Observational hours, volunteering, shadowing, and general advice.

[HouTXdude]

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I recently came back to school to take my prerequisites for Physical Therapy school, and am putting together a plan to begin shadowing PT's soon. For those of you that have experience in this matter, which volunteering experience was your favorite, and why? Also, what can I expect from shadowing PT's? I'm completely new to this line of work, and don't have much experience in this field. I'm a business management major, who after working for several years and not satisfied with my work, decided to finally pursue my true interest in the health sciences. It's looking like it will take 4 to 5 years to accomplish, and I'm very much daunted by this, especially being 27 years of age...Have any of you began this process at a later age, and how are you guys dealing with life being a student? I know this is a bit much, but it would be beneficial for me to get some guidance, and to hear your stories as well 🙂

 

[RunnerGirl30]

I can comment on shadowing hours...although everyone has different experiences. Make sure you develop a nice relationship with the PT you are shadowing and make yourself helpful and available. I was not able to do much...aside from observing and helping to clean up, organize equipment, etc. I have some friends that were more involved because the PT's allowed them to do so. I think there are some rules about how much a student is able to help, and definitely not with direct treatment plans

 

[TheOx777]

I worked for about 2.5 years right after undergrad before deciding to go back for graduate education. Then took another 2 years to receive a M.S. degree before DPT school. So in total, about 5 years after post-baccalaureate until DPT school. I do have more traditional experience in line with PT, so that is a big difference between us. Can it be done? Without question! I really like that you have a plan in place and have mapped out approximately how long it may take to achieve your goals. You have mentioned taking an interest in health sciences. Do you know that you certainly want to enter PT as a health science career or do you want to just be in the health sciences in general? If the answer is the latter, then maybe shadowing different practitioners is the way to go. If the answer is the former then observe PTs in a variety of settings to really get a sense of how the profession works and where it may be headed. No matter what, ask beaucoup questions, listen excessively, and be attentive/engaged. When I did my observations, I was very limited with what I could do(as most pre-PTs are). A large portion of the time I just listened and watched intensively to stay engaged.

I enjoyed all of my volunteer experience, what little it was. It may range from very low level function in acute care or severe neuropathies to extremely dynamic in a sports medicine/ortho setting. Bring your hard hat and wear it no matter where you are, because ppl will be watching you. I was surprised to see how rewarding inpatient neuro settings can be. I would often sit and talk to the family of patients as they went through treatment. One lady had a moderately severe stroke and her husband was very concerned. I think after about 2-3 weeks, she saw amazing progress and was regaining speech/movement. Good ole neuroplasticity! Her husband started crying to me and shook my hand. Lol! Mind you, I am a pre-PT student, so I quickly directed his handshakes to all of the therapists directly related to her treatment. I may have wheeled her around or stood by her walker but not much more, yet he seemed eternally grateful that the love of his life was on her way back to normal function. You will see/hear stories like this on a daily basis. However, things aren't always roses and kittens, so make sure you pay attention to the "bad stuff" too! Much of that is relative and variable from one therapist/setting to another.

In any event, PT is a wonderful field and I am excited to start DPT school this fall!

 

[DPTaspirant]

I am considering a career in Physical therapy and I am taking my pre-reqs and I have already completed my GRE. I work full time all working days, so I was wondering if volunteer opportunities are available during the weekends. I see many of the students here in the form have more than 100 hours of volunteering. I called a couple of physical therapy clinics, but they are all closed on weekends. I would really appreciate your suggestions and advice.
By the way, my stats so far are:
GRE: V 420; Q740; AW 4 (verbal sucks!)
Pre-req. GPA so far (still many more to complete): 3.6
Volunteer hours: zero

 

[TheOx777]

I am considering a career in Physical therapy and I am taking my pre-reqs and I have already completed my GRE. I work full time all working days, so I was wondering if volunteer opportunities are available during the weekends. I see many of the students here in the form have more than 100 hours of volunteering. I called a couple of physical therapy clinics, but they are all closed on weekends. I would really appreciate your suggestions and advice.
By the way, my stats so far are:
GRE: V 420; Q740; AW 4 (verbal sucks!)
Pre-req. GPA so far (still many more to complete): 3.6
Volunteer hours: zero

I know it may not be ideal, but how about volunteering at a clinic that stays open a little later at night. Some close at like 8 or 9 depending where you live. You maybe able to find observation hours for inpatient settings on the weekend at hospitals. You will have to get inpatient observation hours anyway, so this may be a viable option.

