Opportunities for PTAs on military bases?

I'm interested in working as a physical therapist assistant and was curious about job opportunities on military bases. What roles do PTAs play within the military, and how can I find these positions?

Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) can play an integral role in the military healthcare setting. On military bases, PTAs assist Physical Therapists in treating military personnel, veterans, and their families who have experienced physical injuries or other health conditions. This could be through helping with exercises, and treatments, and educating patients about how to manage their conditions.

In addition to the inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation facilities on the bases, PTAs may find opportunities in Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs), Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals, and specialized military medical centers.

Usually, to work as a PTA in the military, you'll need to have completed an accredited PTA program and have passed the National Physical Therapy Exam, similar to civilian PTAs. It's also worth noting that military healthcare professionals often need to meet certain fitness standards and other criteria not relevant to their civilian counterparts.

A lot of PTA positions in military facilities are civilian jobs, so you are not required to enlist. You can look for job postings on the USAJobs website, which is the United States Government's official website for Federal jobs and employment information. However, if you are interested in enlisting, the U.S. Army Medical Department (AMEDD) or the Air Force Medical Service (AFMS) have physical therapy programs, where you can serve as a Physical Therapist; direct PTA roles within the military for enlisted members aren't as common.

Please bear in mind that job availability can fluctuate and it's good to regularly check job posting websites or directly communicate with military healthcare recruitment offices for updated information.