Need Serious Advice About Switching Fields to PT

[KJ7984]

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Hi Everyone. I am new to this website and thought that some of you could assist me in some fact gathering. Just a little about myself, I graduated college in 2006 (BA in Sociology/Criminal Justice) and have been employed as a Paralegal for the last 5 years in NYC. I recently decided that I need a serious change and I am very interested in pursuing a degree in PT. So, now I am back to square 1 🙂

I've been researching different programs in the NY area (I am also not opposed to moving out of state) and from what I can see, I will need 4 more credits of Bio, Chem and Physics and 8 credits of Anatomy and Physiology. I've read a few other posts on this site and it seems as though many of you are taking the pre-reqs at night while working full time. Given the number of courses I need, this can take upwards of 2 years just to obtain these credits. I have a very demanding job that at the drop of a hat I would be expected to stay late, sometimes as late as 10pm (this is also including working weekends). That said, I am considering quitting my job and finishing the pre-reqs as quickly as possible. Has anyone attempted this? If so, how many classes did you need and how long did it take? Can you get financial aid for taking 3 courses a semester (which would of course be needed if I am not working)?

Another thing I am unsure about is how important it is to go to a really great/expensive school versus a more mid-range school? For example, NYU versus Touro. Both have well known/good programs but I wonder if the prestige (and significant debt) that comes along with a school like NYU really matters in getting a job in the PT field.

As I am sure you can imagine I am sort of in the dark about a lot of this stuff and I am just trying to figure out if this is something that I can really do at the age of 27. I often wonder if I am too old to begin on a path that could be another 5 years before I would be working again. I would appreciate any advice that any of you out there is willing to give. Thank you in advance for your help!!

Oh and I do also want to ad that I am recently married and will have financial support in the event I do want to quit my job. I feel like this may be an important factor in deciding how economical it would be to quit and take a bulk of pre-reqs at a time.

 

[TheOx777]

You will get varying opinions, but here is my $0.02. If you have the option of not working while taking your final pre-requisites then do so. Many people may work, but a job as a paralegal does not allow the same time that a typical 9-5 would. You won't have the convenience of consistently not making it to class/labs/tests/finals because of your job. I can also almost guarantee you that both will serve as a distraction to one another. These pre-requisites are not classes that most people can half ass.

The price tag of the school is not as important as the program itself. You want a program with a strong curriculum, faculty, clinical affiliations, and high NPTE pass rate(95% or higher). If you can get this from a cheaper program, RUN do not walk to it! The programs that fit that bill should suffice as a good place to obtain you DPT education. Keep in mind you should do your homework on each school you plan on applying to. You will be investing a considerable amount of time, money and livelihood to pursue a career in PT. You want to go to a program who has your interests in mind.

I think that you are the only one who can really decide whether this shift is worth it. Ask yourself what do you value. Is it money, prestige, leisure time, family/kids, etc? Once you gain some clarity on this situation then you can decide whether you are making the right move. I am not sure what the going rate is for paralegals, but the median salary for PT is approx $80k in 2009 according to the APTA, and maybe a little higher now. That may or may not change for the better/worse once some of the new health care laws go into effect. Also keep in mind that that salary is not what one would typically see as an entry level PT; more like 60-70K from what I have been told. So do the cost-benefit analysis across the board for every aspect of this transition.

Ultimately, you should be making this transition because you believe you have a lot to give as a practitioner and future leader in health care. It may sound corny, but I guarantee you that if you don't like helping people regain their lives by improving movement/physical dysfunction, you will not be happy! You can fake it until you make it, but it will eventually catch up to you. All of that said, it is very doable for you to make this transition and to do it successfully. I am a non-traditional student as well, and on my interviews there were architects, financial advisors, police officers, etc. All of whom will more than likely succeed as a DPT student/professional.

GO GET IT!!!

 

[watersgoneby]

I quit my job to go back and get pre-reqs- I was working at least 50 hours a week, including 2 evenings, so it wasn't possible to go to school and keep on in the same job. I am single and have had to support myself on scrounged up jobs/ strange hours (4am, anyone?), so having built in financial/emotional support will be incredible. I haven't taken any financial aid until this semester, but it is out there to make it more do-able.
If physical therapy is something you really want to pursue, the sacrifices are worth it. I enjoyed my old job, but knew this was the direction for me, so I've been able to not look back.

I was a sociology major too, the first time around. Check your science credits and be sure the classes you have already taken were for science majors (mine weren't) and also check the "expiration dates" for the schools you are applying to. Many don't accept certain pre-reqs that were taken more than 5-10 years ago. Again, though, if physical therapy is your goal, taking them again is worth it (and probably not too difficult!).

 

[split6kik]

There is a way once you have the prerecs: Neumann University

It is a DPT in 3 years designed for working adults. Its only on the weekends, outside Philly. They have students commute from all over the country. I may start there this year & commute from MD, approx. 2hr drive one way. When I interviewed, the faculty was really nice & I know former students who said they are supportive of those who have to support themselves.