 

[okramango]

It's looking like it will take 4 to 5 years to accomplish, and I'm very much daunted by this, especially being 27 years of age...Have any of you began this process at a later age, and how are you guys dealing with life being a student? I know this is a bit much, but it would be beneficial for me to get some guidance, and to hear your stories as well 🙂

I'm 35 and just starting my PT prerequisites, so I'll be 40 when I become a PT. If you look around these boards, you will find lots of people in their 30s and 40s going to PT school, so you are not alone, and you are definitely on the younger end of the spectrum anyway! As for myself, this is the perfect time for me to start the process of becoming a PT. When I was in my 20s, I certainly did not have any clear idea of what I wanted to do with my life. I've also had the most incredible life experiences, have learned about myself and grown, and I now have the clarity and motivation to pursue my DPT with confidence. 🙂

 

[DPTaspirant]

I know it may not be ideal, but how about volunteering at a clinic that stays open a little later at night. Some close at like 8 or 9 depending where you live. You maybe able to find observation hours for inpatient settings on the weekend at hospitals. You will have to get inpatient observation hours anyway, so this may be a viable option.

Thank you so much for the helpful information Ox777!

 

[HouTXdude]

I worked for about 2.5 years right after undergrad before deciding to go back for graduate education. Then took another 2 years to receive a M.S. degree before DPT school. So in total, about 5 years after post-baccalaureate until DPT school.

I really like that you have a plan in place and have mapped out approximately how long it may take to achieve your goals. You have mentioned taking an interest in health sciences. Do you know that you certainly want to enter PT as a health science career or do you want to just be in the health sciences in general? If the answer is the latter, then maybe shadowing different practitioners is the way to go. If the answer is the former then observe PTs in a variety of settings to really get a sense of how the profession works and where it may be headed. No matter what, ask beaucoup questions, listen excessively, and be attentive/engaged. When I did my observations, I was very limited with what I could do(as most pre-PTs are). A large portion of the time I just listened and watched intensively to stay engaged.

I enjoyed all of my volunteer experience, what little it was. It may range from very low level function in acute care or severe neuropathies to extremely dynamic in a sports medicine/ortho setting. Bring your hard hat and wear it no matter where you are, because ppl will be watching you. I was surprised to see how rewarding inpatient neuro settings can be. I would often sit and talk to the family of patients as they went through treatment. One lady had a moderately severe stroke and her husband was very concerned. I think after about 2-3 weeks, she saw amazing progress and was regaining speech/movement. Good ole neuroplasticity! Her husband started crying to me and shook my hand. Lol! Mind you, I am a pre-PT student, so I quickly directed his handshakes to all of the therapists directly related to her treatment. I may have wheeled her around or stood by her walker but not much more, yet he seemed eternally grateful that the love of his life was on her way back to normal function. You will see/hear stories like this on a daily basis. However, things aren't always roses and kittens, so make sure you pay attention to the "bad stuff" too! Much of that is relative and variable from one therapist/setting to another.

In any event, PT is a wonderful field and I am excited to start DPT school this fall!

TheOx777,

I'm definitely interested in Physical Therapy, because I had watched my brother fully recover from a serious accident many years ago. He was in very bad shape, and in bedridden for almost a full year to heal from his injuries. He had to learn to sit up, balance himself, get up out of bed, take his first steps again, learn to walk again, learn to run, and eventually after months of physical therapy he finally made a full recovery. I found the entire process very fascinating, and this became my motivation to learn about this field of rehabilitation!

