Army MOS · Medical
68F Physical Therapy Specialist
Overview
A Physical Therapy Specialist administers or supervises physical therapy under the direction of a physical therapist and following a medical referral. The specialist works to decrease patients' physical disabilities and promote their physical fitness.
Core Skills
- patient intake and assessment support
- electronic medical record (EMR) data entry
- treatment plan documentation
- basic anatomy and kinesiology knowledge
- rehabilitation exercise instruction
- vital signs monitoring and documentation
- HIPAA and patient privacy compliance
- infection control and safety procedures
- patient education and coaching
- interdisciplinary team communication
Civilian Software & Tools
- eClinicalWorks EHR software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
Civilian Career Paths
- Rehabilitation
- Clinical Technician
- Nursing
Training & Development
Getting Started
- Tactical Strength and Conditioning-Facilitator (TSAC-F)
- Certified Personal Trainer (ACE-CPT) · Funded · Promotion points
- Certified Special Population Specialist (CSPS)
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) · Funded · Promotion points
- Physical Therapy Technician/Aide Certification (PTTC)
Career Growth
- National Physical Therapist Assistant Examination (NPTAE)
- Certified Strength Training Specialist (CSTS): Recertification Only · Funded · Promotion points
- Board Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (BCTMB)
- Certified CrossFit Trainer (CCFT)
- Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx)
What the Work Involves
- Instruct, motivate, safeguard, and assist patients as they practice exercises or functional activities.
- Document patient information, such as notes on their progress.
- Observe patients during treatments to compile and evaluate data on their responses and progress and provide results to physical therapist in person or through progress notes.
- Instruct patients in proper body mechanics and in ways to improve functional mobility, such as aquatic exercise.
- Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.
Related Occupations
- Physical Therapist Aides
- Occupational Therapy Assistants
- Occupational Therapy Aides
- Psychiatric Technicians
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: vocational training or an associate degree.
Equivalent Roles in Other Branches
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
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