In need of some advice

[Brandon1986]

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So, my original plan when starting college was to become a PTA. I was accepted to my local community college program however there was a 3 year waiting list so I decided to opt for the DPT instead since it would have been a waste of time to wait that long for a program to start. I just got an email today saying a spot has opened up this August for the program & I can start then if I want to. I had my heart set on becoming a PT & going right for the DPT, but now this really complicates things & it is so tempting to accept the offer especially since I'm 26 already, but I don't know what to do. I'm currently a junior my overall GPA is 3.75 & my pre-req GPA is 3.83 up to this point. I was planning on applying this coming cycle to start Jan 2014 at my 1st choice school if I was accepted. My heart is still telling me to pursue the DPT because I think later on I would regret taking the easy way out, but it's just so tempting to accept because I want to start my PT career already & I would be done in less than 2 years with the PTA. Any advice on what anyone would do in this situation would be appreciated.

 

[Mattcoker]

With your stats I'd say stick with DPT. Have you taken the GRE yet? If you have not I would take it and see how you do and let that help guide you as well. With all the changes the APTA is pushing for I think you would have a lot more options with a degree in DPT. 26 is not too old at all to go to DPT school. My wife just started this summer and is 31 and I'll be starting Med School at 35.

 

[Brandon1986]

I took the GRE a few weeks ago and bombed it. I'm not good at standardized tests and I only had a week to prepare for it due to regular classes etc. I was planning on taking it again in August. I didn't miss the minimum requirements by much at the schools I was going to apply to & since I only had a week to study I think I could get what is needed next time around if I go that route.

 

[djb051]

So, my original plan when starting college was to become a PTA. I was accepted to my local community college program however there was a 3 year waiting list so I decided to opt for the DPT instead since it would have been a waste of time to wait that long for a program to start. I just got an email today saying a spot has opened up this August for the program & I can start then if I want to. I had my heart set on becoming a PT & going right for the DPT, but now this really complicates things & it is so tempting to accept the offer especially since I'm 26 already, but I don't know what to do. I'm currently a junior my overall GPA is 3.75 & my pre-req GPA is 3.83 up to this point. I was planning on applying this coming cycle to start Jan 2014 at my 1st choice school if I was accepted. My heart is still telling me to pursue the DPT because I think later on I would regret taking the easy way out, but it's just so tempting to accept because I want to start my PT career already & I would be done in less than 2 years with the PTA. Any advice on what anyone would do in this situation would be appreciated.

I would make a pro and con list for both PTA and DPT. That would help me to decide if I were in the same situation. It seems to me like you are almost done with undergrad. If that is the case, and if it were me in your situation, I would finish out the bachelor's degree and go for the DPT. Plus, if your heart is telling you to do dpt, and you really think you would regret not doing DPT later, it seems you have already choosen. Your GPA's are great too so I think you would have a great chance of getting into a dpt program. Good luck.

 

[okramango]

It really sounds like going for the DPT is the right thing for you. Your heart is telling you this is what you want, and your grades can definitely get you into PT school. Sure, it might take a little longer to complete, but you are young. Lots of people (including me) go to DPT school in their thirties and even forties. The easy way might be tempting right now, but nothing worth pursuing in life is easy. You don't want to do something that you will regret later.

 

[NewTestament]

I'm 26. Am I too old to be entering PT school? People make career changes all the time. I knew one guy applying for dental school at age 42 because he was sick of coaching athletes. Do DPT. You'll have more debt, but a guaranteed job, more potential, and more skills.

Kevin

 

[Michpiek]

I'm 27 and I'm starting my DPT program in 3 weeks, 26 is not too old.

 

[Brandon1986]

Thanks everyone for the responses I really appreciate it. Every time I need some advice or motivation I know where to come. After thinking it over for the night and discussing it with my fiance I'm going to follow my heart and continue with the DPT. I've worked so hard to get to where I'm at and I'm not about to throw it all away. It certainly was tempting to take the easy way out at first, but after doing a pro/cons list there is no doubt in my mind what I should be doing.