DPT to DO

[DPTinthemaking15]

Okay, so the subject pretty much explains it all. I am a first year Physical Therapy student, and I’ve realized that I enjoy Physiatry more than Physical Therapy. I’ll explain. I observed with multiple PT’s over a course of two to three years, and I thought it was something I would enjoy doing for the rest of my life. This past summer I met a D.O. who explained what she done on a daily basis (She specialized in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation), and I fell in love. The next few weeks I observed what she done, and I realized that it was something I could see myself doing for the next 40+ years. Anyways, I was going to apply to Med school, but my parents purchased a house for me. So I felt terrible for telling them that I changed my mind. So here is my question. If I want to change professions, how would I go about doing it? Should I finish out my first year and apply to Med school (I haven’t taken Organic Chemistry or the MCAT). Also, since I haven’t taken O-Chem, is it possible to take PT classes during the summer while taking O-Chem? Our Summer classes are mainly ethical courses, and a short clinical rotation. On the bright side, there is a D.O. program less than 45 minutes from my current program.

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[sjcha]

Okay, so the subject pretty much explains it all. I am a first year Physical Therapy student, and I’ve realized that I enjoy Physiatry more than Physical Therapy. I’ll explain. I observed with multiple PT’s over a course of two to three years, and I thought it was something I would enjoy doing for the rest of my life. This past summer I met a D.O. who explained what she done on a daily basis (She specialized in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation), and I fell in love. The next few weeks I observed what she done, and I realized that it was something I could see myself doing for the next 40+ years. Anyways, I was going to apply to Med school, but my parents purchased a house for me. So I felt terrible for telling them that I changed my mind. So here is my question. If I want to change professions, how would I go about doing it? Should I finish out my first year and apply to Med school (I haven’t taken Organic Chemistry or the MCAT). Also, since I haven’t taken O-Chem, is it possible to take PT classes during the summer while taking O-Chem? Our Summer classes are mainly ethical courses, and a short clinical rotation. On the bright side, there is a D.O. program less than 45 minutes from my current program.

Just commenting on your question about being able to take Orgo with PT classes..

If you are planning on taking an accelerated Orgo class (the whole series in ~2 months), probably not. I did that route during the summer and that was the only thing I had time for. Unless you learn SUPER quickly or can somehow manage your time to fit everything in, sure. But if not, then no because you need to do well in those classes. If you're planning on taking Orgo at the regular pace, then yes. Hope that helps!

 

[DPTinthemaking15]

Just commenting on your question about being able to take Orgo with PT classes..

If you are planning on taking an accelerated Orgo class (the whole series in ~2 months), probably not. I did that route during the summer and that was the only thing I had time for. Unless you learn SUPER quickly or can somehow manage your time to fit everything in, sure. But if not, then no because you need to do well in those classes. If you're planning on taking Orgo at the regular pace, then yes. Hope that helps!

Thank you! I don't think I could handle the accelerated route, so I will probably call it quits on PT school during the Spring and focus on O-Chem. I guess it's time to start researching the best MCAT study guides and info about applying to different programs.

 

[sjcha]

Thank you! I don't think I could handle the accelerated route, so I will probably call it quits on PT school during the Spring and focus on O-Chem. I guess it's time to start researching the best MCAT study guides and info about applying to different programs.

Yeah, the accelerated course is nothing to take lightly.. The reason I took it is because it would save me an extra year in terms of applying to med schools. If that's what you're looking for, then you may want to consider it!

Here is what I will be following to study for the MCAT. It seems to be used by hundreds, maybe even thousands, of students.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/breaking-down-the-mcat-a-3-month-mcat-study-schedule.623898/

You can do it! These forums are filled with great information, so make use of it when you have the time. Beware of the trolls though . Glad that you found what you can see yourself doing for the rest of your life 🙂


EDIT: I would suggest researching more ways to study for the MCAT. You may find a different approach to be better suited towards you than the one that I posted!

 

[DPTinthemaking15]

Yeah, the accelerated course is nothing to take lightly.. The reason I took it is because it would save me an extra year in terms of applying to med schools. If that's what you're looking for, then you may want to consider it!

