Hey, thanks for taking the time to update us and answer our questions. Why did you ultimately decide to go to CSI? What do you like and not like about it?
The tuition cost was the biggest factor. The small class size was also appealing because big classes can make it harder to learn, at least for me. That was pretty much all I knew about the program at the time I applied.
I never attended the open house, though I recommend if you know a student that is interested in applying that you tell them to do so, and I had no idea about the facilities in the building prior to my interview.
Some things you should know about if you've been accepted to CSI and are considering it:
A big factor for current students is the resource room, which wasn't even finished when I was interviewed. CSI student physical therapists (SPTs) are allowed to use it for hanging out before/in between/after class, studying, and/or eating meals. It makes the CSI experience that much more comfortable. If you don't already know almost every textbook we use [in class] is in that room, there's a fridge in the room, a microwave, a Keurig, cupboards, computers, printers, etc. It will only get better over the years as students will request certain improvements be made to the room. I wouldn't be surprised if this is the only program that offers such a major resource.
Dr.Jeffrey Rothman, the head of the PT department, has setup a strong relationship with China's Shaoxing University, which I believe is currently developing their own PT program (it would be only the 2nd program in all of China). As a result you could go to China as part of an oversees experience. Each year Dr. Robert Chen, one of China's top PTs, comes to CSI and gives a presentation about how he was able to rehabilitate an injured swimmer so that she could compete in the Olympics.
I believe, don't hold me to it, that CSI has received funds recently to upgrade some of the equipment we have which will make the program nicer. Also the program has a lot of instruction regarding electromyography which I'm not sure every school offers.
This program will never be able to have the same level of general equipment (i.e. crutches, wheelchairs, etc.) as the private schools have but you should note that if you graduate from an expensive private school, then you're most likely going to spend a tremendous amount of money in tuition payments (and in most cases even more in interest payments) just so you can have that equipment for the 1.5-2 years you spend in class.
Nobody I've spoken to in the PT world really cares where you went to school so you don't have to worry about getting a job. We do have a ton of affiliations at CSI so you will have a shot at working in a wide variety of settings as a SPT.
Best,
Current CSI Student
