Having doubts (?!)

[Julie S]

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I am a chronic mind-changer. As I've posted on other posts, back in 2011 I was having an internal dispute between Chatham and UPitt. I decided (DECIDED) on Chatham for a few reasons: I would have more time to work while in school, its a much shorter program (which means less loss of income), and that I like the faculty I met during the interview.

But I'm starting to have some doubts. I'm wondering if overall, the quality of Chatham's program (particularly, the clinical education piece) is not as strong as Pitt's. Am I choosing money over quality? Will Chatham really help me reach my maximum potential as a PT? Will I get frustrated taking a whole year of classes before entering clinical education? Will I be challenged enough?

OR will I be frustrated at Pitt doing so much clinical education without getting paid? Sure, there's the stipend but its not even enough to cover tuition... And will I be overwhelmed by the curriculum there?

I was so sure that Chatham was right for me! I've visited both schools, I should know by now. Also, Pitt's deadline for me passed and i didn't put down a deposit. If I do decide that I want Pitt I will have to go on the waitlist, I believe.

I know I should follow my gut but I'm not sure what it's even telling me! 😱

 

[CherokeeWahine]

Grab a coin. Assign a school to each side. Flip the coin. In the time that it is hanging in the air, you'll know what you want.

 

[angl88]

I am a chronic mind-changer. As I've posted on other posts, back in 2011 I was having an internal dispute between Chatham and UPitt. I decided (DECIDED) on Chatham for a few reasons: I would have more time to work while in school, its a much shorter program (which means less loss of income), and that I like the faculty I met during the interview.


Sometimes , you have to trust your first choice. You had many logical reasons to choose Chatham and i do not think you will be sorry. If you let the Pitt deadline pass and not put down a deposit you must have made a conscious choice to do so.
I have always found that unless 100% sure it is often better to stick with your first gut decision.I think it is normal to have doubts but you really cannot know for sure until after you start no matter what school. You made a choice between two really good schools if necessary go back and visit Chatham so you will be reassured . good luck

 

[Julie S]

Thanks. One thing I would like to add is that I don't want to knock Chatham.... the professors and students that I met during my interview were great and all seemed very together and competent. You are right: I'm choosing between two great schools with lots of great people at each.

One thing I would say about when I let the deadline go is that it was much, much harder for me to let that one go than any of the others that I was accepted to.... not sure if that really means anything except that I want to move to Pittsburgh!

 

[rangardrum]

Sorry you're having a difficult time committing to one school without doubts. If it's any comfort, it's likely that having some doubts and concerns is pretty typical at this stage leading up all the way until school begins. There will be a lot of adjustments to be made regardless of what school we ultimately attend.

I don't think it's likely you will regret your decision though, whatever it might be. On the whole, it seems PT students are generally satisfied with their education no matter where they go.

In any case, hopefully you find peace with your decision.

 

[kingsandmen]

I am a chronic mind-changer. As I've posted on other posts, back in 2011 I was having an internal dispute between Chatham and UPitt. I decided (DECIDED) on Chatham for a few reasons: I would have more time to work while in school, its a much shorter program (which means less loss of income), and that I like the faculty I met during the interview.

But I'm starting to have some doubts. I'm wondering if overall, the quality of Chatham's program (particularly, the clinical education piece) is not as strong as Pitt's. Am I choosing money over quality? Will Chatham really help me reach my maximum potential as a PT? Will I get frustrated taking a whole year of classes before entering clinical education? Will I be challenged enough?

OR will I be frustrated at Pitt doing so much clinical education without getting paid? Sure, there's the stipend but its not even enough to cover tuition... And will I be overwhelmed by the curriculum there?

I was so sure that Chatham was right for me! I've visited both schools, I should know by now. Also, Pitt's deadline for me passed and i didn't put down a deposit. If I do decide that I want Pitt I will have to go on the waitlist, I believe.

