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ARMY MEDICALSPECIALIST CORPSSo right from the start, you’ll enjoy the pay, prestige andprivileges that come with your rank — along with the manyprofessional benefits that only a system of this magnitudecan offer.WE’LL SCHOOL YOU IN ARMY WAYSYour first taste of Army life will come at Fort Sam Houston inSan Antonio, Texas. You will join other newly commissionedhealth care professionals from all over the country for theArmy Medical Department Officer Basic Leaders Course.As its name suggests, the basic course will familiarize youwith Army customs and traditions, prepare you to functioneffectively as an officer, and give you the confidence toassume major responsibilities as a member of the ArmyHealth Care Team.AN OFFICER IS A LEADERWhen you arrive at your first duty station, you will be givenpatient care responsibilities within your specialty. You willalso be called upon to lead and coordinate activities relatingto your specialty within a greater context — at times workingwith the civilian sector. Your professional life in the Army willbe very dynamic.OVERVIEWTHE ARMY HEALTH CARE TEAMPROFESSIONAL ADVANTAGESCongratulations on the career path you have chosen. Yournext choice will be almost as important — the selection of anenvironment in which to practice your skills as an occupationaltherapist, physical therapist, registered dietitian or physicianassistant. We believe that you will find the personal andprofessional rewards you are looking for if you pursue yourcareer in the Army.A GROWTH OPPORTUNITYWORLDWIDE HEALTH CAREOccupational therapists, physical therapists, registereddietitians and physician assistants work primarily in Armymedical centers, community hospitals, out-patient clinics,Troop Medical Clinics and field hospitals. These facilities arelocated throughout the United States, including Alaska andHawaii, as well as several locations overseas to include bothGermany and Korea.YOU START AS AN OFFICERUpon acceptance into the Army Medical Specialist Corps,you’ll be commissioned as a second lieutenant or given higherrank if warranted by your level of education or experience.RPI 576 FS, June 2011As a member of the Army Medical Specialist Corps, you’llexperience professional independence that would be hardto find anywhere else. Depending upon your specialty, youmay perform a range of functions from patient screening todeveloping and implementing programs of treatment for yourpatients in a diversity of settings and in concert with otherproviders. Your clinical and administrative duties will provideyou greater latitude and require increased responsibility ascompared with your civilian counterparts.You’ll have a continuing opportunity for higher educationwithin your field as a member of the Army Health Care Team.Our training programs, seminars and advanced courses giveyou a chance not only to learn, but also to help you qualify forteaching or research positions within your specialty.You can continue to expand your credentials through trainingin special procedures such as electromyography, manualtherapy, and musculoskeletal evaluation and treatment. Theseadditional skills will expand the scope of your professionalcapabilities and allow you to develop to your fullest potential.THERE’S STRONG. THEN THERE’S ARMY STRONG.Page 1
ARMY MEDICALSPECIALIST CORPSIn addition, your military assignments can lead toopportunities to work with people of all ages andbackgrounds in community health and health promotionprograms.EDUCATION ON THE JOBBy working with health care professionals in all specialties,you’ll get the benefits of a continuous on-the-jobeducation. There are also excellent opportunities such asseminars, workshops and classes in your specialty, alongwith meetings of relevant professional organizations.You could also become eligible for time off for continuingeducation programs at the university level. In many cases,the Army will pay your tuition.There’s even a studies program available to specialists inyour field. It’s the fully funded Long Term Health Educationand Training Program, which can help you obtain residencytraining, a master’s degree or a doctorate, as long asyour studies are in an area currently needed by the Armyand the Army Medical Specialist Corps. The Army maypay your tuition and expenses, and give you paid time offto study. To qualify, you must meet certain professionalcriteria and also agree to serve from two to five yearsafter you complete the program.ARMY STANDARDS ARE HIGHLike any major organization, the Army has certainregulations and procedures, but they won’t interfere withyour professional duties. Rather, the Army’s standardsassure you a high level of professionalism in your workingsituations.While on active duty, you may live comfortably on post in theArmy community, depending upon availability of quarters,or you may live off post and receive a housing allowance.Wherever you live, you can enjoy the