How do I ask to shadow a PT?

[ivann92]

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I am going to be a freshman at BU and I am in the 6 year DPT program. I have a passion for science and the human body so I want to get some exposure by shadowing a PT. My question is how do I begin to do that? Should I just walk up to clinics and ask them if I can shadow? Should I offer them help with simple things in return? Are PTs generally open to shadowing? How do I go about doing this? Any advice will be appreciated.

 

[goyo1010]

There have been quite a few threads about this in the Pre-Physical Therapy board. Call or visit the clinic/hospital. Avoid emailing them, as they receive much more important emails and may choose to delay responding to your message, or potentially forget about it after putting it off. PTs are usually pretty flexible with shadowing; however, if they get a lot of requests, then they usually limit your hours and days, or they may allow one student at a time. Depends. Again, speaking with somebody directly is the best way to get all your questions answered as each facility may do things differently.

Usually, if you're at a outpatient clinic, they'll also ask you to do the laundry in addition to helping around (helping patients in and out of machines, applying cold/heat packs, readying equipment for the PT, tidying up the place, etc). You'll be observing, but you'll may also be performing these jobs for the PT. Free labor. Always a good thing (for them).