Any recommendations for subjects/books/etc. that were helpful entering PT school?

[reesetee]

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I understand that "rest" is probably the best thing to do before school starts but I'm interested in knowing anyone has read any good books (novels, non-fiction, neuroscience, ect.) they felt was beneficial once their program started. For instance, I use to personal train and I feel like that's been helpful just for working in a outpatient clinic. I'm also currently reading Black man in a white coat by Damon Tweedy and it's such a good book. Let me know what you guys think...

PS: it's so boring seeing all the threads about students waiting to get into school or sharing stats (that are all nearly identical to one another) on here. I'm hoping to start a new conversation about something useful.

 

[dobsonek]

I understand that "rest" is probably the best thing to do before school starts but I'm interested in knowing anyone has read any good books (novels, non-fiction, neuroscience, ect.) they felt was beneficial once their program started. For instance, I use to personal train and I feel like that's been helpful just for working in a outpatient clinic. I'm also currently reading Black man in a white coat by Damon Tweedy and it's such a good book. Let me know what you guys think...

PS: it's so boring seeing all the threads about students waiting to get into school or sharing stats (that are all nearly identical to one another) on here. I'm hoping to start a new conversation about something useful.

This forum is for pre-pt and current pt students to talk about the application process. Asking for help/advice is pretty much expected and staring stats is a big part of that, especially bc everyones are different. You don’t have to be on here if you don’t like the content. The forum isn’t for entertainment, it’s for people to help/guide others. Applying to school is a stressful time for everyone and the questions that people ask are very important to them, or else they wouldn’t ask. Please get off of your high horse and stop assuming that what isn’t “useful” for you using extremely helpful/encouraging for someone else.

 

[ihopeigetin??]

Hi! I graduate with my undergraduate in a week so I'l have 6 months before I begin PT school. I planned on using that time to obtain my CSCS certification since It is widely used by PT's. I also purchased some anatomy coloring books and flashcards to start studying for when school starts in May!

 

[reesetee]

This forum is for pre-pt and current pt students to talk about the application process. Asking for help/advice is pretty much expected and staring stats is a big part of that, especially bc everyones are different. You don’t have to be on here if you don’t like the content. The forum isn’t for entertainment, it’s for people to help/guide others. Applying to school is a stressful time for everyone and the questions that people ask are very important to them, or else they wouldn’t ask. Please get off of your high horse and stop assuming that what isn’t “useful” for you using extremely helpful/encouraging for someone else.

Thanks for commenting and getting that off your chest. I'm not saying that the content isn't useful or that I'm not "entertained". I've used this forum for many years under different user names so I know what it's about and how it is used. I'm simply trying to start a new thread for other "useful" information... especially since I was under the understanding that the gpa's, gre's, and acceptances sticky thread was created in part to minimize the sharing of stats and other encouraging info. ☕

 

[reesetee]

Hi! I graduate with my undergraduate in a week so I'l have 6 months before I begin PT school. I planned on using that time to obtain my CSCS certification since It is widely used by PT's. I also purchased some anatomy coloring books and flashcards to start studying for when school starts in May!

That's a great idea. Especially if you have time to do some training and make some extra money on the side during your program. I'm also a visual learner so I might have to steal your idea for the coloring books! Lol... Best of luck to you!

 

[TheDancingWriter]

If I get in to the US of A, I plan to review anatomy next summer because I read you're already behind in gross anatomy if you don't.

 

[ItsGoingTibiaOK]

I enjoyed reading “Run, Don't Walk: The Curious and Courageous Life Inside Walter Reed Army Medical Center.” It’s written by a PT about their experience rehabbing soldiers and has some humor in it too.

 

[nd_dpt]

If I get in to the US of A, I plan to review anatomy next summer because I read you're already behind in gross anatomy if you don't.

Don't know where you read this, but it's 100% false.