convenient andeconomical shopping on post in the post exchange (departmentstore) and the commissary (grocery store).ENJOY YOUR FREE TIMEYour Army experience encompasses more than your workinghours. We know the value of having free time for yourself andyour family. The Army can’t guarantee a routine, eight-hourworkday for you, but you will earn 30 days of vacation with payeach year, starting the first year. That’s ample time to visitnew parts of the United States or the foreign country in whichyou are stationed, or to explore other countries you’ve neverseen. You’re even eligible for low-cost, space-available militaryflights.After work, take advantage of the leisure opportunitiesoffered on the installation where you are assigned. An Armyinstallation is a community, with many of the recreational,cultural and educational activities you’d expect to find ina midsize town. Most have theaters, bowling alleys andcommunity clubs. There are usually sports facilities, from golfcourses and tennis courts to swimming pools, fitness centersand game rooms to help you enjoy your free time.Consider all the professional advantages of serving as anofficer in the Army Medical Specialist Corps. Think aboutthe varied opportunities both you and your family can enjoy.Joining the Army Health Care Team as an occupationaltherapist, physical therapist, registered dietitian or physicianassistant can be an extremely rewarding decision.OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTSPERSONAL BENEFITSTHE TEAM APPROACH TO TREATMENTYOUR BENEFIT PACKAGEOccupational therapists in the Army treat clients with physical,psychosocial or developmental problems. You’ll set uptreatment programs designed to assist the client in achievingmaximum levels of independence.The uniform you wear in the Army Medical SpecialistCorps displays your officer rank and symbolizes thehigh professional standards you maintain as well as thepersonal benefits you enjoy in the Army, both tangible andintangible.Your starting salary is competitive with your civiliancounterparts and, as you gain more experience, you’llbe eligible for promotions with corresponding raises.You are also entitled to a comprehensive program ofbenefits, which enhances your income and makes yourfinancial position even more secure. The package includescomprehensive medical and dental care for you and costsharing programs for your family.The Army’s non-contributory retirement plan is anothervaluable benefit. It provides you with a steady retirementincome upon completion of 20 years of creditable service.Military members are also eligible to contribute to theThrift Savings Plan, a portable, retirement savings andinvestment plan similar to a 401(k).RPI 576 FS, June 2011On a typical day, your first client might require an upperextremity neuromusculoskeletal evaluation — while your nextclient may need counseling on stress management. Patience isalways a prerequisite, whether treating Soldiers with TraumaticBrain Injury, arthritic adults or Soldiers with combat stress.You’ll use your time, patience, skill and creativity working witha wide variety of cases in the clinic and the community. Armyoccupational therapists direct clients’ treatments through theuse of therapeutic activities; counseling, adaptive equipment,prevocational evaluation, adaptation and role competency,and other methods of rehabilitation, injury prevention andhealth promotion. Such scope in practice means you might findyourself leading a group therapy session for drug or alcoholrehabilitation, teaching someone to feed himself or herself,conducting an ergonomic work site analysis, or supervisingwork reintegration activities for Wounded Warriors.THERE’S STRONG. THEN THERE’S ARMY STRONG.Page 2
ARMY MEDICALSPECIALIST CORPSTo assure the best overall care, Army occupationaltherapists work closely with physicians, psychiatrists,physical therapists, social workers and other health careprofessionals involved in their client’s rehabilitation.If your goal is to move from clinical work into teaching orresearch, you will have every opportunity to reach thatgoal. Army occupational therapists are eligible to apply forfully-funded educational opportunities awarding mastersand doctorate degrees in areas such as mental health,education, hand rehabilitation, ergonomics and health careadministration.You are 21-41 years old (applicants age 42 and over are noteligible).You are a U.S. citizen.Have a favorable security investigation completed.Meet the medical fitness standards for appointment as acommissioned officer.Obtain conditional release prior to processing if currentlyserving in any branch of the uniformed services.QUALIFIED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST APPOINTMENTSSTUDENT APPOINTMENTSThe U.S. Army-Baylor University Doctor of Science Programin Occupational Therapy (DScOT) is a program where you’llreceive a DScOT from Baylor University. This Program isdesigned to provide selected