Here is what I will be following to study for the MCAT. It seems to be used by hundreds, maybe even thousands, of students.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/breaking-down-the-mcat-a-3-month-mcat-study-schedule.623898/

You can do it! These forums are filled with great information, so make use of it when you have the time. Beware of the trolls though . Glad that you found what you can see yourself doing for the rest of your life 🙂

Yet again, thank you so much! Hopefully I can get can get chem knocked out pretty quick. And I feel like every post I visit there is some type of trolling going on haha.

 

[sjcha]

Yet again, thank you so much! Hopefully I can get can get chem knocked out pretty quick. And I feel like every post I visit there is some type of trolling going on haha.

It took me awhile to decipher what was trolling and what wasn't until I saw who wrote them lol. Then you keep seeing the same posters over and over again

Anyways, best of luck to you!

 

[cyang55]

If you know for sure that you don't want to continue on your current path and want to apply to D.O. school. It might be a good idea to drop out asap. This will save you money from having to pay more tuition, but it will also give you time to take Orgo and other required classes. Taking time off to fully focus on the MCAT is a good idea too. That test is no joke!

 

[DPTinthemaking15]

If you know for sure that you don't want to continue on your current path and want to apply to D.O. school. It might be a good idea to drop out asap. This will save you money from having to pay more tuition, but it will also give you time to take Orgo and other required classes. Taking time off to fully focus on the MCAT is a good idea too. That test is no joke!

Very true. I am trying to figure out how this entire process works. If I take Orgo I in the Spring, will I be able to apply for the next upcoming class? Or do I have to complete ALL prerequisites before applying. PT requires 75% before your application

 

[cyang55]

You need to complete ALL the prereqs before applying. Also, check our the specific schools that you're interested in and see their requirements. Some schools have diff requirements, so don't over look that!

 

[sjcha]

You need to complete ALL the prereqs before applying. Also, check our the specific schools that you're interested in and see their requirements. Some schools have diff requirements, so don't over look that!

Very true. I am trying to figure out how this entire process works. If I take Orgo I in the Spring, will I be able to apply for the next upcoming class? Or do I have to complete ALL prerequisites before applying. PT requires 75% before your application

My understanding is that you don't need ALL the prereqs to apply, you just need to finish them before matriculation. But, since you will need most of the classes for the MCAT and to also make your app look better, it's not a bad idea to finish all of them before applying.

 

[DO2015CA]

What happens if you don't match into PMR. Are you open to any other specialties. Even though PMR isn't really competitive, things do happen.

 

[Two Sides]

If you really, really want to do this, then you could take the organics through UNE. You can take up to 9 months to complete each course. It may be harder online since you don't have a professor to answer your questions, face-to-face.

 

[DPTinthemaking15]

What happens if you don't match into PMR. Are you open to any other specialties. Even though PMR isn't really competitive, things do happen.

I am! I've worked with kids during college, so Pediatrics is always an option. During one of my observations I realized surgery is super rewarding. But I don't think I could handle the life of a surgeon.

 

[DPTinthemaking15]

If you really, really want to do this, then you could take the organics through UNE. You can take up to 9 months to complete each course. It may be harder online since you don't have a professor to answer your questions, face-to-face.

That's awesome! Pardon my next stupid question, but is it possible to finish early? I've had a few online classes that the Professors allow me to finish early and prepare for the next course. This is definitely something I am going to look into. Also, will most DO schools these courses? During admissions to PT school I had a few Colleges explain they wanted "in-class" courses.

 

[Ho0v-man]

Either drop out of DPT and go pre med or finish DPT and then go pre med. Trying to do both at the same time sounds like a recipe for disaster no matter how smart you may be.

I did an accelerated ochem I & II during a summer semester. To add to what the previous posters said, it was rough. Granted, I was able to work a full time job as well, but I would never want to do that again.


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[Two Sides]

That's awesome! Pardon my next stupid question, but is it possible to finish early? I've had a few online classes that the Professors allow me to finish early and prepare for the next course. This is definitely something I am going to look into. Also, will most DO schools these courses? During admissions to PT school I had a few Colleges explain they wanted "in-class" courses.

