Hospitals with PT Observation in NYC

[StartingAt29]

G'day all,

This is my first time posting to this forum. As the username implies, I'm just starting the process of becoming a PT at age 29. A little background if you're interested: I graduated with a BS in '07 and have been working in advertising since. Been contemplating making a career change for a couple years, and I'm finally jumping in the pool. I'm planning to begin the process of taking my remaining prereqs this summer, and in the meantime I want to observe in at least 2 settings, both to get a head start on my hours and also to confirm my instincts that PT is something I really want to do (since I don't actually have any firsthand PT experience).

I'm searching for a hospital in NYC that allows volunteers to observe/shadow physical therapists while they're treating patients, preferably one that offers an inpatient experience. So far I've researched 3 hospitals:

1. Rusk Rehabilitation at NYU Langone - They offer "observational volunteer internships", both in inpatient and outpatient experiences. Seems the most promising of the 3, so I applied here first. However, they told me there's a significant waitlist, so I want to apply to others as well.
2. Hospital for Special Surgery - The also allow observation, how it seems more limited than Rusk. Also, the application states, "Please be aware that we do not offer inpatient acute care experiences". I still applied, but I would probably choose Rusk over HSS if I was offered both, unless one of you recommends something different.
3. Hospital for Joint Disease at NYU Langone - The website states, "All programs are non-medical and there are no doctor shadowing positions." and I had a hard time getting through to anyone on the phone. I most likely won't apply unless I get more information.

TL;DR: I have 3 questions that hopefully some of you can answer:

1. Have you volunteered at any of the three hospitals above? If so, can you please share your experience.
2. Can you recommend any other hospitals in NYC that allow volunteers to observe/shadow physical therapists (preferably ones that allow observation in an inpatient setting )
3. Besides hospitals, are there any other types of facilities that offer inpatient/acute care observation/volunteering?

I'm excited and pleased to join the community. Thanks in advance for your help.

Cheers!
Mark

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[dropping101]

HSS is a great one. Mount Sinai (Beth Israel) on Union Sq is pretty awesome too.

 

[BKTrojan]

I did my acute care (peds) at CHONY which is under the Columbia Medical Center. It was awesome intensive inpatient and also some outpatient treatments for peds. I got to see A LOT of inpatient so that would be worth while. There's lots of hospitals within the Columbia Medical Center so if you don't want to do peds you could just go to another one.

 

[brooklynyc]

I am 31 and started this transition when I was 29 as well.

I HIGHLY recommend Bellevue. PM me if you have any questions.

 

[StartingAt29]

Thanks all for the responses. I'm going to look into the hospitals you all recommended this week

 

[CalvinPT]

look for some outpatient, non-hospital setting too. Its more interesting than in-patient hospital in my opinion.

 

[montevik]

I've volunteered at Mt. Sinai St. Lukes, across the street from the 114 st. campus of Columbia. There is both in-patient and out-patient facility on the same floor. You clean around a bit but you have all the time to shadow in any environment, although it is a bit slow at times.

If you want to volunteer there, just be aware that the website and hospital aren't really up to date with each other...you're gonna have to be persistent.

 

[StarryNightSky]

I know that NY Methodist Hospital has inpatient and outpatient settings and Lutheran Medical Center has inpatient, acute, subacute, and outpatient settings. I did out patient PT with Rusk and I liked it. Rusk has a lot of different specialties, so i

 

[StartingAt29]

I know that NY Methodist Hospital has inpatient and outpatient settings and Lutheran Medical Center has inpatient, acute, subacute, and outpatient settings. I did out patient PT with Rusk and I liked it. Rusk has a lot of different specialties, so i

Thanks for the response StarttyNightSky. I got a call from Rusk today and have an interview with Ray next week - woot! Any tips or insights into how yours went?

Also, it looks like you didn't finish your thought in your previous post, or it got deleted. What were you saying?

 

[StarryNightSky]

I thought I edited the post, but essentially what I wrote is pm if you have any questions 🙂. Sorry for responding late, I hoped your interview went well!