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4J091 Career Guide

Air Force

4J091: Physical Medicine Technician

Career transition guide for Air Force Physical Medicine Technician (4J091)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 4J091 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Orthotist/Prosthetist

$78K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Certification by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics (ABCOP)Residency in Orthotics and/or Prosthetics

Physical Therapist Assistant

$62K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Associate's degree from an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant programState licensure as a Physical Therapist AssistantKnowledge of current physical therapy practices

Medical and Health Services Manager

$110K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Healthcare Administration or related fieldProject management skillsKnowledge of healthcare regulations and compliance

Exercise Physiologist

$55K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science or related fieldCertification as an Exercise Physiologist (e.g., through ACSM)Knowledge of exercise prescription and rehabilitation techniques

Occupational Therapy Assistant

$64K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Associate's degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant programState licensure as an Occupational Therapy AssistantUnderstanding of occupational therapy principles

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 4J091 training built — and where they transfer.

Resource Optimization

As a 4J091, you managed physical medicine and orthotic resources, including personnel, equipment, and budgets, to ensure efficient delivery of patient care. You made recommendations for resource requirements and ensured compliance with maintenance procedures.

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

Procedural Compliance

Your role demanded strict adherence to medical protocols, safety regulations, and ethical standards. You ensured the physical medicine element followed all guidelines in delivering patient care.

This signifies a commitment to quality control, regulatory adherence, and process management, vital for maintaining operational integrity and minimizing risk across industries.

Team Synchronization

You coordinated the activities of physical medicine and orthotic personnel to implement treatment plans, ensuring seamless patient care. This required coordinating activities across multiple medical specialties.

This showcases your ability to orchestrate complex workflows, delegate tasks effectively, and foster collaboration among team members, essential for achieving shared objectives in any collaborative work environment.

Situational Awareness

Your role in administering patient care and observing, recording, and reporting patient responses to treatment shows great attention to detail. This includes noticing subtle changes in a patient's condition and adapting treatment accordingly.

Your keen eye for detail and ability to quickly assess and adapt in a variety of environments translates into an ability to recognize risks and opportunities in complex operational landscapes.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Healthcare Administrator

SOC 11-9111.00

You've been managing physical medicine elements and patient care programs. Your skills in resource optimization, procedural compliance, and team synchronization make you well-equipped to oversee the administrative functions of a healthcare facility.

Quality Assurance Manager

SOC 11-3051.00

Your experience in maintaining standards of care and ethical conduct, ensuring compliance with regulations, and participating in patient care evaluation make you a great fit to ensure product or service quality.

Medical Equipment Sales Representative

SOC 41-9031.00

You've got hands-on experience with medical equipment and a deep understanding of patient needs, making you uniquely qualified to sell and educate others on medical devices and orthotics. You can leverage your understanding of clinical settings to tailor sales pitches and build trust with potential clients.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Physical Medicine Apprentice Course, Joint Base San Antonio - Fort Sam Houston, TX

672 training hours16 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended in Allied Health Sciences

Topics Covered

  • Medical Terminology
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Therapeutic Exercise
  • Electrotherapy and Modalities
  • Orthotics Fabrication and Fitting
  • Patient Care and Safety
  • Rehabilitation Techniques
  • Documentation and Record Keeping

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Medical Manager (CMM)70% covered

Requires additional study in healthcare financial management, legal and regulatory compliance, and human resources specific to civilian healthcare settings.

Registered Orthotic Fitter60% covered

Requires further training and certification in the fabrication and fitting of orthoses per civilian standards.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)Fellow of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (FAAOP)Master of Health Administration (MHA)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Aerospace Medical Service Information Management System (ASIMS)Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems like Epic or Cerner
Composite Health Care System (CHCS)Hospital information systems (HIS)
Physical Medicine Treatment Modalities (Ultrasound, Electrical Stimulation)Rehabilitation equipment (e.g., Mettler, BTL)
Orthotic Fabrication Equipment (Mills, Lathes, Vacuum Formers)Prosthetic and Orthotic milling machines, vacuum forming equipment, and 3D printers
Defense Medical Logistics Standard Support (DMLSS)Medical supply chain management software (e.g., GHX, McKesson)
Air Force Equipment Management System (AFEMS)Asset tracking and maintenance management software

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