 

[MartialArtDPT]

Okay, so, if you have any interest whatsoever in Neuro or in compliance, like I do, here's a few books that I've found fascinating and relevant to thinking about PT recently (sometimes on a more "meta" level, as in understanding human psychology regarding building habits like doing exercises):
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg (how to build life-changing habits, even in people who don't remember anything!)
Social by Matthew Lieberman (the brains of autistic people, how we learn, how the self is conceived)
Behave and Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers by Robert Sapolsky (physical effects of stress and brilliant psychological and neuroscience reading- Sapolsky is always a pleasure to read. Witty, clear, and packing a punch.)
The Brain that Changes Itself and The Brain's Way of Healing by Norman Doidge (fascinating case studies and cutting edge science)
None of them are specifically about PT, but they've all changed the way I look at approaching teaching people and understanding the body and mind. Doidge's books in particular are relevant to anyone with interests in Parkinson's, CP, autism, Alzheimer's, and other neuro illnesses.

I also just started training to become a Registered Behavioral Therapist before I start school full time again, and I think it is going to prove invaluable in understanding how to help people learn... OH CRAP that reminds me of the most important book-
Learning How to Learn by Barbara Oakley! She has a free course on Coursera and it was the course that set me on this path to quitting the job I hated and going back to school. Her course was literally life-changing for me, and I can't recommend her enough.

If you read just one, I'd recommend any of them but especially Oakley and Doidge (although it hurts not to say the others, too, because they're all amazing). Also check out Ginger Campbell's Brain Science Podcast for interviews with people like Doidge and UAB's Dr. Taub (pioneer of CI therapy).

 

[reesetee]

If I get in to the US of A, I plan to review anatomy next summer because I read you're already behind in gross anatomy if you don't.

I've seen someone say that certain parts of gross anatomy like learning about the nerves and things related is useful but not the entire subject as a whole. I thought about looking into this but figured it be more useful to learn general factoids about the body instead.

 

[reesetee]

I enjoyed reading “Run, Don't Walk: The Curious and Courageous Life Inside Walter Reed Army Medical Center.” It’s written by a PT about their experience rehabbing soldiers and has some humor in it too.

Thank you! That's exactly what I'm looking for!

 

[reesetee]

Okay, so, if you have any interest whatsoever in Neuro or in compliance, like I do, here's a few books that I've found fascinating and relevant to thinking about PT recently (sometimes on a more "meta" level, as in understanding human psychology regarding building habits like doing exercises):
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg (how to build life-changing habits, even in people who don't remember anything!)
Social by Matthew Lieberman (the brains of autistic people, how we learn, how the self is conceived)
Behave and Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers by Robert Sapolsky (physical effects of stress and brilliant psychological and neuroscience reading- Sapolsky is always a pleasure to read. Witty, clear, and packing a punch.)
The Brain that Changes Itself and The Brain's Way of Healing by Norman Doidge (fascinating case studies and cutting edge science)
None of them are specifically about PT, but they've all changed the way I look at approaching teaching people and understanding the body and mind. Doidge's books in particular are relevant to anyone with interests in Parkinson's, CP, autism, Alzheimer's, and other neuro illnesses.

I also just started training to become a Registered Behavioral Therapist before I start school full time again, and I think it is going to prove invaluable in understanding how to help people learn... OH CRAP that reminds me of the most important book-
Learning How to Learn by Barbara Oakley! She has a free course on Coursera and it was the course that set me on this path to quitting the job I hated and going back to school. Her course was literally life-changing for me, and I can't recommend her enough.

If you read just one, I'd recommend any of them but especially Oakley and Doidge (although it hurts not to say the others, too, because they're all amazing). Also check out Ginger Campbell's Brain Science Podcast for interviews with people like Doidge and UAB's Dr. Taub (pioneer of CI therapy).

Wow! Thanks a ton! I'll definitely look into Oakley's course and books! I've seen the "zebra" book in a store but overlooked it and brought "the man who mistook his wife for a hat" by Oliver Sacks.. which was kinda difficult to read so I never got into in. But thanks again for those recommendations!