I know I should follow my gut but I'm not sure what it's even telling me! 😱

I'm in the same boat as you as far as having choices and always revisiting decisions. The only advice I could add to what's already been said is to "reframe" PT school. I'm not in school yet. I will be next year, but from what I've gathered PT school is what takes you to "entry-level" competency. To be the best PT (maximum potential) requires years beyond just PT school of learning and experience. It's in APTA's vision 2020 it says "Doctor of Physical Therapy and Lifelong Education " One PT told me that after PT school was when the real learning started. Probably tongue in cheek but I think this just reflects a transition that must continue take place even after PT school. PT school is just the beginning of the journey.

Another PT who is also a CI told me that IHO there isn't that much variation in the schools. He basically said that since they are all CAPTE and since everyone sits for the same exam to practice, they all have to teach approx the same body of knowledge. He noted that most of the students he gets are at about the same level, regardless of school. He did however note that some schools like St. Aug have manual skills more integrated into their curriculum. Because of this a USA student may be more competent with certain manual skills right out of school. However, there is nothing that says that you couldn't begin furthering your manual skills through cont ed after PT school if you didn't attend USA. The same is probably true with Pitt. At one school you might have learned a little bit more through clin ed. But over the course of a lifetime I feel like it's more of an individual choice that determines your potential as a PT. IMO every school takes you to the same place, entry level competency. The route you take just differs. I hope that helps.

 

[markelmarcel]

I'm a current Chatham first year and am SO SO SO glad I did NOT choose Pitt. I am loving problem based learning an I'm only two days into t. Honestly, I'm hoping that I will know enough before clinical in July! If you want to talk at all, just PM me!! I had a very hard time deciding between the two and then second guessed myself a lot, but now that I in the program I know I made the right choice 🙂

 

[Julie S]

Okay, I talked it out with a PT. I think that Chatham makes sense for me, especially since I will have the time to be a PT aide. While it won't be as involved as a clinical internship, it will still be a valuable experience and allow me to make some extra bones. With both schools having 100% employment within the first 6 months, I don't think that I'll have any significant issues post-graduation. I will make the best of Chatham and come out as a solid PT 🙂.

 

[rangardrum]

Awesome, Julie! That closure in knowing where you're going for sure must be nice. I'm still waiting around for my top choice (OhioU) to get back to me.

 

[markelmarcel]

Okay, I talked it out with a PT. I think that Chatham makes sense for me, especially since I will have the time to be a PT aide. While it won't be as involved as a clinical internship, it will still be a valuable experience and allow me to make some extra bones. With both schools having 100% employment within the first 6 months, I don't think that I'll have any significant issues post-graduation. I will make the best of Chatham and come out as a solid PT 🙂.

I'm sure I'll see you around next year, but know that Chatham is not a walk in the park. I thought the first semester was hard and then we hit our first PBL this semester and wow! Lots of work! I research for at least 4-6 hours in preparation for the sessions, let alone followup work that I need to do to make sure I have all the concepts down (although most of that is resolved during the PBL session). One of my best friends in the program is a PT assistant (and a few others are aides, etc) and they are saying that last semester was easier to manage (no class on Fridays, so my PTA friend worked on Fridays 12+ hours and then sometimes on Saturdays) and this semester there's not as much spare time for working, but they are still making it work.

But it definitely is all about making the most of your situation! Congratulations on coming to a decision that is right for you! I had a VERY hard battle myself between Pitt and Chatham, so I completely understand!

 

[mtm34]

I go to pitt and my gf's roomate goes to chatham and there is no comparison between the musculoskeletal education, she'll be the first one to tell you that so if ortho is your thing, you may want to consider Pitt, otherwise I find Pitt very mortal in other domains. Good luck to you.

 

[Julie S]

I go to pitt and my gf's roomate goes to chatham and there is no comparison between the musculoskeletal education, she'll be the first one to tell you that so if ortho is your thing, you may want to consider Pitt, otherwise I find Pitt very mortal in other domains. Good luck to you.

I'm not really sure that ortho is my thing... I'm thinking maybe neuro but then again I don't necessarily want acute care where most neuro happens. Home health may be my first choice, which presumably would include ortho. I suppose my thought is that if there is a disparity in ortho, I will catch up 🙂.

What do you mean by "very mortal in other domains?"

Thanks for the encouragement markel! Makes me feel more at peace.