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4J071 Career Guide

Air Force

4J071: Physical Medicine Technician

Career transition guide for Air Force Physical Medicine Technician (4J071)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 4J071 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Orthotist/Prosthetist

$78K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

National certification in orthotics/prosthetics (ABC or BOC)Specific training in current CAD/CAM technologies for orthotics/prosthetics

Physical Therapy Assistant

$65K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Associate's degree from an accredited PTA programState licensure as a Physical Therapist AssistantKnowledge of billing and coding procedures for physical therapy services

Medical and Health Services Manager

$104K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Master's degree in Healthcare Administration or related fieldStronger knowledge of healthcare regulations (HIPAA, etc.)Experience with electronic health record (EHR) systems

Exercise Physiologist

$55K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science or related fieldCertification from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) or similarSpecialized knowledge of exercise prescription for specific medical conditions

Rehabilitation Manager

$85K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) certificationExperience in vocational rehabilitation and case managementKnowledge of disability laws and accommodations

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 4J071 training built — and where they transfer.

Resource Optimization

As a Physical Medicine manager, you managed budgets, equipment, and personnel to ensure optimal patient care within resource constraints. You recommended resource requirements and ensured compliance with maintenance procedures to safeguard equipment.

This translates directly to skills in budget management, inventory control, and resource allocation, crucial for maximizing efficiency and minimizing waste in various industries.

Procedural Compliance

You ensured strict adherence to medical standards, ethical conduct, and legal regulations while delivering patient care. You also maintained inspection and maintenance procedures for equipment.

Your commitment to following procedures and regulations is highly valuable in roles requiring accuracy, consistency, and risk management. This ensures that processes are followed correctly, minimizing errors and maintaining quality.

Team Synchronization

You coordinated with physical medicine and orthotic personnel to implement treatment plans, train staff, and deliver patient care programs effectively.

This experience showcases your ability to coordinate diverse teams, delegate tasks, and ensure everyone works together seamlessly towards common goals. This collaborative approach is essential for project management and achieving organizational objectives.

Situational Awareness

You observed, recorded, and reported patient responses to treatment, adapting your approach based on real-time feedback and changes in patient condition.

This demonstrates your ability to assess dynamic environments, anticipate potential issues, and adjust strategies accordingly. It's a valuable skill for roles requiring quick decision-making and adaptability.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Healthcare Administrator

SOC 11-9111.00

You've been managing physical medicine and orthotic services, coordinating patient care, and ensuring regulatory compliance. This experience positions you perfectly to oversee administrative functions within a healthcare facility, optimize operations, and ensure efficient service delivery.

Rehabilitation Equipment Sales Representative

SOC 41-9031.00

You've worked extensively with orthopedic orthoses and other medical equipment. Your deep understanding of these products, combined with your ability to communicate their benefits, makes you an ideal candidate to sell and market rehabilitation equipment to healthcare providers.

Ergonomics Consultant

SOC 13-1199.05

You've fabricated splints and aid devices to assist patients in achieving optimal physical function. This experience translates well to helping companies design workspaces and equipment that promote comfort, safety, and productivity for employees.

Medical Device Trainer

SOC 25-9031.00

You've supervised and conducted continuing education and upgrade training for medical personnel. You already have the experience needed to train medical personnel on the safe and effective use of complex medical devices.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Physical Medicine Apprentice Course, Medical Education and Training Campus (METC), Fort Sam Houston, TX

672 training hours16 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended in Allied Health Sciences

Topics Covered

  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Medical Terminology
  • Therapeutic Exercise
  • Electrotherapy
  • Orthotics Fabrication and Fitting
  • Patient Care and Safety
  • Wound Care
  • Rehabilitation Techniques

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS)60% covered

Requires study of specific electronic health record systems and medical billing/coding processes, as well as HIPAA and related compliance regulations.

Certified Medical Manager (CMM)50% covered

Requires study of business management principles, human resources, finance, and marketing within a healthcare setting.

Recommended Next Certifications

American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP) credentialsCertified Professional in Healthcare Management (CPHM)Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Aerospace Medicine Management System (AMMS)Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems like Epic or Cerner
Defense Medical Logistics Standard Support (DMLSS)Hospital supply chain management systems
TRICARE Online (TOL)Patient portals for appointment scheduling and medical information
Composite Health Care System (CHCS)Practice management software for healthcare providers
EssentrisIntegrated clinical documentation systems
Joint Medical Asset Repository (JMAR)Medical equipment tracking and management software

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