Hours as at PT patient

[469738]

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I have been a patient of PT for somewhere around a 100 hours (and counting) for various ailements. I am assume this would be a good thing to add to my PT "resume" in addition to my observation hours. Do you think that these hours could be counted partly as obervation hours? I will have the minimum actual observation hours, but will not have anything like 100+ like some people have. Do you think its benefical to put these hours on PT "resume"? I know some have had injuries influencing them to go into PT but has anyone on here had chronic ailment that PT helps with?

 

[VIllaHJF]

I my opionion that would be a good thing to talk about while interviewing but would seem cheap to try to use that as observation hours. Besides, i seem to recall when i applied last year that several schools i applied to (texas) state not to use hours as a patient.

Edit: the minimum observation hours is totally fine. They dont see someone with 500 hours of observation and say wow this person must just really love PT! The point of the hours is just so you have an idea of what physical therapy is and are sure you want to do it for a career.

 

[Azimuthal]

Unfortunately, no. However, you may mention your experiences in your essay if they correspond to the reasons that lead you to PT.

 

[djb051]

I don't think this can count at all for observation hours because you weren't directly observing others being treated. And many schools require that you have a PT verify that you observed them treating other patients and/or that you volunteered.
I am not sure if it would be beneficial to add that to your application. I don't think you can count it as an extracurricular either. I agree with above, I think you can really only mention it in an essay if you want to do that and/or bring it up at an interview if the opportunity presents itself.
You could always email all the schools you plan on applying to to ask them to be sure.
My sister broke her elbow and had physical therapy for more than 6 months. I saw some of that treatment, but I am not using that as observation hours as I didn't take the steps with the clinic to be an observer and/or volunteer there when she was treated.

 

[Kismet426]

if the PT you saw is willing to verify the hours, then put it in as observation hours and make sure they verify it.

otherwise, don't put it.

 

[okramango]

I agree with the other posters. Don't include this as observation because you were a patient and not an observer. Lots of people applying to PT school have gone through PT themselves, and it could be considered dishonest to try including this in your observation hours. Instead, if you like, you can mention it in your essay or interview as a context for why you would like to be a PT.