Not impressed at all with VCU's PT department?

[member0000]

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I just went to tour at VCU, and was given a quick tour of the Physical Therapy department, and I have to say, I was not impressed at all...It's basically like a tiny little section in the basement of an old hospital...I mean, honestly, it felt a little depressing? After seeing the dental school at VCU etc, it appears as though the PT department got the short end of the stick...Anyone else feel this way about VCU's PT dept?

 

[NewTestament]

I haven't been there but I've heard the same thing. It sounds like an abandoned bomb shelter more than a PT program. However, I could name you at least 30 different factors to consider in determining which school you want to attend. I'm not going to enumerate them, but the quality of facilities should not be one of the primary factors. Quality facilities look great, but they aren't required to learn anatomy, clinical skills, communication skills, etc. The quality of the faculty and the curriculum is much more important. I've heard great things about VCU, and it offers in-state tuition for VA residents, including me.

Kevin

 

[member0000]

I feel like the quality of the facilities absolutely DOES matter, though. I feel personally that if you dislike the environment you're learning in, you just won't learn or focus as well...The VCU PT dept was like a dark, dingy basement with like wiring even covering the windows! And it was SO tiny! I just question if I'm going to feel depressed or something going to school there. I LOVE that it's tuition is so cheap (I'm a VA resident), I just really didn't like the "feel" of the campus/PT dept that much.

 

[NewTestament]

If that's how you feel, then I recommend that you decline VCU's offer only if you receive an offer somewhere else. If VCU is your only option, however, that's where you should go. You have to feel comfortable in your program. Don't forget that you will spend a significant portion of your three years at clinical rotations, not in a dark basement. I encourage you to consider more than superficial factors when deciding which schools to attend.

Kevin

 

[djb051]

I just went to tour at VCU, and was given a quick tour of the Physical Therapy department, and I have to say, I was not impressed at all...It's basically like a tiny little section in the basement of an old hospital...I mean, honestly, it felt a little depressing? After seeing the dental school at VCU etc, it appears as though the PT department got the short end of the stick...Anyone else feel this way about VCU's PT dept?

I have never seen their PT department although I have heard a lot of great things about the PT education there. I am kind of the same way though. If I do not feel comfortable in my surroundings, it is much more difficult for me to learn. Kevin makes a good point though, you will not be in the classrooms for the entire 3 years. A good portion of those 3 years will be spent at clinicals.

 

[member0000]

I do consider many factors while deciding which PT school will be the best fit for me. However, I do not feel that what I have mentioned about VCU's PT department is "superficial" in the slightest. If you're not surrounded by an uplifting, positive work environment, it's difficult to concentrate. I think anyone could agree with that.

 

[Azimuthal]

I agree with NewTestament. There are more important factors to consider outside of visual appeal and stimulation. I don't think he meant to put you on the defensive and your last post just reemphasized the "superficial" assumption. In this case, the environment is only as negative as you make it. If you believe that the environment will affect your studies, then maybe the program is not for you. You have to look out for you, first.

I don't know about VCU's program, but my program's facilities also leave much to be desired, however, we also share spaces with other departments and vise versa. In reviewing the curriculum, I can't help but to get excited. We have a great faculty and I have already met some great students coming from my area in the upcoming cohort. The library and study hall, where I assume I will spend most of my time, is also pretty nice.