MOS 68F Physical Therapy Specialist

MOS Description

The Physical Therapy Specialist, under the direction of a physical therapist and following medical referral, supervises or administers physical therapy to decrease physical disabilities and promotes physical fitness of patients. For more information on MOS 68F, see this Army website.

National Certifications

You selected Early Career—this applies to Soldiers in paygrades E1-E4. To help you focus on the credentials most appropriate for early in your career, the certification list has been filtered to only show Skill Level 1 certifications that are eligible for promotion points. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.

Obtaining credentials related to your MOS helps improve your professionalism and may award promotion points. They also help prepare you for civilian employment for when you do transition out.

You selected Mid-Career-- this applies to Soldiers in paygrades E4-E6. To help you focus on credentials most applicable to this phase in your career, the certification list has been filtered to only show Skill Level 2 and 3 certifications that are eligible for promotion points. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.

Obtaining credentials related to your MOS helps improve your professionalism and may award promotion points. They also help prepare you for civilian employment for when you do transition out.

You chose Late Career-- this applies to Soldiers in paygrades E7-E9. To help you focus on credentials most applicable to this phase in your career, the certification list has been filtered to only show Skill Level 4 and 5 certifications that are eligible for promotion points. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.

Obtaining credentials related to your MOS helps improve your professionalism and may award promotion points. They also help prepare you for civilian employment for when you do transition out.

You chose Transitioning-- this applies to Soldiers who are not reenlisting and are planning their next steps. To help you focus on the most applicable credentials, the certification list has been filtered to only show in-demand credentials that are GI Bill approved. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.

Obtaining a credential can help prepare you for civilian employment, and can demonstrate knowledge and skills in a way civilian employers understand. Explore your funding options to learn what may be covered and what you may have to pay for out of pocket.

As a transitioning Soldier, you may also want to visit the Army's Soldier for Life - Transition Assistance Program for other guidance regarding re-entering the civilian workforce.

You chose Promotion-Seeking-- this applies to Soldiers who plan to stay in the Army and who are actively working on advancement. To help you focus on the most applicable credentials, the certification list has been filtered to only show certifications with promotion points that are related to Most or Some of the skills and training gained in your MOS. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.

Obtaining credentials related to your MOS helps improve your professionalism and may award promotion points. They also help prepare you for civilian employment for when you do transition out.

You chose Veteran-- veterans are any former Service member who has been discharged from active duty military service. To help you focus on the most applicable credentials, the certification list has been filtered to show in-demand credentials that are GI Bill approved. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.

COOL does not pay for credentialing exams for veterans, but you may be able to get your credential funded through the GI Bill. Explore your funding options to see what funding may be available to you. Also, visit our page of Related Sites and expand the Resource Sites For Veterans section to see what other resources may be available to you

The following civilian credentials are related to MOS 68F. These credentials may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these credentials, click on the credential title below.

For supervisory and managerial credentials, please refer to the Manager (All enlisted E-5 and above) page.

