DPT and a family too?

[aczerniak]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hey guys, so i'm 22 and I still have a year of pre-reqs to complete before I apply to schools. What i'm starting to worry about it is starting a family. I don't want to have to wait until i'm 28 to start a family but on the other hand, I love PT and really want to do this. How doable do you all think it is to have a family and be in pt school?

Do any of you have young children or have you had kids while in a DPT program?

I just don't want to postpone either of those parts of my life.

 

[qtran]

"a career won't wake up one morning and say it's leaving" 😉 lol, I too will be 28 when I graduate, I just got done a long term relationship that I would have worked for. but im glad i didnt lose sight of my persona; goals and life fulfillment. I think my advice for you is that you will never know what happens in life, so focus on what is for sure and what you can depend on when you are 28, and that is a stable and worthwhile career. a family and dpt school will work for you if both party wants it to work...just my opinion from experiences

 

[LOADWOAD]

If i get in i will be 29 to start, When i graduate i would be 32. I want a family someday: Wife, Kids, house, SUV, school debt. nailing down a chosen passionate career choice is a good idea first for me, then i can focus on what really matters in life. Family.

 

[adh28]

I know a hand full of students who are married and have children in PT school. I am 23 and recently married and my wife understands how much PT matters to me. We have also communicated on the difficulties that will be faced during a PT program and she is fully understanding and supportive of my goals and success. With proper communication I don't believe it is impossible to have a family during a DPT program as long as everyone involved understands the process! Take things as they come, it is your life, and it is possible to have a family and succeed in PT school! It is up to you personally as far as desire and commitment! Good luck!

 

[aczerniak]

Thanks for all the encouraging words, they're definitely making me feel better about everything!

 

[hardcoretastic]

I have two small children and will be 31 when I start in June. Its not easy by any means but it is doable. I've been doing work full time, two classes a night to get my prereqs and observations in other settings for the past 2 years. I have a great wife that stays home with the kids and takes up my slack its probably harder on her than me. I've meet many PT students that have children and spouses and it seems to work out. You just have to manage your time well.

 

[Azimuthal]

Got a 3 month old and started classes across the country 2 months ago. It's tough, but I believe my daughter will appreciate it when she's older. What you do now will define who you are later. Never go through life regretting what you "could have" done. Pursuing two goals simultaneously is doable.

 

[Member60439]

I'm applying at the age of 30. If I get in next year, I'll graduate at 34. I've often wondered this as well. Don't think a decision needs to be made today, but also, if you really want to start a family, don't wait for the time to be "perfect" because it never will be. Will it be difficult? I'm sure it will, but people do it and make it work. I think you just need a handle on your family's finances and a supportive spouse (and perhaps friends and family as well).

 

[dacoaz77]

I am transitioning to a new career from the military at the age of 35. I am married, have a 2 year old son, and another boy on the way. I will start school this August and I am looking forward to the challenges of being a husband, dad, and graduate student. My wife and I communicate, plan ahead, and work together as a cohesive unit to make sure we are successful.

 

[trichic]

It's interesting that most of the replies are from men. Are there any women out there in PT school with young children? It would be interesting to hear those responses.