officers commissioned in theUniformed Services with knowledge of the skills, duties,responsibilities, and ethics of an occupational therapist andto provide those concepts, principles and methods that willstimulate the continuous personal and professional growthof these officers.This fully paid, dynamic 18-month course includesdidactics, residencies, and a clinical research project.First, students focus on enhancing their clinical knowledgeand then they integrate hands-on clinical practice in theresidencies. Areas of emphasis include behavioral health,amputee rehabilitation, burn and trauma rehabilitation,traumatic brain injury, ergonomics, and upper extremityneuromusculoskeletal evaluation and treatment. Theprogram culminates with an original research projectsuitable for submission to a peer-reviewed journal as well asfor presentation at national level conferences. If selected,you’ll be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the ArmyMedical Specialist Corps, and will receive the full pay andallowances of an officer during the program. You’ll train atSan Antonio Military Medical Center and the Center For TheIntrepid –world renowned Army healthcare and researchfacilities in San Antonio, Texas. When your course work iscompleted, you will begin practicing your profession in anArmy hospital.You’re eligible to apply for the U.S. Army-Baylor UniversityDoctor of Science Program in Occupational Therapy if you:Possess a bachelors or masters degree in OT. If applicantdoes not have a masters degree in OT, he/she must haveat least 9 post-professional clinical credits (postOT degree).Have attained a minimum overall undergraduategrade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and a 3.0 inprerequisites.Submit a current Graduate Record Examination with apreferable composite score of 1000.RPI 576 FS, June 2011You’re eligible for a direct appointment as an Armyoccupational therapist if you meet the following criteria:You have a baccalaureate or master’s degree in occupationaltherapy from a U.S.-accredited school or a baccalaureatedegree followed by a certificate program in occupationaltherapy.You have successfully completed your fieldwork experience.You have worked full-time as an occupational therapist fornot less than six months in the one-year period precedingappointment, or you’ve become professionally qualifiedwithin the one-year period preceding appointment.You’re certified as an occupational therapist by the NationalBoard for Certification in Occupational Therapy.You possess a current, valid, unrestricted state license.You meet the prescribed professional, physical and ethicalstandards for appointment as a commissioned officer.You have a favorable security investigation completed.You are 21-41 years old (applicants age 42 and over are noteligible for active duty service except through the OfficerAccession Pilot Program which limits service to two years).Applicants age 42 and over may apply for Reserve servicewith an approved waiver.You’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (Applicants mustbe U.S. citizens to apply for Active duty).PHYSICAL THERAPISTSKEEPING THE SOLDIERS FITIf you like the challenge of thinking independently, makingdecisions and handling a varied range of autonomousresponsibilities in a number of clinical settings, you’ll findthem in the Army — a full spectrum of opportunities that areboth professionally and personally rewarding. Army physicaltherapists are nationally recognized as leaders in evidencebased clinical practice, education and research. You will alsohave the opportunity to serve as a valuable consultant in theareas of injury prevention, performance improvement andrehabilitation.THERE’S STRONG. THEN THERE’S ARMY STRONG.Page 3
ARMY MEDICALSPECIALIST CORPSOf course, your primary responsibility will include thediagnosis and management of your patients. But your rolein that process is more critical than you might expect. Inthe Army, you’ll use the latest best evidence in all phases ofpatient care. You might begin by examining and diagnosingnew patients with or without a physician referral for avariety of orthopedic problems. You’ll either refer them to aphysician or most likely prescribe and implement a carefullydesigned rehabilitation program of physical therapy.You’ll supervise physical therapy technicians and will beresponsible for their clinical training.The Army has developed Centers of Excellence for AmputeeCare at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and San AntonioMilitary Medical Center. Sports Medicine is the focus at U.S.Army West Point Academy, where there is a Sports MedicineResidency training program for physical therapists. Burnand Wound Care is the specialty at the Institute of SurgicalResearch at Fort Sam Houston. All of these facilities provideopportunities for you to develop specialization skills as anArmy physical therapist. There are even opportunities toteach or perform research as a