Becoming a physical therapist?

What is the overview of becoming a physical therapist for the military/air force/navy?

• I'm currently a freshman undergrad women who is majoring in Exercise Science/ Pre-Physical Therapy. Becoming a physical therapist for either the military, air force, or navy interest me a lot but I'm not exactly sure how it goes after I graduate. I'll obviously have to go to grad school, but do all of those programs pay for grad school if going into the field? Would I have to attend boot camp? Also, where would I most likely be working (in the US or out?) and would I have to move around a lot? After grad school and I do the required amount of years of work, could I just not do it anymore (like would they call me back)? I'm hoping to just do it for the required amount of time for some great experience (who knows, maybe i'll want to stay longer) but after wards just be a regular physical therapist. I am fairly new to this topic and have been researching a lot so hope you can answer at least some of my questions!

• Answer:

  you need at least the Masters in hand plus experience. they prefer about 2 years worth minimum. you would attend ODS( Navy term) for Direct Commission Officers. it is a truncated form of OCS.. usually only 6-8 weeks as opposed to 13. the military seldom if ever pays for medical school. you will owe as many as 5 years of Service and you cannot just quit afterward, you'd have to resign your commission. it MIGHT be possible to get all or part of your qualifying federal loans paid off though, Medical accessions tend to be the only Officer component that offers that perk. you could be stationed anywhere in the US or Overseas. you need to speak to a MEDICAL ACCESSIONS recruiter.. these are NOT the ones on the strip malls although they can put you in contact with one.