It's self-paced, so you could finish it whenever. The courses are a lot harder than in-class, though. I took orgo in class, and then retook it through UNE. In-class courses have partial credit and easier questions, whereas UNE has 5 multiple choice options, and harder questions - but it is curved and open book, though.

 

[DO2015CA]

Then I would go for it. It's worth it. Plus surgery sucks Jk jk

 

[DPTinthemaking15]

Either drop out of DPT and go pre med or finish DPT and then go pre med. Trying to do both at the same time sounds like a recipe for disaster no matter how smart you may be.

I did an accelerated ochem I & II during a summer semester. To add to what the previous posters said, it was rough. Granted, I was able to work a full time job as well, but I would never want to do that again.


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I feel as if dropping out would be the best thing at this point. It stinks I've made a commitment to PT school, but I'm glad I realized DO is the path I want to take before I finished PT. Hopefully one of the colleges nearby offer accelerated courses. Overall, O-Chem doesn't seem impossible, the MCAT on the other hand.

 

[DPTinthemaking15]

Then I would go for it. It's worth it. Plus surgery sucks Jk jk

Haha hopefully I'll get to observe a few more surgeons in the upcoming months. It's just hard to imagine residency life.

 

[Ho0v-man]

I feel as if dropping out would be the best thing at this point. It stinks I've made a commitment to PT school, but I'm glad I realized DO is the path I want to take before I finished PT. Hopefully one of the colleges nearby offer accelerated courses. Overall, O-Chem doesn't seem impossible, the MCAT on the other hand.

Just be sure you want to close that door. There's no guarantees that you can open the next one.


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[DPTinthemaking15]

Just be sure you want to close that door. There's no guarantees that you can open the next one.


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Very true. They are both AMAZING careers, but I know med school allows me to accomplish the things I am truly passionate about. I know it is a leap of faith I'm willing to take.

 

[Two Sides]

Couldn't you finish DPT and work for a while? You could take some of the med school prereqs and study for the mcat after. You don't want to throw away DPT school, man. If for some reason DO isn't your thing, then you have a solid backup career.

 

[cyang55]

Couldn't you finish DPT and work for a while? You could take some of the med school prereqs and study for the mcat after. You don't want to throw away DPT school, man. If for some reason DO isn't your thing, then you have a solid backup career.

I think that would be a good idea if OP was struggling to decide between the two. But since OP seems to be pretty sure he wants to DO, there's no point in him going more into debt and spend 3 more years in PT school, then on top of that spend another 4 years in DO school and be wayyyy more indebt than necessary. OP can save so much time and money if he changes course ASAP, that is ONLY if OP is completely, 100% sure that he wants to change.

 

[DPTinthemaking15]

Couldn't you finish DPT and work for a while? You could take some of the med school prereqs and study for the mcat after. You don't want to throw away DPT school, man. If for some reason DO isn't your thing, then you have a solid backup career.

@cyang55 Thank you for that. In all honesty, everyday I try and picture if I am making the right choice. And at the end of the day I know PT isn't something I enjoy. The main reason I began PT school is because I really thought I wasn't "smart" enough for Med school. Well... When I started school I realized I was actually doing okay. I know PT and Med school are two different beast, but I know with hard work and dedication I can do it. This entire process is scary knowing that I may not get accepted etc... But I can't go the rest of my life thinking "what if."

 

[cyang55]

@cyang55 Thank you for that. In all honesty, everyday I try and picture if I am making the right choice. And at the end of the day I know PT isn't something I enjoy. The main reason I began PT school is because I really thought I wasn't "smart" enough for Med school. Well... When I started school I realized I was actually doing okay. I know PT and Med school are two different beast, but I know with hard work and dedication I can do it. This entire process is scary knowing that I may not get accepted etc... But I can't go the rest of my life thinking "what if."

Exactly. You can't go through the rest of your life with that "what if" hanging over your head. Not sure how old you are, but I'm assuming you're in your early-mid 20s. There's still time to try and figure out what you want to do. Don't make the mistake of figuring that out WAYYY later, with hundreds of thousands of debt invested into a career you don't feel passionate about. It's good that you're realizing it now!

