2017-18 DPT Applicant Advice

[Ryan30]

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Hello all,
I graduated in 2015 with a BS in Dietetics, Nutrition and Food Sciences before going on to a post-graduate dietetic internship to become a Registered Dietitian. This year I've been taking (and retaking) prerequisite courses for DPT school and next year I'm looking at a gap year. Could I get some advice as to what I should do? I'd like to continue my education so I'm essentially looking at either completing more undergraduate level courses (such as neurophysiology) or getting myself into a one year master's program (as I'd be applying to PT school next year) which would likely be online, such as exercise physiology.

Do you have any advice as to which path I should take? If I choose the master's route, are there any one year programs or degrees you'd recommend?

Additional information:
UG GPA: 3.54
Prerequisite GPA (estimated by the end of this upcoming summer): 4.00
GRE: 155 V / 157 Q / 4.5 AW
Observation hours: 240 in 5 different settings (SNF, sports, inpatient rehab, acute care, home-health pediatric)
Extracurricular: D1 basketball (captain senior year), year of dietetic internship in clinical/management/public health settings
Certifications: Registered Dietitian, CSCS

Thank you.

 

[DPThopeful1859]

Involving yourself in a Master's program, especially if you have plans to get into PT school is pointless. More debt and unless you plan to use it, won't work in your advantage to get into school. Your grades and GRE score look excellent as they are now. I'd say maybe some more observation hours and making sure you have excellent recommendations. Any reason for the gap year? Maybe check out schools that accept applications later into the next year or even Non PTCAS programs that might accept at different times than the PTCAS applications deadlines

 

[Ryan30]

There are a couple of programs I'd specifically like to get into for which the deadline has expired, also my current prerequisite GPA is about 3.3 so my options are limited this application period. Plus, as a Texas resident our tuition rates are significantly lower than other states. While a master's program may run me about $10-15,000 for one year, applying to an out-of-state PT program this year would cost me significantly more money accumulated over the three years of the program. Taking the gap year seems like the most feasible option from a stance on tuition even after factoring in tuition rates for a one-year master's program. I will likely get more hours in a sixth setting as well thanks for that advice. I can't imagine that ALL master's programs are "pointless" after becoming a PT? Of course I wouldn't know any better though, especially considering I'm not in the field yet.

 

[DPThopeful1859]

To me, if I'm getting a DPT and I'm working as a therapist for the rest of my life, unless I wanted to get my master's in public health, business or something else that could be beneficial to me if I wanted to maybe own my own practice or dabble in a certain field, I don't see the point in spending the money. I'd spend the money going out of state if I couldn't get in state. I had to do that myself and honestly, I can live frugally for a while until I pay my loans off.

 

[Ryan30]

To me, if I'm getting a DPT and I'm working as a therapist for the rest of my life, unless I wanted to get my master's in public health, business or something else that could be beneficial to me if I wanted to maybe own my own practice or dabble in a certain field, I don't see the point in spending the money. I'd spend the money going out of state if I couldn't get in state. I had to do that myself and honestly, I can live frugally for a while until I pay my loans off.

I respect your opinion and decision to apply out of state, however we are in different situations. The programs I would like to get into, such as Army-Baylor, are extremely competitive and rare. If looking to have a career as a military PT (specifically in the army), that program is the ONLY way into that field. For this reason I'm not going to apply to other programs during the current cycle, although I will during the next cycle so not all my eggs are in one basket. Aside from applying this cycle and doing more observation hours, could I please receive advice as to how I should approach next year?

 

[DPThopeful1859]

Honestly, if you want to take extra classes in the mean time, like neurophysiology, I'd say go that route instead of a master's. It will save you money in the long run, unless you are too focused to do a master's program instead. You're right: we are in different situations. But, if you plan on applying to Army-Baylor, you need to do some research and ask an admissions counselor about the process of applying and getting in. From what I've read, it is definitely competitive and rare, so I'm not entirely sure how easy it would be to gain admission. If Texas is where you plan to stay, then research the schools you want to focus on and ask questions to admissions. Get your name out there and see if where you're at is competitive enough for their programs and if its worth the time and money to spend applying. So, I'm assuming when you do apply, it will consist of Army-Baylor and any other schools in Texas you want to attend?

 

[dptwannabee1]

I understand where the OP is coming from about Texas schools. Instate tuition for a DPT will cost $30,000 to $40,000 for all three years total. It is worth the wait and to work in the meantime to do that.

 

[DPThopeful1859]

Sure, I understand that. Trust me, I would have LOVED to stay in Georgia and pay $45,000 a year for GSU's program. However, a cheaper program means tons of applicants and more competition, so if you come across as an "average" candidate, your chances might be more difficult to get in. Even if you aren't the "average" candidate, it all depends on what they're looking for at the time. I've seen people with a 3.9 GPA and amazing GRE scores get denied from schools and people with 3.2 GPA's get accepted....it's crazy lol.

 

[Ryan30]

Thanks for the advice DPThopeful I appreciate it. Good luck on your path to PT!