My first semester is about to end 🙂 and I want to begin observational hours during the summer break. I find myself to have very little knowledge about Physical Therapy let alone Human Anatomy, and the list goes on...It's a matter of immersing myself in this field.

How did you go about equipping yourself with knowledge and experience that helped you get into DPT school?

 

[HouTXdude]

Make sure you develop a nice relationship with the PT you are shadowing and make yourself helpful and available. I was not able to do much...aside from observing and helping to clean up, organize equipment

RunnerGirl30,

Thanks for your reply! Were you able to gain knowledge in volunteering in this way, and did you volunteer in different physical therapy settings, or just in one place? I would really like to get a wide spectrum of observing different kinds of physical therapists.

 

[HouTXdude]

When I was in my 20s, I certainly did not have any clear idea of what I wanted to do with my life. I've also had the most incredible life experiences, have learned about myself and grown, and I now have the clarity and motivation to pursue my DPT with confidence. 🙂

okramango,

As life goes...I did what I thought was best, and now I feel that it's not enough. Now I'm older, and am thinking about marriage, and family...and how the heck I'm going to keep it all together. Having to go back to school is fine with me, but I can't help but wonder the strain it will put on my loved ones. Do you find yourself in a good balance of life as far as being a student versus family/friend time, and socializing? After coming back to school all I do is study, work a bit to pay the bills, exercising, and the occasional hang out with family/friends. Exercising essentially is keeping me sane at the moment, and I find myself getting burned out too often. Have you found a good balance that has worked for you? Thanks for your reply!

 

[TheOx777]

TheOx777,

I'm definitely interested in Physical Therapy, because I had watched my brother fully recover from a serious accident many years ago. He was in very bad shape, and in bedridden for almost a full year to heal from his injuries. He had to learn to sit up, balance himself, get up out of bed, take his first steps again, learn to walk again, learn to run, and eventually after months of physical therapy he finally made a full recovery. I found the entire process very fascinating, and this became my motivation to learn about this field of rehabilitation!

My first semester is about to end 🙂 and I want to begin observational hours during the summer break. I find myself to have very little knowledge about Physical Therapy let alone Human Anatomy, and the list goes on...It's a matter of immersing myself in this field.

How did you go about equipping yourself with knowledge and experience that helped you get into DPT school?

HouTxDude,

I am sorry to hear about your brother, but I am glad he made a full recovery. The scenario with your brother is exactly why many ppl want to get into the profession, and is a stark reminder for me as well.

I will say that there is no hard and fast way to "immerse" one's self in the amount of material you will need to be a successful DPT student and eventual professional. As a matter of fact, I don't know if I would even tell someone with little experience with the human body to jump in this ocean feet first. As you go through your prerequisites and clinical observations, you will start to become more comfortable with the amount of information/experience needed for entry into a program. At times, it may feel like you are trying to take a sip of water from a fully opened fire hydrant. That's okay, but it will be your job to eventually take that information and mold it to your specific will and scope of practice as a DPT.

I have personally found that any academic and/or professional success I have achieved up to this point has been a product of appreciating the large details as well as the minutia. You just have to be keenly aware of when it is important to incorporate minor details into your academics/clinical reasoning.

Cliffs:
-Take one class/observation session at a time
-Be attentive and engaged as much as possible
-Be committed to self-knowledge and learning outside of class
-Ask questions
-Pay attention to all the details(big and small)
-Do your best and forget the rest

 

[okramango]

okramango,

As life goes...I did what I thought was best, and now I feel that it's not enough. Now I'm older, and am thinking about marriage, and family...and how the heck I'm going to keep it all together. Having to go back to school is fine with me, but I can't help but wonder the strain it will put on my loved ones. Do you find yourself in a good balance of life as far as being a student versus family/friend time, and socializing? After coming back to school all I do is study, work a bit to pay the bills, exercising, and the occasional hang out with family/friends. Exercising essentially is keeping me sane at the moment, and I find myself getting burned out too often. Have you found a good balance that has worked for you? Thanks for your reply!