Compare Credential Agency Related As CA Eligible Attainability Promotion Points Skill Level Star Gap Analysis GI Bill® Accreditation ID
Certified Personal Trainer (ACSM-CPT) In DemandIs In Demand American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) someSome CA EligibleCA Eligible mediummedium Promotion PointsPromotion Points IISkill Level II:     GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP) In DemandIs In Demand American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible   Promotion PointsPromotion Points       GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP) Is Not In Demand American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible   Promotion PointsPromotion Points       GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Health Coach Certification Is Not In Demand American Council on Exercise (ACE) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible   Promotion PointsPromotion Points       GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Certified Personal Trainer (ACE-CPT) In DemandIs In Demand American Council on Exercise (ACE) someSome CA EligibleCA Eligible highhigh Promotion PointsPromotion Points IISkill Level II:     GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Physical Therapy Specialist Certification Is Not In Demand American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible   Promotion PointsPromotion Points       GI BillGI Bill  
Geriatric Physical Therapy Specialist Certification Is Not In Demand American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible   Promotion PointsPromotion Points       GI BillGI Bill  
Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Specialist Certification Is Not In Demand American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible   Promotion PointsPromotion Points       GI BillGI Bill  
Pediatric Physical Therapy Specialist Certification Is Not In Demand American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible   Promotion PointsPromotion Points       GI BillGI Bill  
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Is Not In Demand National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, Inc. otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible   Promotion PointsPromotion Points          
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) Is Not In Demand National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) mostMost CA EligibleCA Eligible mediummedium Promotion PointsPromotion Points IISkill Level II:     GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT) Is Not In Demand National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) mostMost CA EligibleCA Eligible mediummedium Promotion PointsPromotion Points IISkill Level II:     GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
National Physical Therapist Examination (NPTE) Is Not In Demand Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible   Promotion PointsPromotion Points       GI BillGI Bill  
National Physical Therapist Assistant Examination (NPTAE) Is Not In Demand Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) mostMost CA EligibleCA Eligible highhigh Promotion PointsPromotion Points IISkill Level II: Star credentialStar   GI BillGI Bill  
Certified Medical Exercise Specialist (ACE-CMES) Is Not In Demand American Council on Exercise (ACE) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible   Promotion PointsPromotion Points       GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Certified Personal Trainer (NFPT-CPT) In DemandIs In Demand National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible   Promotion PointsPromotion Points       GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT) In DemandIs In Demand National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible   Promotion PointsPromotion Points       GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT) Is Not In Demand Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible   Promotion PointsPromotion Points         AccreditationAccreditation
Board Certified Coach (BCC) Is Not In Demand Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible   Promotion PointsPromotion Points          
Strength and Conditioning Coach Certified (SCCC) In DemandIs In Demand Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association (CSCCa) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible   Promotion PointsPromotion Points         AccreditationAccreditation
Certified Personal Trainer (PTAG-CPT) Is Not In Demand PTA Global otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible   Promotion PointsPromotion Points         AccreditationAccreditation
Tactical Strength and Conditioning-Facilitator (TSAC-F) Is Not In Demand National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) mostMost CA EligibleCA Eligible mediummedium Promotion PointsPromotion Points IISkill Level II:       AccreditationAccreditation
Certified Personal Trainer (ACTION-CPT) Is Not In Demand ACTION someSome CA EligibleCA Eligible mediummedium Promotion PointsPromotion Points IISkill Level II:       AccreditationAccreditation
Certified CrossFit Trainer (CCFT) Is Not In Demand CrossFit someSome CA EligibleCA Eligible highhigh Promotion PointsPromotion Points IIISkill Level III:       AccreditationAccreditation
Certified Personal Trainer Level 1 (CPT-Level 1) Is Not In Demand World Instructor Training Schools (WITS) someSome CA EligibleCA Eligible mediummedium Promotion PointsPromotion Points IISkill Level II:       AccreditationAccreditation
Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT-LANA) Is Not In Demand Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) someSome CA EligibleCA Eligible mediummedium Promotion PointsPromotion Points IISkill Level II:       AccreditationAccreditation
Certified Special Population Specialist (CSPS) Is Not In Demand National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) mostMost CA EligibleCA Eligible   Promotion PointsPromotion Points IISkill Level II:        
Oncology Physical Therapy Specialist Certification Is Not In Demand American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible   Promotion PointsPromotion Points          
Physical Therapy Technician/Aide Certification (PTTC) Is Not In Demand American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) mostMost CA EligibleCA Eligible highhigh Promotion PointsPromotion Points IISkill Level II:   Gap AnalysisGap Analysis    
Certified User Experience Professional (CUXP) Is Not In Demand Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics (BCPE) someSome CA EligibleCA Eligible mediummedium Promotion PointsPromotion Points IISkill Level II:        

State Licensure

Some states have specific licensing requirements for the following related civilian occupations. These state licenses may require additional education, training or experience. Click on the occupation below to get more information on state requirements from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Related Civilian Occupations

The following civilian occupations are similar to the duties performed by MOS 68F-Physical Therapy Specialist. These occupations may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these occupations, click on the civilian occupation below. To search for related civilian job opportunities, go to the Veteran’s Employment Center.

Civilian Job Duties Matched Bright Outlook Registered Apprenticeship Local Salary Info
Physical Therapist Aides mostMost Bright OutlookBright Outlook  Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Physical Therapist Assistants mostMost Bright OutlookBright Outlook    find local salaryfind local salary

Other Career Considerations

A wide range of civilian job opportunities is available within the private and public sectors that align with MOS 68F Physical Therapy Specialist military training and experience. More information about these opportunities and other considerations concerning occupations related to MOS 68F can be found below.

METC Degree Partners

Degree Programs that Give Special Consideration for METC Training

A number of civilian colleges have developed degree programs that give special consideration, in a variety of ways, for the training received by Service members at the Medical Education and Training Campus (METC) in San Antonio, Texas. The intent of these programs is to make it possible for Service members and Veterans to complete degree programs in disciplines that relate to their healthcare training and experience, as quickly as possible. These programs can enable Service members and Veterans to respond to the increasing trend toward degree requirements for civilian healthcare occupations. Degree completion programs are offered by civilian colleges in a total of 26 states, with the overwhelming majority of these programs offered by colleges in Texas. Go to the METC website to identify the programs by city and state, and by school and degree program.

