Interested in PT

[TheraP]

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Hey everyone! First time poster here. I am interested in pursuing a career in physical therapy, but I'm not completely sure where to start. I'll post my stats:

Year: Sophomore
Major: Health Sciences
Cumulative GPA: 3.67

Biology I: A-
Biology II: A-
Chemistry I: A-
Anatomy/Physiology I: A
General Psychology: A

Those were the only classes I've taken so far that satisfy pre-reqs for physical therapy schools. I hope to continue my success in these courses.

Right now I'm on winter break and I'm exploring opportunities to shadow/intern with current PTs. I live in the Philadelphia area, if that helps. I just had a few questions:

1. How do you go about asking PTs to shadow?
2. How many hours do you suggest shadowing PTs?
3. Should I shadow PTs in several different areas of healthcare? If so, which are the most important?

I don't really have any healthcare related experiences, and that's making me really nervous because I'm already a sophomore. Is it too late to start?

Also, if anyone just wants to give me their impressions of PT school or work as a PT, that would be great. Thanks!

 

[pubicsymphysis]

Hey everyone! First time poster here. I am interested in pursuing a career in physical therapy, but I'm not completely sure where to start. I'll post my stats:

Year: Sophomore
Major: Health Sciences
Cumulative GPA: 3.67

Biology I: A-
Biology II: A-
Chemistry I: A-
Anatomy/Physiology I: A
General Psychology: A

Those were the only classes I've taken so far that satisfy pre-reqs for physical therapy schools. I hope to continue my success in these courses.

Right now I'm on winter break and I'm exploring opportunities to shadow/intern with current PTs. I live in the Philadelphia area, if that helps. I just had a few questions:

1. How do you go about asking PTs to shadow?
2. How many hours do you suggest shadowing PTs?
3. Should I shadow PTs in several different areas of healthcare? If so, which are the most important?

I don't really have any healthcare related experiences, and that's making me really nervous because I'm already a sophomore. Is it too late to start?

Also, if anyone just wants to give me their impressions of PT school or work as a PT, that would be great. Thanks!

Your stats look great so far. When you take the GRE, make sure you kill it.

To answer your question:
1. Go around asking. That's what I did. I found local rehab centers or clinics and I asked them if I can shadow their PT.
2. More the better. Most schools want minimum 80-100 hours in two different settings.
3. Yes, different setting is always good. I don't think it's that important which one but as long you are to share your experience through interview and personal statement.. That's all that matters.

It is def not too late for you. I am 28 and I just applied. I been working in my prerequisite/application for two and half years. It was rough but realizing that I am done and waiting.. It is such a blessing. Keep up the hard work. Good luck 👍

 

[NewTestament]

1. How do you go about asking PTs to shadow?
2. How many hours do you suggest shadowing PTs?
3. Should I shadow PTs in several different areas of healthcare? If so, which are the most important?

I don't really have any healthcare related experiences, and that's making me really nervous because I'm already a sophomore. Is it too late to start?

Also, if anyone just wants to give me their impressions of PT school or work as a PT, that would be great. Thanks!

1. Start researching the market. I mean, start looking for PTs in your area. I think I checked the online yellow pages, but you'll only find outpatient clinics there. You need to go to hospitals, assisted living homes, SNFs, and sports clinics. You can usually find PTs in professional and executive centers.

2. If you want to stand out, get 300+ hours. 500 hours would look great. Get 100 hours at the minimum.

3. Get 100 hours in three different settings.

4. I didn't have any healthcare experience until I was 24, two years after I graduated from university. It's not too late.

Kevin

Pubicsymphysis as a username? How appropriate for a PT forum.

 

[jdaniels360]

One thing i'll add here from experience is don't go through the volunteer shadowing process at hospitals to get your inpatient hours, ask to speak directly with the PT's as they will be more than happy to assist you in that department. After all most of them (especially the newer PT's had to do the same thing we are).

As mentioned above, the setting doesn't really matter as long as you have a variety of experience to speak of in the application process. I would recommend doing at least Inpatient (hospital), outpatient clinic of any kind and maybe pediatrics.

Definitely not too late for you, kill the GRE and keep up the grades and you'll be fine.

JD

 

[TheraP]

Thanks for all of the great responses everyone!

I'm going to start looking at places and making calls tomorrow.

Did you all find that physical therapists were willing to help out with shadowing opportunities or were they more adverse to having people shadow?

Also, how often did your physical therapists allow you to shadow? Was it easy to get the required amount of hours? Did you go to multiple physical therapists within the same time period?

Also, what should I expect with shadowing? What am I allowed to do as someone shadowing a professional PT?

 

[GMA2013]

Every one I shadowed were very willing to let me shadow and help out. I got a lot of good hands on experience. I was shadowing three physical therapists at once. Once you get comfortable as questions and be willing to help with "grunt" work. (Cleaning and such) I shadowed at each of those three places for a total of 150 hours. I am now shadowing at a SNF, just for more variety. The first three were a hospital and two out patient facilities.


Oh also I would use the term volunteer over shadowing.

 

[TheraP]

If I was looking to shadow this summer, when should I call PT places? Do the times I should call vary based on type (inpatient, outpatient, nursing home, etc.)

Is it too early to call now for opportunities to shadow/volunteer/intern in May?

 

[bythebay]

Not to late to contact them now. It can be very hard to secure a place. Even if one looks like it'll work out, have a back-up.