Helpful tips for new PT/students

[_FNG_]

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There are a lot of experienced PTs that come to this board so I was wondering if any would like to give some insight on things that they got after time. Any type of advice from documentation, exercises, special populations, etc. would be greatly appreciated by me and the other students on this board.

Thanks

 

[truthseeker]

There are a lot of experienced PTs that come to this board so I was wondering if any would like to give some insight on things that they got after time. Any type of advice from documentation, exercises, special populations, etc. would be greatly appreciated by me and the other students on this board.

Thanks

Integrate what you learn, don't just memorize lists to get the grade. Once you are in PT school, it is more important to retain the stuff for long term rather than to regurgitate it onto a test then lose it forever. I started my career in an outpatient sports med clinic in a large city. Now I work in a small rural hospital. Needless to say I have to be competent in all or nearly all areas of PT where before, I had only ortho to worry about. If I hadn't integrated the info, cross-referenced it in my brain, then I would be totally clueless now.

Another thing that I have learned as I have gotten wiser is that ortho and neuro are inseparable. Even if you hate PNF and NDT classes in neuro, if you are a successful PT you will use concepts from both in your ortho patients. If you are only interested in Neuro patients, you cannot neglect the ortho stuff because everybody comes with orthopedic baggage.

Good luck.

 

[_FNG_]

Integrate what you learn, don't just memorize lists to get the grade. Good luck.

I can definately agree with this. I'm currently on my first clinical rotation (two weeks) after two semesters and am retaining the information so much easier when it's applied to a real life situation.

Thanks for the reply

Another thing that I can add (but is kinda obvious) is that you don't always have to know what is wrong but you should always be in control of the situation. The patient will feed off your appearance, so if you look unsure the pt will likely not trust you and not follow the HEP.

C'mon guys and gals I'm sure you have some great information stored in those noggins, let the new generation be the beneficiaries.

 

[smiley1]

I would like to bump this thread. I just started PT school 2 weeks ago and I'd love to benefit from the experience of those who have gone through this before me...thanks!!

 

[mac_kin]

I would also say try to befriend a couple older students if possible. Maybe through sports or some extracurricular activity.
Older students will give good advice on courses and probably have some old study materials/tests to share.