In addition to obtaining certifications in your field, advanced education is another way to enhance job performance.

Continuing Education

Enlisted Soldiers and Warrant Officers can review Associate and Bachelor degrees in their assigned military discipline, technical field, or leadership to assist in a clear pathway to completing a degree.

For help in making informed choices on schools and education programs when using tuition assistance, see:

Top
This is an official U.S. Army websiteUpdated: February 26, 2021

In Demand

This certification is considered in demand. The U.S. Department of Labor sponsored CareerOneStop's analysis indicates the certification is frequently mentioned in online job postings.

Click for external link to CareerOneStop's Credentials Center.

Skill Level

The Skill Level reflects the level, based on MOS training and/or experience, the Soldier should be the most prepared to successfully earn the credential. See the Table Legend for details about each level.

Star

Star credentials are MOS enhancing, as designated by the Proponent. MOS enhancing credentials are directly related to an MOS or ASI, are taught either partially or completely as part of a Program of Instruction (POI), and improves the MOS technical proficiency.

Mandatory

This credential is mandatory for some Soldiers, see the Mandated Certifications tab for more information.

Proponent Funded

Indicates the credential may have funding through the MOS proponent. Some proponents offer credentialing opportunities in conjunction with military training and/or as part of MOS development beyond the training base. Click here for more information.

CA Eligible

This certification is eligible for CA.

Promo Points

This credential has been approved for promotion points. Click for more information.

Gap Analysis

The credential requirements have been compared to military training.

Click here to go to the COOL training gap analysis page.

GI Bill®

Reimbursement for exam fees has been approved for payment through the GI Bill.

Note: GI Bill approval data is updated quarterly. For the latest information, visit the WEAMS Licenses/Certifications Search page. Make sure to select "Both" in the LAC Category Type drop-down before searching.

Click to go to the external link for GI Bill licensing and certification information.

Some

Credential is related to some tasks associated with the duties of the military occupation (at least one critical task but less than 80%)

Most

Credential is directly related to most of the major duties associated with the military occupation (at least 80%)

Other

Credential is related to this military occupation, but is more advanced or specialized and therefore will likely require additional education, training, or experience

Click here to go to Certified Personal Trainer (ACSM-CPT) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), Certified Personal Trainer (ACSM-CPT) certification recognizes fitness professionals who use research-based techniques to help people of all fitness levels reach personal fitness goals. The ACSM-CPT facilitates motivation and adherence as well as develops and administers programs designed to enhance muscular strength, endurance, flexibility, cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, and/or any of the motor skill related components of physical fitness. ACSM-CPTs have the practical and scientific knowledge to work in a variety of facilities, including health clubs, gyms, university, corporate, and community or public fitness centers, and hold positions ranging from freelance to full-time. Applicants must be 18 years of age and meet the minimum academic eligibility requirement. Applicants must pass a written exam.
Click here to go to Certified Personal Trainer (ACE-CPT) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

The American Council on Exercise (ACE), Certified Personal Trainer (ACE-CPT) credential is for health and exercise professionals who provide one-on-one or small group fitness training to individuals who are healthy or have medical clearance to exercise. ACE-CPTs demonstrate knowledge in the domains of Interviews and Assessments, Program Design and Implementation, Program Modification and Progression, Professional Conduct, and Safety, and Risk Management. Applicants must meet education requirements and pass a written exam.
Click here to go to Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) is an intermediate-level health and fitness credential for professionals who work with athletes. CSCSs apply scientific knowledge to train athletes for the primary goal of improving athletic performance; conduct sport-specific testing sessions, design and implement safe and effective strength training and conditioning programs and provide guidance regarding nutrition and injury prevention. Candidates are required to have a bachelor's degree in a related field and must also have current CPR/AED certification.
Click here to go to Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT) credential is an entry-level health and fitness certification. CPTs assess, motivate, educate and train clients regarding their personal health and fitness needs. CPTs design safe and effective exercise programs, provide guidance to help their clients achieve health and fitness goals, and respond appropriately in emergency situations. Candidates must meet education and pre-requisite requirements. Candidates must pass a written exam
Click here to go to National Physical Therapist Assistant Examination (NPTAE) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: Varies by State

