DPT Program Suggestion

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EdgeWalkerJ

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Hi, everyone! I graduated in 2023 Kinesiology from University of Kentucky, I hope I can get in to DPT school but there are some trouble infront me. My undergraduate major was Kinesiology. At the time, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do in the future, which resulted in not performing well in my studies. When I graduated, my overall GPA was only 2.65, and my grades in the prerequisite courses were also not great. After much consideration, I have decided that I want to attend a DPT school and become a physical therapist. As an international student, I’m unable to work, so I don’t have any relevant work experience. I’m wondering what I should do in this situation. Should I go back to a community college for about a year to retake my prerequisite courses, or should I try to pursue a master’s degree in a related field? Or is there a better path I can take? Thank you for any advice!

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One of the first things I would suggest is finding opportunities to shadow or work with physical therapists. As an international student, I'm unsure of any volunteering opportunities where you can help PT's, at least not without some degree or license.

You could see if your local community college has coursework to getting you a Physical Therapy Assistant certification/degree.

I would also reach out to admissions professionals at the schools closest to you. Get their advice on the prerequisites you should (re)take and maybe upper-levels that you should plan to take. Attend available advising sessions to more than one program close to you. Ask financial aid questions.

Examples:
 
Hey man! I was in a very similar situation to you. Im also an international student and graduated in 2023 with a Kinesiology degree too. I just applied to my programs last month and I have some interviews coming up and Im waiting to hear back from some others. While I haven’t been accepted yet, I have done a ton to strengthen my application since last year. Im not sure if you’re still in lexington but I would reach out to Kentucky Clinic, or Cardinal Hill for observation experience. You being an international student shouldn’t affect that. Im also not sure of your exact situation but you might want to look into getting an OPT or some sort of work allowance if at all possible and then trying to get a Rehab tech job. That way you can get some experience while also getting paid a bit.
After that I would definitely look into retaking some prerequisite classes. A lot of schools focus on the prerequisite GPA more and some recalculate the prerequisite GPA using your best attempt. Since you're an international student you might want to try some online classes. Just make sure its an accredited institution and the classes transfer. You can usually finish those quicker and can work simultaneously. However some schools only accept in-person labs so be careful with that. Just try really hard to get the best grade possible.
Other than that find out which schools have requirements that best fit your situation before applying and reach out to those schools for advising and information. Also if theres a school in your area that you are looking at try to make a few connections. Sometimes who you know can really help you during the admissions process.
Im not saying this 100% will help you get in and Im by no means and expert, but these are some of the things I did and it really helped make my application better and Im hoping to get accepted. I hope everything works out for you! Good luck!
 
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