So, know there are programs once youve done prerecs that will allow you to work. That way you can not feel so daunted by quitting & starting multiple years of a no-income, tuition-paying uphill battle.

 

[KJ7984]

Thank you all for your advice. It is incredibly helpful. I also agree that having the emotional/financial support is key in making a huge change in career.

@watersgoneby - how do I know if the science courses I took were for science majors? I didn't even know there was a difference. My undergraduate University (University of Delaware) required that each student, regardless of major, had to take however many credits in Bio, Chem, Physics etc. to graduate. period. I wonder if these courses wouldn't count toward the pre-reqs.

@split6kik - Thank you for this suggestion. I will definitely look into this program. Being able to earn a degree on weekends is definitely key if you need to be able to work full time.

@TheOx777- THANK YOU! you mention "strong curriculum, faculty, clinical affiliations, and high NPTE pass rate(95% or higher)" do you know where I would find this information all in one place? I can definitely find the stats on each school's website but I wouldn't know how those stats stacked up against the rest. I remember when I was looking for college stats they had entire books comparing and contrasting each school/program.

 

[wrennywren]

I'm 33 and went back to school to do my pre reqs 2.5 years ago. Take your time. You are definitely not too old. Start shadowing now to see what you think.

 

[TheOx777]

KJ7984,

My pleasure. I would check out the APTA's website(www.APTA.org). If you check under education, you will find most of the information you need about the schools that you are looking to apply to. I would also roam around these forums to look for students who have applied to, been accepted to, and/or are current/former students of those respective programs. Many school post everything that you would need on their website, but if you don't find it their these forums should be more than helpful.

 

[One More Rep]

I made a career change decision around the same age as you (I was 28). I am 31 now and will be starting PT school in the fall. It has been a long road, but totally worth it. I work full-time as well, so it took me 2.5 years to get all of the prerequisites completed. I was an English major, so I started from scratch with all of the science classes.

I would advise you to start shadowing some PTs right away to make sure this is what you want to do before you invest considerable time and money. If your motivation is already strong, then quit your job and knock those classes out. Since you have financial support, you should have no problem. Do WELL in those classes. What is your undergrad GPA? Look at the numbers because they will matter in the application process. You will have to take the GRE as well.

As far as PT schools, I would look into Hunter if you want to stay in NYC. It is very affordable, especially for in-state residents. They have an excellent program, although it is very competitive to get in due to the low cost. I was accepted there, but decided to stay closer to home for school. Prestige is great and all, but PTs are in demand everywhere. Finding a job will not be a problem. You can find information about schools on APTA's website and on PTCAS. Naturally, some research will be necessary to get a complete picture of each school you are interested in. Google to the rescue!

As far as financial aid, if you are enrolled as a degree-seeking student, you will qualify for federal loans. I am pretty sure that students enrolled as a postbac do not qualify for federal aid.

Good luck! You can totally do it. I am living proof. 🙂

 

[markelmarcel]

As far as financial aid, if you are enrolled as a degree-seeking student, you will qualify for federal loans. I am pretty sure that students enrolled as a postbac do not qualify for federal aid.

At least in my case, I can testify to this... I was a post-bac special status non-degree seeking student-- aka you must be going back to school for funsies! I had to take out a personal loan to pay for the prereqs.

 

[KJ7984]

@wrennywren - thanks for your post. My age is definitely something that mentally holds me back from moving forward with pursuing a new field. I also would love to shadow however, most places I contact have no need for a volunteer after 5:30pm. This is where working full time gets in the way. Especially because volunteer hours are a requirement to apply. I figure if I quit, I can take my pre-reqs, get a part time job and also volunteer a few hours a day.

@One More Rep - Thank you for your post. My undergrad GPA (from UD) is like a 2.8 but I took approximately 10 courses at a community college and have a 4.0 there and the GPA from my AP courses in high school (taken through a local university) is a 3.8. I'm not sure how all of that would factor in together but I do plan on getting A's in most if not all of my pre-req classes. The pre-req classes that you took, did you take these at the same school where you will be enrolling in the PT program?

 

[KJ7984]

Also, I am looking strictly at Doctorate programs, is this incorrect? I heard that this program is a better degree to get in PT versus getting a Master's in it. Does anyone have any advice on this?

 

[markelmarcel]

Also, I am looking strictly at Doctorate programs, is this incorrect? I heard that this program is a better degree to get in PT versus getting a Master's in it. Does anyone have any advice on this?

Originally PT was a bachelor's degree, then they made it a master's degree and now almost all schools are switching over to a doctorate. I think there are only a few schools that have not made the switch, but they are all headed towards DPT.

So, yes, you would be looking at a doctorate-- however, this is a clinical doctorate... not a PhD.

 

[KJ7984]

@markelmarcel- thank you for your post. I do understand that the degree is not a PhD. I was reading a little about this subject and I think that the doctorate is the way to go. There is just so much to consider, I want to be sure I'm looking into the right things 🙂

 

[markelmarcel]

@markelmarcel- thank you for your post. I do understand that the degree is not a PhD. I was reading a little about this subject and I think that the doctorate is the way to go. There is just so much to consider, I want to be sure I'm looking into the right things 🙂

Yeah, a lot of times people get confused so I thought I'd throw that in there! And yes, it is a lot to consider!

Oh, and as far as finding out about the science courses you took, I know that my university had an online course catalog and on the course catalog it would say "PHYS 111- for science majors" or "PHYS 131- for physics majors" or "PHYS 101 - for non-science majors" right next to the courses, before the description.

Since you were a sociology major, I'm betting you took the "non-science" versions and will probably have to re-take. I was elementary education and unfortunately "Fundamentals of Biology!" just didn't cut it. 😉

 

[KJ7984]

@markelmarcel -This is so helpful! I am going to look to see if I can obtain an electronic version of the course catalog. I'm with you though, it will probably be the case that my science classes were not for science majors. Yikes! This isn't even something I considered before.

 

[CJonesrun]

Well if it makes you feel better, I'm 37 and started finishing pre-reqs last year--I graduated with my undergrad in 1996! It's never too late to do what you love. You can get financial aid for at least 1/2 time (6 credits)--talk to the financial aid people at the school that you choose for pre-reqs (a community college would be the cheapest route). Also, most schools will require either paid or unpaid work in a PT clinic. Why not see if you can find a PT aide position? Aides usually gather equipment, observe, clean the tables, etc., but at least you would make a little money while racking up your hours.

 

[watersgoneby]

Thank you all for your advice. It is incredibly helpful. I also agree that having the emotional/financial support is key in making a huge change in career.

@watersgoneby - how do I know if the science courses I took were for science majors? I didn't even know there was a difference. My undergraduate University (University of Delaware) required that each student, regardless of major, had to take however many credits in Bio, Chem, Physics etc. to graduate. period. I wonder if these courses wouldn't count toward the pre-reqs.

Check your transcript for course numbers and look them up in your school's course catalog. I'm sure you can also talk with one of their advisors, and he will let you know. Don't assume anything!

Also, as far as financial aid goes, I am at community college and was offered subsidized and unsubsidized federal loans, grants are typically only given to first-time undergrad students (with a few exceptions). You do have to be enrolled half-time to qualify, which only means 6 hours a semester, and summers don't count.

 

[kcrat21]

Hi there! I am 25 and I quit my job in August to work on my pre-reqs. I needed everything as I was a business major. 8 credits of bio, a&p, chem, and physics all with labs and I also took human growth and development. I'll be done by the end of this summer. Make sure the classes that you have already taken were "for science majors" and had labs (so 4 credits).

I also have a husband that supports me. I say that if it is really what you want to do, then go for it. I couldn't stand working my 9-5 any longer and I finally decided that I needed to do what makes me happy...and this is definitely it. I suggest doing some observation hours as that is what has really made me so interested in the field.

As far as private vs. public schools and tuition goes, I'm pretty sure it doesn't matter where you go as long as you get the DPT. Pretty much every school will help you to become employed when you're done, and its not going to matter which school you went to. Also, there are so many post-educational opportunities that will allow you to take the DPT in any direction you want. For example there are fellowships in various fields and there are various certificates you can earn, such as Manual Therapy. I myself am applying to St. Augustine in FL (even though I live in VA) because the program starts earlier and finishes earlier and is on par with tuition for the programs around me. To me, the cost of tuition is not the most important factor as I'm doing what I love and what will make me happy. I do have to add though that I did not have any debt from undergrad as I had a full-ride to play soccer.

Do what you love! Enjoy the ride and make yourself happy! 🙂

 

[kcrat21]

oh..and I totally forgot about financial aid. I'm currently taking my pre-reqs at Marymount University (just in case I decided to apply there for PT school I would have an in with the faculty/advisors)...I applied as a transfer student seeking a second bachelor's degree in order to get financial aid. My advisor is aware of my plans and has helped me to only sign up for pre-req classes. I also had to take out a private loan though on top of the federal loans because Marymount is ridiculously expensive to go to. My private loan actually covers more than the remaining cost of tuition just to give my husband and I some breathing room with our expenses. So each semester I get about $3,000 extra back from the loan to pay for room and board if necessary as well as books and supplies, etc. If we don't spend that money during the semester, I just save it and pay it back into the loan. There are lots of options and I personally recommend Wells Fargo's MedCAP loan--it is specifically designed for medical majors.

Hope that helps!

 

[KJ7984]

@kcrat21 Thank you so much for your post, it was really helpful. I am definitely going to look into the Wells Fargo's MedCAP loan. Thanks again.