long as you are an American Citizen you can request a direct Commission into AMEDD. I'm guessing that you can't though because it would be extremely off for a recruiter to have a fully qualified PT who is eligible for direct Commission, to have them enlist instead. If you are/were fully qualified to be an officer in the US Military you can contact AMEDD recruiting about doing a direct Commission and you'll be granted a commission with your rank determined by your experience in your field. If, as I suspect, you're not completely qualified to be an officer then you cannot be a physical therapist in the Army.

Quick rundown of what you'd need to be eligible:
Citizen of US or Authorized Territories
110 GT
Secret Clearance
No moral / legal disqualifications
Pass a commissioning physical
Age limit (waiverable)
Hold appropriate degree level and current license/registration for your skill in one of the States

If you were actually 100% qualified to direct Commission as a PT when you enlisted, then that was a huge screw up on some recruiters part

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2021 10:40 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Mar 2021 22:40:17 -0500

You would need to speak with an AMEDD recruiter. You would need to submit a packet to the medical service corps board which usually meets in October I believe but can meet month to month if there are open slots. You would need to be approved by the board and then they can get scroll approval and commission you. I am unsure if they can just transfer you from enlisted to officer or if you have to finish out your enlisted contract. We had a few medical service corps officers or nursing corps officers in DCC with me who had been enlisted and switched to officer. Some were going through the army nursing school program, some through the social work program, some through IPAP, and some for physical therapy army program. Not sure how that part works.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Mar 14 at 2021 1:01 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sun, 14 Mar 2021 01:01:54 -0500

Response by CDR Terry Boles made Mar 14 at 2021 7:02 PM

CDR Terry Boles — Sun, 14 Mar 2021 19:02:31 -0400

I know for a while the Baylor program was the only way you could commission in the Army. If all else fails you can try for release from Army and commission Navy, Air Force through an inter service method. IF possible you’d initiate conversation with their service medical recruiter. I suppose worse case, ask for early discharge and apply as a civilian.

Good luck there DPT!