Benefits of C.S.C.S.

[jeffreykim]

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I'm considering getting my cscs, but how beneficial would it towards getting into PT school? I know that I will benefit greatly with the knowledge once I start school, but will it affect my chances in getting in? Anyone on these forums have their cscs? It's a very expensive certification so I'm thinking twice before going ahead with it. I already know all the information because one of my courses in college used that book as the curriculum. Thoughts?

 

[noyceguy]

I'm considering getting my cscs, but how beneficial would it towards getting into PT school? I know that I will benefit greatly with the knowledge once I start school, but will it affect my chances in getting in? Anyone on these forums have their cscs? It's a very expensive certification so I'm thinking twice before going ahead with it. I already know all the information because one of my courses in college used that book as the curriculum. Thoughts?

This cert will not help you get into PT school. Work on getting good grades and a high GRE score. That's all they look at.

 

[Army_DPT]

Bump

 

[Megsmans]

I completely disagree. I applied to schools last year and was accepted to 1 but declined (out of state weekend program and we ended up moving). I applied to GA State and was declined even before an interview. During my year off I earned my CSCS, I reapplied without retaking the GRE or any classes, and I was invited for an interview this year. I'd say go for it. Many PT's get it after graduation when they specialize with athletes.

 

[Grizzlyman]

I'm considering getting my cscs, but how beneficial would it towards getting into PT school? I know that I will benefit greatly with the knowledge once I start school, but will it affect my chances in getting in? Anyone on these forums have their cscs? It's a very expensive certification so I'm thinking twice before going ahead with it. I already know all the information because one of my courses in college used that book as the curriculum. Thoughts?

I would think it is not a very good differentiator for getting into PT school. It can be helpful for employment purposes after school to show you at least know a few exercises but again it is pretty low. It's a technical skill. PT became a doctorate to get away from technical skills. It would be much more beneficial to fill out your whole application by volunteering with a population outside the observation hours.

Even in a sports medicine outpatient clinic a CSCS is not really relevant. Insurance runs out before the return to sports phase anyways. I was D1 athlete and had 3 surgeries while in college. Typically the PT is to regain function but after PT money runs out there is a definite gap between return to play and PT. This is usually filled by the ATC and Strength Coach. This is even true at the professional sports level. PTs are not involved in this phase unless you have a non traditional job where you are actually a strength coach.

Look at all the professors that teach at the schools you will apply. You will have a difficult time finding one person that has a CSCS. PT is really a women's occupational field with little interest in strength training. You can gain some important soft skills by actually using a CSCS and being a strength coach but the mere possession of a certificate which no one really cares about is not really worth it.