Well I've been running my own business for the last four years, so I'm coming from a place where I was working pretty much seven days a week (and for not much money, either). School feels like a relief! My husband is also very supportive of my commitment to go back to school and is working hard to help me do it. We both know that this hard work will pay off in a great career in a few years. So yes, I do feel that I have a good balance, but everyone is in a different situation and has different goals. If it's something you really want, I'm sure you will find a way. And 4-5 years isn't really that much time when you look at your entire life, especially if you are using that time as an investment for your future. Good luck!

 

[RunnerGirl30]

HouTXDude,

I volunteered at a Pediatric Hospital and Orthopedic practice. They are both very VERY different from each other, which I liked. I learned a lot just by watching and taking an active interest in what was going on. The big thing I learned at the Pediatric Hospital was to ask questions after/before the patient was being treated, since the kids can be very sensitive about whatever they are being treated for. Feel free to let the PT know that you are unsure of your limits, but that you want to learn and and help out as much as possible. They will appreciate your honesty, and you will be able to get the most out of your experience without overstepping your boundaries.

 

[HouTXdude]

I will say that there is no hard and fast way to "immerse" one's self in the amount of material you will need to be a successful DPT student and eventual professional. As a matter of fact, I don't know if I would even tell someone with little experience work the human body to jump in this ocean feet first. As you go through your prerequisites and clinical observations, you will start to become more comfortable with the amount of information/experience needed for entry into a program. At times, it may feel like you are trying to take a sip of water from a fully opened fire hydrant. That's okay, but it will be your job to eventually take that information and mold it to your specific will and scope of practice as a DPT.

I have personally found that any academic and/or professional success I have achieved up to this point has been a product of appreciating the large details as well as the minutia. You just have to be keenly aware of when it is important to incorporate minor details into your academics/clinical reasoning.

Cliffs:
-Take one class/observation session at a time
-Be attentive and engaged as much as possible
-Be committed to self-knowledge and learning outside of class
-Ask questions
-Pay attention to all the details(big and small)
-Do your best and forget the rest

TheOxx777,

This guy is gulping from the fire hydrant for sure! Thanks for the advice. I will be thinking about this as I march forward.

 

[HouTXdude]

HouTXDude,

I volunteered at a Pediatric Hospital and Orthopedic practice. They are both very VERY different from each other, which I liked. I learned a lot just by watching and taking an active interest in what was going on. The big thing I learned at the Pediatric Hospital was to ask questions after/before the patient was being treated, since the kids can be very sensitive about whatever they are being treated for. Feel free to let the PT know that you are unsure of your limits, but that you want to learn and and help out as much as possible. They will appreciate your honesty, and you will be able to get the most out of your experience without overstepping your boundaries.

RunnerGirl30,

Were you able to participate in case studies alongside the PT's you shadowed? Sounds like you gained a good introduction with your volunteer experience.

 

[bc2]

I recently came back to school to take my prerequisites for Physical Therapy school, and am putting together a plan to begin shadowing PT's soon. For those of you that have experience in this matter, which volunteering experience was your favorite, and why? Also, what can I expect from shadowing PT's? I'm completely new to this line of work, and don't have much experience in this field. I'm a business management major, who after working for several years and not satisfied with my work, decided to finally pursue my true interest in the health sciences. It's looking like it will take 4 to 5 years to accomplish, and I'm very much daunted by this, especially being 27 years of age...Have any of you began this process at a later age, and how are you guys dealing with life being a student? I know this is a bit much, but it would be beneficial for me to get some guidance, and to hear your stories as well 🙂

Im in a very similar situation. Im 28, starting my prereq's, and just trying to stay on track. I did some observation at an outpatient clinic, then started volunteering at a hospital (I am still currently volunteering), and am now working at as a tech at a pediatric clinic. I love my job, the only way it could be better is if they paid me more to be a tech (which of course isnt very likely). I have half days so I am able to squeeze in classes. Its going to hard, but I just have to manage my time and remember why I decided to go down this path in the first place.

