Considering PT as a second career

[werryanne]

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Hello all!
Recently I have been considering going back to school for PT.

I got my BS in Kinesiology (GPA 3.5). My original plan was to go for PT school, but after finishing my undergrad in 3 years, my brain was done with school. So, I took a break. Now it is 8 years later, and I'm ready for something more. I now have two sons, and have spent my time as a Personal Trainer, Group Exercise Instructor, and managing a military fitness center (and fitness programs).

In researching grad school options, I have noticed that some of them have put a year limit on how long ago you took your prereq classes. My Bio I class was in the Fall of 2001. I still need a few more prereqs, so I would not be able to apply to PT school for at least another year.

Does anyone have experience with programs making exceptions for taking classes too long ago? I would really rather not have to spend the money to repeat classes that I have already taken and have satisfactory scores in.

One more question along the same lines: After I graduated, I spent most of the first year working as a Tech for an outpatient PT. Will those hours count in my observation hours, or is that also too long ago? (This was 2004-2005.)

I would appreciate any input and feedback that you can provide!

 

[bythebay]

It's really hard to answer this question because not only do most schools treat this differently, but some don't necessarily go by what they say. For instance I was emailing GWU about a biology class I was considering taking and they said they counted a Bio class I took in 2000 towards that pre req.

As annoying as it is it's probably worth calling the top 3 to 5 programs you're interested and finding out what they want you to do. Almost all the programs have advisers you can make an appointment with over the phone or in person

The PT hours should count though as long s you are in touch with the supervising PT can can get them confirmed.

Good luck!

 

[NewTestament]

Call the schools to find out. Some schools publish this on their web-sites.

Some schools have no time limit. Others have a five-year limit. Others have a seven-year limit. Others have a ten-year limit. How do you found out? Call.

Kevin