Is asking a client any good for a reference?

[Earl S]

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I have been working as a personal trainer for the past 10 years in an older population facility. I have been out of school for 9 years and I do not keep in contact with my professors so my letters of recc's are coming from 1 PT, 1 Athletic trainer at the University, and my supervisor at work. I think I can have 1 more and I was wondering if it would be a good idea to get one from one of my most successful clients (70+ years old and is pretty much reversing her osteoporosis) or just keep it at 3 recc's? Let me know what you all think. Thanks for any advice....

 

[sprinklz87]

I personally think the PT letter and supervisor are ok, but you should try to get in contact with one of your professors, considering a large portion of the schools ask for a letter of recommendation from one of your professors...are you currently in the middle of applications?

 

[futuredoc1004]

I cannot see any downside to the client's LOR. Good luck!

 

[Badgerpt03]

I think that would be an excellent reference, actually. I work as a PT aide/exercise specialist at a PT clinic. I recently gained acceptance to a top DPT program, and one of my references was a patient. For programs that accept "Other" references, a client that has worked with you professionally for a long period of time would be a great reference! It gives an interesting viewpoint from a professional client. In my opinion, it's a nice wrinkle to add to you application that would help you stand apart from other applicants.

 

[markelmarcel]

It would be a definite stand-apart piece of your application, however, almost all schools require 1-2 from a PT and then 1-2 from a professor (usually a total of 3 and a mix of whether they want 2 PTs or 2 profs) so it may be an issue when you apply if you don't have any academic references... However, if you already know what schools you are applying to and they do not require an academic reference then I'd say you are fine.