 

[DO2015CA]

What prereqs haven't you done?

 

[DO2015CA]

Could always ask for a leave of absence for a year where you hammer out the prereqs you don't have and apply. That way if you can't get in then just continue school

 

[DPTinthemaking15]

What prereqs haven't you done?

I still have both O-Chem's left and it all depends if the program will take my Cell Biology, in replace of Micro.

 

[sjcha]

I still have both O-Chem's left and it all depends if the program will take my Cell Biology, in replace of Micro.

I'm pretty sure Micro falls under the "recommended" classes, not required. It may be different for each program, but I believe that is what most of them said.

 

[DPTinthemaking15]

😳😳

Could always ask for a leave of absence for a year where you hammer out the prereqs you don't have and apply. That way if you can't get in then just continue school

I forgot there was a leave of absence!

I'm pretty sure Micro falls under the "recommended" classes, not required. It may be different for each program, but I believe that is what most of them said.

My bad! I should have clarified. Here is the statement from their website " Faculty recommend courses in Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Microbiology, Virology, or Genetics to enhance the student’s success in medical school." These all must be in the 300+ level above. I'm hoping they accept my Cell Bio in replace of one of these. I know I don't have time to complete Biochem.😳

 

[sjcha]

My bad! I should have clarified. Here is the statement from their website " Faculty recommend courses in Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Microbiology, Virology, or Genetics to enhance the student’s success in medical school." These all must be in the 300+ level above. I'm hoping they accept my Cell Bio in replace of one of these. I know I don't have time to complete Biochem.😳

I don't think it would necessarily "replace" any of them, but it would help to have Cell Bio more than it would hurt. Since it is a 300+ course (I'm assuming), it would probably be beneficial. Also, I would highly recommend taking at least 1 Biochem course, as it will be *roughly* 25% of the MCAT. Self-teaching the entire series will be brutal but not impossible!


You may want to look into these if you get the chance:
http://online.une.edu/science-prerequisites/courses/

Before enrolling, just make sure whatever school(s) you are looking into accept these credits. Searching through these forums makes me believe that all DO schools are fine with them, but double-checking wouldn't hurt.

 

[DPTinthemaking15]

I don't think it would necessarily "replace" any of them, but it would help to have Cell Bio more than it would hurt. Since it is a 300+ course (I'm assuming), it would probably be beneficial. Also, I would highly recommend taking at least 1 Biochem course, as it will be *roughly* 25% of the MCAT. Self-teaching the entire series will be brutal but not impossible!


You may want to look into these if you get the chance:
http://online.une.edu/science-prerequisites/courses/

Before enrolling, just make sure whatever school(s) you are looking into accept these credits. Searching through these forums makes me believe that all DO schools are fine with them, but double-checking wouldn't hurt.

Awesome! Thanks for the info. I am meeting with advisors Thursday, and hopefully they can give me advice on what I should do. I realize now why most pre-med students are so stressed out lol.

 

[AnotherLawyer]

Okay, so the subject pretty much explains it all. I am a first year Physical Therapy student, and I’ve realized that I enjoy Physiatry more than Physical Therapy. I’ll explain. I observed with multiple PT’s over a course of two to three years, and I thought it was something I would enjoy doing for the rest of my life. This past summer I met a D.O. who explained what she done on a daily basis (She specialized in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation), and I fell in love. The next few weeks I observed what she done, and I realized that it was something I could see myself doing for the next 40+ years. Anyways, I was going to apply to Med school, but my parents purchased a house for me. So I felt terrible for telling them that I changed my mind. So here is my question. If I want to change professions, how would I go about doing it? Should I finish out my first year and apply to Med school (I haven’t taken Organic Chemistry or the MCAT). Also, since I haven’t taken O-Chem, is it possible to take PT classes during the summer while taking O-Chem? Our Summer classes are mainly ethical courses, and a short clinical rotation. On the bright side, there is a D.O. program less than 45 minutes from my current program.

