She graduated from HS ind December and wants to get her undergraduate first: however, she is interested in serving either in reserves or in a tour. Not sure about which branch. We have no background in the best paths to maximize financial support. Also, an officer program is preferred. Her HS gpa = 3.5 and let's assume that she will not be admitted to A&M.

Does anyone have advice on the paths / other colleges that she should consider? Being a female and looking at occupational therapy, any advice on the best branch for her...all considering?

I am 95% ignorant but trying to understand the options.

Thanks in advance.

I would recommend taking a look at enlisting in the Army Reserve as an Occupational Therapy Assistant, https://m.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/browse-career-and-job-categories/medical-and-emergency/occupational-therapy-specialist.m.html

This will give her a window into that career and a bit of experience to see if that really is what she is interested in before commiting her entire college career to it. She'll also get the benefit of money to help out with college. Additionally if she likes the Army she will be in a position to apply for some of the funded education opportunities that the Army offers for health professionals.

Finally the Army Reserve is orders of magnitude larger than the other services reserve components. So it's a lot easier to get a spot that you want as long as you are willing to drive a bit for drill.

I've never thought ROTC was a great path for people interested in health fields, since it's just not focused on that side of the army. Others may have a different opinion.

AGhistorian said:

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some of the funded education opportunities that the Army offers for health professionals.

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Thank you for the advice - its all appreciated. Are you able to shed any more light on the above or where I can learn more?

Well you already have to be in the Army to apply and I'm sure there are more than these two but the two I'm aware of are:

Nursing
https://recruiting.army.mil/aecp/

Physician Assistant
https://recruiting.army.mil/armypa/

These are great programs not only because the Army pays for the entire education, you also get you full pay and benefits as a soldier.

USAF Medical Services

Have a look here and see if it might help. Not an expert but I know that once you finish your undergrad and get accepted to USAF Med School, you enter as 2LT, exit as a Capt and you get paid like it the whole time. Obviously, they pay for the whole ride as well....

If she is ready to go active, I suggest that she check out the United States Coast Guard. Semper Paratus ("Always ready").