How did you find your PT aide job?

[DolFAN]

So I have shadowed at a outpatient clinic for around 50 hours. I liked the environment and was hoping I could do what I was doing there but get paid for it. My question is where did how did you go about finding a PT aide job and how did it go?

Another question, when I spoke to my PT adviser they told me that my school (FIU) did not look to closely at the observation hours, mostly just the GPA. I was wondering what experiences you guys have had with this. Do you find it more beneficial to get more hours in or get the better grade?

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[IGotsTheFever]

I ended up applying online through the hospital's website. Got a phone interview and in-person interview and got the offer later. Yeah, it was a very,very formal process.

Since you already have shadowing exp at the clinic, have you asked if they have a tech opening available?

You can also try cold-calling or going into various clinics/hospitals and ask if they are hiring for a PT tech job. That shows considerable interest and initiative.

If there's no tech job available and you don't mind not getting $, you can always consider volunteering. It gives you good experience and you never know, it might lead to a tech position.

I found tons of PT volunteering positions just by calling/visiting clinics.

As for your other question, I think it all depends on the PT school you're going to attend. It's always best to get as much exposure to PT, while getting good grades. The PT schools usually will list common stats among the accepted PT class like GPA (science, prereq), PT Hours.

 

[crockdub]

I got mine from classified ads. When I left, we posted my replacement on craigslist.org. Make a good resume with a cover letter stating your desire to learn and eventually go to PT school. Call around/fax or take it to clinics in person.

 

[DolFAN]

Thanks for the help guys.
Good news, I went to a rehab center close to my house and they said they are hiring. They want me to bring in my resume. I just redid my resume and made it pretty nice.

Any suggestions for the cover letter?

 

[clo]

I hope you guys don't mind the thread hi-jack, but since I know there are some PTA's reading this thread I have to ask:

What is your salary range? I know this really depends on the area that you are in but I'd like to hear answers from PTA's only.

I've heard such conflicting numbers and I've NEVER got a straight answer. I've checked out some sites but there salary ranges were from a few years ago.

 

[artizzle]

Cover letter should include why you're interested in the field. What you plan to do with this experience. What experience you have (that isn't on your resume). Any other relevant information and stuff that isn't covered by your resume. Include some character, it will be a good exercise for when you write personal statements for PT school.

I had found my PT aide job on craigslist. I applied to a bunch (most of them were umbrella corporations) and got ONLY one reply from an privately-owned clinic. Turned out it was the best place ever and was probably a huge reason why I got me into school.

Good luck with the application and interview!

 

[rlw237]

I just moved to Pittsburgh in August trying to get into PT school here. I applied at upmc.com for a PT aide job (typed in Rehabilitation) and got offered an interview the following week to five different clinics (some out/some inpatient some private). Side note: Center for Rehab Services is the main rehab business in Pittsburgh so they control a panoply of clinics here. I eventually took the full time pt aide job at UPMC-Passavant as it was more hands on and the therapist are mostly younger individuals willing to help me learn. I logged up to 300+ hours already ontop of the 500 i previously did at other pt clinics. I make 10 bucks and hour which is better than volunteer.

I did graduate college already with a B.S. in Kinesiology and had prior work experience, just nail the interview explain what the job means to you in regards to physical therapy school, and be yourself. Working with the application commitees golf partner is a great way to get noticed. Just get that foot in the door... what are you waiting for get cracken!!!

P.S. update your resume, they always want an updated copy

Best of Luck to ALL!!

 

[leon9]

Hey OP are you from South Florida also? I just recently got hired at a 460 bed hospital with a huge ortho wing and I am a PT Tech/ Rehab Tech. It's pretty awesome and it wasn't very hard to get in. I applied online, called the recruiter and asked them to pass my application to the director. Then received a call and had a phone interview two days later. The week after that I attended my face-to-face interview and they hired me on the spot. They asked me to do some observing to see if I wanted the job, processed me and had me come in a week later to get my badge etc. Oh and I had to meet the COO of the hospital, very nice lady. Also if you live in Miami my cousin works at the Baptist Hospital and he says they have about 200+ positions open atm. So check it out man and good luck.

PS: For my CV I just put that I was looking for experience in a growing field and that I wanted to work with like minded individuals and people who were truly in the business to provide care. Typical stuff u know?

Good luck!

 

[physicaltherapy]

I got mine through networking. My friend was a regular patient at a facility and told the owner about me. 🙂

 

[debimags]

i am an aide in california and the pay is $12/hour. got the job from a posting with no experience in PT work at all, just pure enthusiasm got me the job. its insanely low pay, but the experience is really priceless. i think that by the time i get into PT school, my comfort around patients will put me above many other students. hope that helps.