Doing research as a DPT student

[MartialArtDPT]

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Hi there! This is my maiden thread here, and I'm curious as to how much of a university's specialty should play into choice. My top two school choices I picked because of their neuro programs, but will I actually get to participate in that, or should I wait until I graduate and apply for neuro residency?

Both schools have neurorehab residencies available, and I'm thinking that I might bite it and take my 2nd choice (UAB) for cost of living/attending and then apply for residency at my 1st choice afterwards (Emory). I'm very enamored of Dr. Taub's research at UAB, so if I got to participate in that I imagine I'd be quite happy to be there. But my main question right now is whether it would matter, effectively, if I went to one of these schools versus one with no neuro program.

Thank you! And hello!!!

 

[ya1]

All PT schools follow standard curriculum which is dictated by those who accredit the program. Schools do not go beyond that curriculum. Yes, some schools are known more for focusing on hands-on treatments, others on neuro, etc. But the difference is soooo minor. You will already have 20 units to cover each term to meet standard curriculum requirements, so there is really no time to cover anything beyond that.
Applying for residency after graduation is definitely something you want to consider if you want to get real in-depth experience in specific area of PT. Or you can just apply for jobs in those settings and get experience as you go.
When it's time for rotations, you can also tell your school (whatever it is) that you would be interested in rotation in a neuro setting, so they may place you to a clinic/hospital that meets your interests.

 

[wiseOldPT]

If research isn't part of your school's curriculum or there aren't specific research assistant positions for PT students, then you won't really have a chance to do research. Many school's have some sort of capstone research project where you'd have a chance to do research. RA positions, to my knowledge, are not very common in PT school. I'd go with the cheapest option, and UAB is a great school with very strong neuro!