physical therapist in theArmy. Research for Army medicine is performed at the U.S.Army Institute of Environmental Medicine as well as at theCenter for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine. Inaddition to clinical teaching opportunities at most of theArmy medical centers, formal teaching opportunities existat the AMEDD Center and School at Fort Sam Houston. Withmany options to tailor your career as an Army physicaltherapist, you will be both professionally and personallychallenged.Your Army practice could involve you with amputee careat one end of the spectrum — or the rapidly expanding fieldof sports medicine at the other. In fact, because the Armyemphasizes physical fitness for all Soldiers, assignment toour state-of-the-art sports medicine facility at West Pointis increasingly popular among Army physical therapists.Or if you are especially interested in the aftercare of burninjuries, it is reasonable to expect to spend time at BrookeArmy Medical Center, world-famous for pioneer work in burntherapy.If teaching or research is your goal, you will be encouragedto fulfill it in the Army. Whether your practice isconcentrated in the classroom, the lab or clinic, you mightbe called upon to work with local civilian communityeducation programs. The expertise of Army physicaltherapists is extremely valuable in working with physiciansin areas such as orthopedics, neurology, family practice andpediatrics.Whichever career path you choose in Army physical therapy,it will be both personally and professionally satisfying andrewarding.This fully paid 27-month course includes basic and medicalsciences, clinical subjects and administration procedures,patient treatment, clinical work, ward rounds, and professionalconferences. The emphasis is on individual guidance andinstruction. If selected, you’ll be commissioned as a SecondLieutenant in the Army Medical Specialist Corps, and willreceive the full pay and allowances of an officer during theprogram. When your course work is completed, you will beginpracticing your profession in an Army hospital.You’re eligible to apply for the U.S. Army-Baylor UniversityDoctoral Program in Physical Therapy if you:Possess a baccalaureate degree or are in the final semesterprior to receiving a degree with satisfactory completionof prerequisite courses to include : Biology, Anatomy,Physiology, Chemistry, Physics, Behavioral Sciences andStatistics.Have no more than two prerequisites remaining to completeat the time of the selection board.Have attained a minimum overall undergraduate gradepoint average of 3.1 on a 4.0 scale and a 3.1 in the requiredprerequisites.Receive a minimum cumulative score of 1000 on the verbaland quantitative sections of the Aptitude Test of theGraduate Record Examination. Must also receive a minimumscore of 450 in the verbal portion.You are 21-41 years old (applicants age 42 and over are noteligible).You are a U.S. citizen.Have a favorable security investigation completed.Meet the medical fitness standards for appointment as acommissioned officer.Obtain conditional release prior to processing if currentlyserving in any branch of the uniformed services.QUALIFIED PHYSICAL THERAPIST APPOINTMENTSYou’re eligible for a direct appointment as an Army physicaltherapist if you meet the following criteria:You have a degree in physical therapy from a U.S.-accreditedprogram or have a baccalaureate degree followed by acertificate program in physical therapy.STUDENT APPOINTMENTSThe U.S. Army-Baylor University Doctoral Program inPhysical Therapy is a program where you’ll receive a Doctorof Physical Therapy degree from Baylor University. ThenRPI 576 FS, June 2011you’ll be fully qualified to follow either a military or civiliancareer in physical therapy after fulfilling your initial obligation.This Program is designed to provide selected officerscommissioned in the Uniformed Services with knowledge of theskills, duties, responsibilities, and ethics of a physical therapistand to provide those concepts, principles and methods that willstimulate the continuous personal and professional growth ofthese officers.You are 21-41 years old (applicants over age 42 may requestan age waiver for Reserve service only).THERE’S STRONG. THEN THERE’S ARMY STRONG.Page 4
