Any Career Changers?
- Thread starter DPTinUTAH
- Start date
I used to work in the entertainment industry as an independent contractor who provided lighting services. It was a fun job but physically taxing and there was some degree of uncertainty as to where my next check would come from at times. I had been contemplating a career change, then one day I was hit by a car while riding my bike. I injured the shoulder of my dominant arm and was unable to work. A friend of mine referred me to a PT/Chiro office that was willing to see me for a reasonable fee (I was uninsured and the accident was a hit and run). During this time I realized that the PT seemed like a great career. The work environment is pleasant (physical yet not taxing, human interaction, etc), you spend your time helping others, and there is a demand for workers. My accident happened in July and the following May I started taking my prerequisite science courses. 6 years later I have a job that I love and a heap of student loan debt that I hate, so hopefully that evens out at some point 🙂
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My first degree was in early childhood and elementary education. I "taught" (aka substitute teaching) for 2 years and was unable to obtain a full-time job. I can also say that my last semester of school I was already worried about getting a full-time teaching job. 3 years after my undergrad graduation, I went back to school for my pre-reqs for PT and started school in 2011 and I graduate this December. I am really glad I made the switch because the job market looks so much better and I can use all of my teaching/people skills in this career.
I was an engineer and business consultant prior to switching. Consistent hours, lack of travel, and a home base were enough for me to switch careers. Took a massive pay cut, but have enjoyed it for the most part thus far. Will take awhile to get loans paid off, but loving my job.
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I am a former high school teacher who is applying to DPT programs. I found out that I don't like dealing with 30 teenagers (the norm at my old school) at once, although I like kids. My volunteer experiences confirmed for me that I will enjoy physical therapy - the one-on-one interaction, the professional work environment, and the genuine expertise required to deliver effective physical therapy. I think my teaching skills are relevant to PT as well. The job flexibility of PT is a nice bonus.
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To answer your prerequisite question, most schools do not care where you get your PRs done, I got all of mine at a CC
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I worked as an actor in NYC for years, and decided to pursue PT after struggling to make it work for a while. I've taken all of my classes at community college, and was granted interviews at some competitive programs, having already been accepted to a few. CC is the way to go. I feel that I was challenged and didn't break the bank to get a quality science education.
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just left a cog/neuro Ph.D. program because I decided I enjoy living life and heavily heavily contemplating going into PT (if i can just stomach the debt and my fears about saturation and healthcare in general). PT is my front runner because of my history of personal training, my interest in spending time with patients, a steady salary that will hopefully always leave me with a job and a lifestyle concentrating on a family/friends.
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This is interesting, I may need to contact you in the future. I am headed the opposite direction. My dream growing up was to be an actor or comedian (did lots of fun school plays in high school).
My parents were strict and obviously would not allow me to go in that direction. After along while, I agreed with them and realize it is just easier to be "normal", have a regular job and have a successful career and a nice life.
In undergrad Anatomy/Physio was the only class I was good at or liked so I decided PT was a great field for me. I realized once I have a stable job I can go after my dream. Work as a PT while pursuing the acting career is better than working as a waiter and pursuing the acting career. If I fail at acting, then at least I know I tried my best and it didn't work out. I want zero regrets! My plan B (Physical therapy) is one of the best careers in the world.
I just passed my NPTE last week and after I find a job (and work for a year or so) i'm gonna start (attempt is the better word) getting into acting!
Oh and to others, CC is the way to go as well. I went to a 4-year University cause I wanted the fun life but looking back and if I was mature I would've chosen CC. It took me 2 tries to get into a PT school and lots of PTCAS fees 🙁
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