If I become a Physical Therapist in Army, and I already have 12 years of service in the Army National Guard, can I become an O-4 after BOLC?

2017-11-10T00:45:16-05:00

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2017 9:38 PM

2017-11-25T21:38:56-05:00

As far as I know, no. If you attend the Baylor army DPT program (way #1 to be an army pt) you will start as a 2LT. They only take prior commissioned service into account, and even then you’d only start as an O2. If you get your DPT in the civilian side, you may come in as an O2 or O3, but I’m not sure on the criteria for that as they only take a couple from the civilian side per year. I am currently a student at the Baylor DPT program with a year prior service, so if you have more questions about it don’t hesitate to shoot me a message.

Response by SSG David Dickson made Jan 18 at 2018 6:54 AM

2018-01-18T06:54:48-05:00

Unless things have changed, I think you'd come in as an 01E Maybe 0-3E if they are treated like physicians.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 7 at 2018 10:39 AM

2018-04-07T10:39:09-04:00

NO- WHY. The highest I ever heard or saw anyone commissioning in was an 03. Once you commission, you normally re-start the promotion ladder, i.e.. 01, etc. Because of the degree/med field you might be bumped up a grade or even two- but 3- seriously doubt it- unless you were maybe a surgeon.

Response by MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2018 9:11 PM

2018-06-21T21:11:40-04:00

I commissioned as an O-3 with 2 years in grade credit. The rank and time in grade credit was for 15 years civilian experience as a PT and time in school for my DPT.

Response by MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2018 9:15 PM

2018-06-21T21:15:58-04:00

Most likely your pay would be adjusted for time in service. An O3 with 2 years of service vs an O3 with 10+ years of service make dramatically different earnings.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jun 22 at 2018 2:41 PM

2018-06-22T14:41:24-04:00

Do you meet the Criteria to become one?