The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT), National Physical Therapy Assistant Examination (NPTE) is intended to assess basic entry-level competence of the candidate who has graduated from an accredited program for physical therapist assistants or has met equivalent requirements. While the nationwide exam provides a standard that can be comparable across jurisdiction, eligibility to sit for the PTA examinations varies by jurisdiction.
Click here to go to Tactical Strength and Conditioning-Facilitator (TSAC-F) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator (TSAC-F) is an intermediate-level health and fitness credential for professionals who work with emergency personnel to improve performance, promote wellness, and decrease injury risk. TSAC-Fs conduct needs analyses and physical testing sessions, design and implement safe and effective strength training and conditioning programs, and provide general information regarding nutrition. TSAC-Fs work with military, fire and rescue, law enforcement, protective services, and other emergency personnel. TSAC-Fs focus on tactical strength and conditioning to assist their clients whose objectives are to pass their fitness exams and improve their fitness abilities to perform their jobs better and more safely.
Click here to go to Certified Personal Trainer (ACTION-CPT) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

The ACTION, Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) is an entry-level fitness certification. Personal Trainers work with a variety of clients, perform subjective and objective fitness assessments, develop safe and effective exercise programs based on principles of exercise science, anatomy, and assist clients in the identification and selection of fitness related goals. CPT candidates are assessed on various topics including, anatomy, biomechanics, client assessment, program design, safety, legal and business. Candidates must take and pass a written exam.
Click here to go to Certified CrossFit Trainer (CCFT) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Crossfit, Certified CrossFit Trainer (CCFT) is an advanced level credential that ensures an individual possesses the standard knowledge and skill set required to train clients effectively. CCFTs demonstrate knowledge in screening and assessment, programming/program design, coaching, class and athlete management, and professional performance and responsibilities. Candidates must meet experience requirements. Candidates may substitute other CrossFit certificates for a portion of the required hours. Candidates must pass a written exam.
Click here to go to Certified Personal Trainer Level 1 (CPT-Level 1) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

The World Instructor Training Schools (WITS), Certified Personal Trainer Level 1 (CPT-Level 1) certification is for individuals who possess entry-level fitness specific competency and a commitment to consumer safety. Level 1 CPTs help to improve the health and fitness for clients ranging in age, health, and fitness status through the development and implementation of fitness programs required for practice in the U.S. service industry. Candidates must meet several eligibility requirements. Candidates must also pass a written exam and a practical exam.
Click here to go to Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT-LANA) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 6 years

The Lymphology Association of North America (LANA), Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT-LANA) certification is for healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and massage therapists experienced in the field of lymphology. To earn the CLT-LANA, candidates must meet a state professional license or registration requirement, a Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) coursework requirement, and a college level basic science coursework requirement. Candidates must pass a written exam.
Click here to go to Certified Special Population Specialist (CSPS) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.
Click here to go to Physical Therapy Technician/Aide Certification (PTTC) COOL training gap analysis page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

The American Medical Certification Association (AMCA), Physical Therapy Technician/Aide Certification is for individuals who help patients who are recovering from injuries and illnesses regain movement and manage pain under the direction and supervision of Physical Therapists. Physical Therapy Technician/Aides often perform tasks that are indirectly related to patient care, such as cleaning and setting up the treatment area, moving patients, and performing clerical duties. Candidates must be at least 18 years of age and meet either work experience or training requirements to be eligible for the Physical Therapy Technician/Aide exam. Candidates must pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Certified User Experience Professional (CUXP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

The Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics (BCPE), Certified User Experience Professional (CUXP) is a professional-level certification. CUXP professionals understand the interactions between humans and systems, and are competent in optimizing performance, safety, and comfort. Candidates must meet education and experience requirements. Candidates must pass a written exam.

High

Highly attainable: Credential is related to the duties performed within the military occupation, the minimum education requirement = HS or less and/or minimum experience = 2 years or less experience and no additional requirements.

Medium

Moderate ease of attainment: Credential is related to the duties performed within the military occupation, the minimum education requirement = Associate's and/or prerequisite and/or minimum experience = more than 2 years and less than 10 years of experience.

Low

May be difficult to attain: Credential is related to the duties performed within the military occupation, the minimum education requirement is a Bachelor's degree, and/or minimum experience is 10 or more years.

Most – Tasks in these careers match most duties of the military job or specialty (approximately 80% or greater)
Some – Tasks in these careers match some duties of the military job or specialty (greater than 20% but less than 80%)
Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job

Registered Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship program is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. Go to the Apprenticeship Finder and enter career path or location to find apprenticeship opportunities.

Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Physical Therapist Aides
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Physical Therapist Aides

Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job

Click here for external link to: My Next Move for Veterans State Map for Physical Therapist Aides

Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Physical Therapist Assistants
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Physical Therapist Assistants

Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job

Click here for external link to: My Next Move for Veterans State Map for Physical Therapist Assistants

This credential has been accredited by:
This credential has been accredited by: