New pre-dpt

[smurf528]

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It has been taking me a while to figure out what I want to do in my life. I spent my last year in college aiming for dental school. After taking the DAT and shadowing various dentists I figured that it wasn't what I wanted to do with my life.

I recently decided to get into physical therapy. I was wondering if anyone can give me any advice on how I can begin. I recently graduated in May with a B.S. in Biology. I am planning on taking the GRE either in late August or early September. (Is this too late for Fall 2011?) I also signed up to volunteer for Personal Energy Transportation, PET, which is an organization that builds wheelchairs. (Has anyone been involved with PET?)

I also want to begin shadowing and working. I have looked at PT offices around my area and I saw reviews for them and they were horrible. I don't want to volunteer with a PT that treats their patients badly. How difficult is it to become a PT assistant/aide?

Thanks for anyone who helps!!! I'm just lost right now 🙁

 

[Muscles00GT]

I was in a similar position. I had intentions on pursuing another profession, then switched to PT basically my last year of undergrad. Your timing for the GRE is just fine. You'll make all the program deadlines if you take it then. As for shadowing a PT, check into private clinics. I volunteer at a private practice and it's a GREAT facility. I lucked out. The PT's are great, very informative, and great with their patients. I basically sent out an e-mail to every PT place around me. I got a few replies and this particular one sparked my interested. If you haven't already, start sending out e-mails to PT places around you. Even if some have poor reviews, give it a shot and judge for yourself. Hopefully you can find something soon!

p.s. as far as landing an "aide" posiition which implies getting paid, it's rather difficult. I've searched high and low for an aide position and couldn't find much. I only shadow about 10 hours a week, but it would be nice to get paid.

 

[PTSuccess]

I, too, am planning on taking my GRE around the same time. GOOD LUCK to you.

As for finding a position as an aide...depending on the area you live it may make it easier or harder. For me it was difficult due to the current economy. I was employed as an aide about a year and a half ago and got laid off due to the economy situation. I got tired of sitting around not having a job so I searched my butt off to find one (I was also tired of not being able to gain more experience). I went online and searched Physical Therapy clinics in my area and wrote down the addresses of every single one of them, then printed out resumes, and walked into each of them to personally hand them my resume. Majority of the places did not have a position open at the time, but they all told me it was GREAT that I went in to hand them my resume because that is truly what employers like to see. Eventually I came across one of the top PT clinics in town and I enjoy every minute of it. Plus, you can count your aide hours as observation hours on your app.

GOOD LUCK on the job search, GRE, and getting into a program!!!