ARMY MEDICALSPECIALIST CORPSYou have worked full-time as a physical therapist for notless than six months in the one-year period precedingappointment, or you’ve become professionally qualifiedwithin the one-year period preceding appointment.You possess a current, valid, unrestricted state license.You meet the prescribed professional, physical andethical standards for appointment as a commissionedofficer.You have a favorable security investigation completed.You’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. (Applicantsmust be U.S. citizens to apply for Active duty).REGISTERED DIETITIANSA CAREER IN DIETETICSAn Army dietitian is the nutrition expert. Clinical practicein outpatient and inpatient settings is vital in keepingSoldiers, their family members and military retirees healthy.As a clinical dietitian, you are an integral part of the healthcare team, working with other professionals in diabetes,oncology, cardiology, renal medicine, critical care and otherspecialties. Duties include provision of medical nutritiontherapy (MNT) and health promotion such as nutritionrisk screening, nutrition assessment, patient rounds,consultation services, discharge planning and nutritioneducation.Army dietitians face a wide variety of challenges andopportunities. They advocate optimal nutrition throughawareness campaigns, health fairs, education andconsultation. They conduct research supported by thelocal clinical investigations department. They participatein humanitarian missions at home or abroad. Theymanage food service systems including all aspects of foodpreparation and service such as sanitation, safety, personneland financial management.As a member of the Army health care team you will improveyour management and leadership skills. Professionaldevelopment is an important part of your job. You will beprovided opportunities to attend conferences, lectures andseminars.Whatever your area of interest, as an Army dietitian,you can look forward to steady growth in responsibility,professional expertise and personal satisfaction.STUDENT APPOINTMENTSThe Graduate Program in Nutrition has three primary focusareas: Clinical/Medical Nutrition Therapy; Nutrition andPhysical Performance; and International Nutrition. As adietetic intern, you will be provided comprehensive trainingand experiences as a generalist dietitian to assume diverseresponsibilities. You will work in a full range of practicesettings. You will practice your clinical skills as part of ahealth care team for inpatient and outpatient care. You willlearn the management and administration of a food serviceoperation in support of patients and customers. You willhave many opportunities to practice community nutritionand health promotion. Dietetic interns are afforded manyopportunities for professional development and leadership.At the start of the program, you will be commissionedas a second lieutenant with the full pay, allowances andprivileges of that rank. When you complete the internship,you will receive a Master’s Degree in Nutrition and beeligible to take the exam to become a Registered Dietitian.You’re eligible to apply for a commission and the GraduateProgram in Nutrition if you:Have graduated from or are in your last semester ofa didactic program in dietetics from a U.S.-accreditedcollege or university.Have verification of completion of the Didactic Programin Dietetics.Have minimum Graduate Record Exam scores of 1000(combined verbal and quantitative) and minimum 3.5analytical writing score.You are 21-41 years old (applicants age 42 and over arenot eligible).Have minimum overall and prerequisite GPAs of 3.0.Are a U.S. citizen.Meet medical and physical standards.Have a favorable security investigation completed.QUALIFIED DIETITIAN APPOINTMENTSThe Graduate Program in Nutrition is a 20-month programthat includes both a Masters Degree program and a DieteticInternship. The Program is conducted in two phases. Phase1 consists of didactic coursework for the Masters Degreeand Phase 2 consists of the internship and research. BaylorUniversity is the sponsor for the Masters Degree and theinternship (supervised practice) is accredited through theAmerican Dietetic Association.RPI 576 FS, June 2011The U.S. Military Dietetic Internship Consortium isresponsible for preparing dietitians for current and futuremilitary roles through supervised practice consistentwith the Standards of Education for the Commission onAccreditation for Dietetics Education of the AmericanDietetic Association. Army internship training sites aremilitary hospitals located in San Antonio, Texas, Washington,D.C. and Tacoma, Wash.Fully qualified dietitians are eligible to apply forappointment in the Army Medical Specialist Corps. You’reeligible for a direct commission as an Army dietitian ifyou have a baccalaureate degree or higher from a U.S.accredited school and meet these criteria:THERE’S STRONG. THEN THERE’S ARMY STRONG.Page 5
