Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 4/23/2009

Question
Hi, I currently have a 4yr degree in exercise physiology.  I was told that i could come into the Air Force as an aerospace physiologist.  Once i get out the Air Force, what types of job/careers can i get with that type of backround?

Would you happen to know if Air Force occupational therapist enter as a therapist or earn their degree after they join and have the Air Force pay for it?

Answer
Jay,
It works both ways.  Often someone with a background or experience in physiology decides and a Bachelor's degree joins and begins working in that field and later gets a Master's degree or Ph.D. via the AF paying for it.  Sometimes a new recruit is assigned to that career field and attends college classes to become certified or licensed in that field, also with the AF paying for it.

After you get out of the military, almost all hospitals have exercise physiology specialists, as do all rehabilitation hospitals and clinics such as HealthSouth, one of the nation's largest healthcare services providers, with locations nationwide with over
200 facilities in United States and Puerto Rico, half of which are inpatient rehabilitation hospitals.  Exercise Physiologists are also employed by a variety of home health agencies and even major-league sports teams where rehabilitation is crucial.

I've seen new recruits with no experience enter that career field and walk away several years later with a Ph.D., all paid for by the AF.

Good luck in whatever you choose.  You can't go wrong in the military.
Colonel H