Back-up plan for PT school

[Mes14]

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Hey all,

I'm a pre-pt student graduating in May and only have a 2.95 GPA right now. I have 300 observation hours in PT from an internship, also. I'm trying to think of a back up plan and my plan right now is to work as a PT tech and take more science classes this next year and then apply in 2015. But, I've also heard advice on getting a masters in something to raise my GPA and then apply and so I'll have a back-up plan job if all else fails.

My degree is in ex physiology so there's not many "real" job options with that degree that I know of. PT is my first choice job but I'm just worried that I'll apply year after year and never get in-so I want to have a back up plan. So, do you think it'd be better to work as a PT tech and take more classes and just hope I get in, or to get a Masters to raise my GPA? What did y'all have as a back-up plan? Thanks everyone!

 

[somehowmadeit]

Is there more to this story? Since PT is in large part exercise physiology on steroids, a low GPA in that major bodes very poorly for a career as a PT. Is there a reason the grades didn't pan out during your time in undergrad? No need to get personal here, but think about exactly why you got a low GPA, and seek to improve upon those weaknesses.

You'll need to bring your basic sciences up to par, As primarily, Bs if you must. If PT really is your goal, I'd suggest finding an inexpensive, accredited community college and retaking any prerequisites in which you got a C or lower. Work as an aide or a tech or whatever on the side, but your number one priority must be to raise your grades in your core classes. Without it, you won't have much of a chance against the thousands of PT applicants with 3.2-3.3 and higher.

Best of luck.

 

[tincture]

Become a PTA. Gets yourself better grades and gets you exposure in the field with job stability.

 

[zdetsch]

While PTA is very valid option and a possible choice because many PTAs in larger cities can make as much if not more than a DPT in a rural area if your ultimate goal is a DPT then you should probably consider retaking some of those courses and just getting A's in your final semester and try and pull up your pre-requisite as well as getting a good GRE score. Do some research and find out if the PTA program will count towards your overall GPA if you apply to a dpt program later. Many DPT programs have a minimum GPA higher than your current and this is likely to go up over the next few years. You have many options here so consider which one you think is the most valid and pursue it but do your research that being said 300 hours of clinical work is probably okay but maybe you can still consider doing Saturday clinic every Saturday