I'm sorry to be blunt, but I think you'd be crazy to close the door on a high paying low stress profession unless you are really sure you can get into an MD/DO program. Since it sounds like you've taken everything except ochem, go ahead and take a practice MCAT and see how you do. If you are within striking distance of an acceptable score and have a competitive GPA, then maybe dropping out makes sense. If your GPA is lacking or you don't do very well on your practice MCAT, then you need to put a lot of thought into this.

 

[DPTinthemaking15]

I'm sorry to be blunt, but I think you'd be crazy to close the door on a high paying low stress profession unless you are really sure you can get into an MD/DO program. Since it sounds like you've taken everything except ochem, go ahead and take a practice MCAT and see how you do. If you are within striking distance of an acceptable score and have a competitive GPA, then maybe dropping out makes sense. If your GPA is lacking or you don't do very well on your practice MCAT, then you need to put a lot of thought into this.

We all need to hear the blunt truth every now and then. I guess it would be helpful to post my stats. My cGPA/sGPA is 3.53/3.6ish. I took classes at a CC first, so my Undergrad GPA is a 3.6. Chem I was my downfall (Ended up making a C, but I pulled an A in Chem II, Physics, and HOPEFULLY Orgo).

Like I stated above, Physical Therapy is a phenomenal career and stress free. A clinician once told me that if you can make it through the book work portion of school it is one of the easiest jobs imaginable. Later, he told me that he would never choose PT again, due to the new "Doctoral" degree. In my opinion, I've shadowed some of the greatest Physical Therapist imaginable, but after a Summer of Personal Training I quickly realized it isn't something I am passionate about anymore. Personal training isn't Physical Therapy, but the portion of Physical Therapy that I am passionate about is VERY similar. I just can't live the rest of my life thinking "what if." Plus, my wife will be finishing Vet school. So I can always be a stay at home Pup dad (Haha I'm jking).

 

[PTDUDEUCF22]

Hey, I know these are a little old, but I am in my 3rd Semster or DPT school and i also want to go into DO school, but ill be taking the safer route and completing my DPT working for a few years and then applying to DO school. I assume i will have married my GF and we may or may not settle down and that will impact the range of where i apply.

Hopefully you have had success with applying!

 

[DPTinthemaking15]

Hey, I know these are a little old, but I am in my 3rd Semster or DPT school and i also want to go into DO school, but ill be taking the safer route and completing my DPT working for a few years and then applying to DO school. I assume i will have married my GF and we may or may not settle down and that will impact the range of where i apply.

Hopefully you have had success with applying!

That's awesome!!! I know a few of my classmates were debating on doing the same thing. I actually landed a "Guaranteed interview" at a nearby DO school. So far things are looking good! Anyways, I feel as if I have learned a lot through this process and if you have any questions feel free to PM me. I wish you the best in PT school!

 

[PTDUDEUCF22]

You said PM&R was your interest, it also caught my eye. Have you done any further shadowing with a PM&R Dr. . I'm interested because it seems a lot of them work in rehab centers and a PM&R with PT experience could be very valuable I'm just not sure by the time I would finish residency if i would still have a current PT license i guess it depends if i work through school.

I guess i should go over to MD forums and find some PM&R if they think PT knowledge will be valuable.

 

[DPTinthemaking15]

You said PM&R was your interest, it also caught my eye. Have you done any further shadowing with a PM&R Dr. . I'm interested because it seems a lot of them work in rehab centers and a PM&R with PT experience could be very valuable I'm just not sure by the time I would finish residency if i would still have a current PT license i guess it depends if i work through school.

I guess i should go over to MD forums and find some PM&R if they think PT knowledge will be valuable.

Sadly, I haven't. I've been shadowing a Vascular Surgeon for the past few weeks, but I am about to start with Family Medicine. Yes, I believe becoming a PT first will give an advantage as a PM&R Doc, but that is just my .02. I went to an open house a few months ago and one of the deans asked about PT school, they told me it would have been beneficial to finish PT school. But they understood that I decided to withdraw after the first semester. As for the PT license, that is something I don't really know. Hopefully you should be able to keep it, as long as you can find some type of PRN work, etc...