ARMY MEDICALSPECIALIST CORPSYou are a Registered Dietitian.Have at least a baccalaureate degree.You possess a valid, current, unrestricted state license.You are 21 to 41 years of age (applicants age 42 and overmay request an age waiver for Reserve service only).Be a graduate of a training program accredited by theAccreditation Review Commission on Education for thePhysician Assistant.You’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (Applicantsmust be U.S. citizens to apply for Active duty).Be certified by the National Commission on Certificationof Physician Assistants.You meet the prescribed professional, physical, andethical standards for appointment as a commissionedofficer.Be employed as a Physician Assistant if you completedyour PA training more than one year ago.You have a favorable security investigation completed.You have worked full-time as a registered dietitianfor not less than six months in the one-year periodpreceding appointment.Meet the prescribed professional, physical and ethicalstandards for appointment as a commissioned officer.Have a favorable security investigation completed.Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (Applicants mustbe U.S. citizens to apply for Active Duty).PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTSBENEFITS THAT GO BEYONDMORE OPTIONS. MORE RESPONSIBILITY.By choosing to be in the Army Medical Specialist Corps,you’ll be able to see and do extraordinary things. You’llalso discover a whole new circle of friends and professionalcontacts who share many of your standards and goals, afact that makes it easy to forge lifelong friendships andprofessional connections that will help you throughout yourcareer.In recent years, the role of the Army Physician Assistant(PA) has become critical. This is due in part because Armyphysicians have come to rely on PAs more to assist themwith their ever increasing patient loads and health careresponsibilities.Army PAs are qualified to practice under the supervision oflicensed physicians, working side by side with them, buildinga relationship of mutual trust and respect. The Army givesPAs a wide range of opportunities beyond those availableto their civilian counterparts. Besides enjoying a greaterdegree of responsibility and freedom, Army PAs are activein every aspect of patient care. PAs practice in both clinicaland field settings. Army PAs primarily instruct medics intheir unit, but teaching opportunities in the InterservicePhysician Assistant Training Program are available for thosewho qualify.Army PAs are versatile and practice medicine everywherefrom high-tech clinics to field hospitals in support ofInfantry, Armor and Airborne divisions. As a PhysicianAssistant in the Army, you’ll perform evaluations, diagnoseand treat acute and chronic illnesses, as well as medicaland traumatic emergencies. You’ll also have a wide rangeof opportunities available to you, including family practice,surgery, internal medicine and aviation medicine. Inaddition, as a PA in the Army, you’ll be eligible for fullyfunded postgraduate education in areas like orthopedics,emergency medicine, surgery, occupational medicine andaviation medicine.There are also numerous masters and doctoral programsavailable. There are no better professional opportunities forthe PA than in the Army.QUALIFIED PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT APPOINTMENTSTo be a Physician Assistant in the Army, you must:Be 21 to 41 years of age (applicants age 42 and over mayrequest an age waiver for Reserve service only).RPI 576 FS, June 2011You’ll receive all the privileges that come with being anofficer, as well as many benefits. Benefits such as thefreedom to use the Army’s wide variety of recreationalfacilities, including golf courses, fitness centers, swimmingpools and theaters — and time away from work so you cantake advantage of them.Additional benefits and privileges come with being amember of the Army Health Care Team. Some of theminclude the following:Being a commissioned officer upon entry.Travel and new assignments.Low- or no-cost medical and dental benefits.Low-cost life insurance.Post exchange (department store) and commissary(grocery store) shopping privileges.30 days of leave with pay earned annually.No-cost, on-post housing or a housing allowance.Retirement benefits, plusThrift Savings Plan — an additional mobile retirementsavings and investment fund similar to a 401(k).YOUR NEXT STEPThe challenging responsibilities in your health carespecialty, ongoing opportunities to further your educationand valuable personal benefits are compelling reasons tojoin the Army Health Care Team.THERE’S STRONG. THEN THERE’S ARMY STRONG.Page 6
ARMY MEDICALSPECIALIST CORPSAs a member of the Army Health Care Team, you’ll enjoythe deep satisfaction of performing a vital service for yourcountry. And you’ll experience the particular feeling of pridethat comes when you wear the uniform of an officer in theArmy.Whether you’re just completing college or have alreadyspent some time in practice, this could be your mostworthwhile career decision.For additional information on any of the specialty programs,contact your local Army Health Care recruiter or call1-800-USA-ARMY or visit healthcare.goarmy.com.RPI 576 FS, June 2011THERE’S STRONG. THEN THERE’S ARMY STRONG.Page 7
QUALIFIED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST APPOINTMENTS You're eligible for a direct appointment as an Army occupational therapist if you meet the following criteria: You have a baccalaureate or master's degree in occupational therapy from a U.S.-accredited school or a baccalaureate degree followed by a certificate program in occupational therapy.