 

[HouTXdude]

I did some observation at an outpatient clinic, then started volunteering at a hospital (I am still currently volunteering), and am now working at as a tech at a pediatric clinic. I love my job, the only way it could be better is if they paid me more to be a tech (which of course isnt very likely). I have half days so I am able to squeeze in classes. Its going to hard, but I just have to manage my time and remember why I decided to go down this path in the first place.

Hi bc2,

Does your tech job require certification, and how much money do techs usually make if you don't mind me asking? I've been wanting to change jobs for a while now. Currently I'm working as an administrative assistant for an engineer, which is a completely unrelated industry. A tech position sounds like it would be great for learning, and perhaps it can pay a few bills also?

 

[HouTXdude]

My husband is also very supportive of my commitment to go back to school and is working hard to help me do it. We both know that this hard work will pay off in a great career in a few years.

Hey okramango,

It's very good your husband understands, and is supporting you 👍 I'm currently living at home with my parents, and I keep getting the irky feeling of leaching off of them. They are supportive, but I suppose being my age I am wanting to be more independent. It takes time, but eventually I'll be on my own once again. Thanks for replying, and good luck to you as well!

 

[bc2]

Hi bc2,

Does your tech job require certification, and how much money do techs usually make if you don't mind me asking? I've been wanting to change jobs for a while now. Currently I'm working as an administrative assistant for an engineer, which is a completely unrelated industry. A tech position sounds like it would be great for learning, and perhaps it can pay a few bills also?

I was required to have basic CPR certification (i paid for it and they reimbursed). Pay will vary, but its low. Just...low. I get by, but im not buying a *__fill in the blank__* anytime soon, get what im saying? Luckily, the PT that im working with is very experienced (15 + years) and explains everything to me. Instead of saying something like, "have the patient do whatever exercise...", she says "i want them to do this, have them do it this way, because it does this for them". To me, its like being paid to be in class, shes always teaching me something new. I am more of a visual learner, so being hands on and seeing how things are done works well for me. Also, luckily i paid off the bulk of my auto loan before i got this tech job, otherwise, meeting rent and a car note would have been tough. I would have to have given up food. lol. by the way, i used to live in houston also. small world.

 

[HouTXdude]

Good news is that I've gotten the process going on beginning my observational hours at Texas Orthopedic Hospital. I can't wait to get started, and I'm looking forward to seeing the hussle and bussle of the medical center here in Houston 😀 The PT's there said I'll be able to volunteer in acute care, and also in an outpatient setting. Does anyone know what I can expect from these types of clinical settings? 😕

 

[HouTXdude]

I was required to have basic CPR certification (i paid for it and they reimbursed). Pay will vary, but its low. Just...low. I get by, but im not buying a *__fill in the blank__* anytime soon, get what im saying? Luckily, the PT that im working with is very experienced (15 + years) and explains everything to me. Instead of saying something like, "have the patient do whatever exercise...", she says "i want them to do this, have them do it this way, because it does this for them". To me, its like being paid to be in class, shes always teaching me something new. I am more of a visual learner, so being hands on and seeing how things are done works well for me. Also, luckily i paid off the bulk of my auto loan before i got this tech job, otherwise, meeting rent and a car note would have been tough. I would have to have given up food. lol. by the way, i used to live in houston also. small world.

bc2,

Yep, that pretty much sums up my work situation. Working for the car that I drive to work, that pays for the car that I drive to work...etc! Luckily there is food here at my parents house. Sometimes I get evil looks from the 'rents as I'm looking around in the refrigerator It was either that, or dumpster diving! I'm definitely going to look further into a PT Tech position. Which clinical setting do you work in?

 

[bc2]

bc2,

Yep, that pretty much sums up my work situation. Working for the car that I drive to work, that pays for the car that I drive to work...etc! Luckily there is food here at my parents house. Sometimes I get evil looks from the 'rents as I'm looking around in the refrigerator It was either that, or dumpster diving! I'm definitely going to look further into a PT Tech position. Which clinical setting do you work in?

It was strictly an outpatient pediatric clinic until recently (healthy balance of ortho and neuro patients), then we started seeing adults on alternate days. Working with kids is cool, they say the craziest things.