Physical Therapy Post-Bacc in NYC?

[meg926an]

Hey everyone-- I've been considering a career change into physical therapy. I was an economics major in college and am now looking for somewhere in NYC where I can fulfill my DPT requirements. I'd like to stay in NYC since I already have connections (where I can fulfill my observation/volunteer hours) and it's close to family in NJ.

I've looked into NYU and Columbia, but those are $$$. Hunter seemed like a good option, but according to their website, physical therapy students are not eligible for their post-bacc program. Is there anywhere you guys know of where I can fulfill my post-bacc requirements without going broke before PT school? I'm relatively young (23) so don't exactly have all the money to drop on just my pre-reqs.

Also, how hard is it to get into these post-bacc programs? I graduated with a 3.94 GPA from undergrad and have spent the last 2 years in finance. Although I have made a decent amount of money working, I've realized that my job isn't fulfilling and I need to do something I truly love.

Thanks for the help!

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[Dharma]

Why not attend one of the CUNY schools and just create a DYI post-bac? You can declare a second major (and gain access to federal loans if necessary). In the mean time you could contact PTs and find one that is willing to speak with you and eventually allow you to shadow. From what I have heard, the CUNY PT programs are quite competitive, so be sure to check out some of the other programs (SUNY-Downstate in Brooklyn comes to mind) for the sake of seeing their admissions requirements as well as application timelines.

Take home points: Find out exactly which classes you need for admissions. Apply to one of the CUNY schools as a second degree student. Take the classes you need (and then some). Start contacting PTs and set yourself up for shadowing hours. Make a wish list of PT programs. Apply early and broadly when you are about to wrap up any pre-reqs you may need.

As far as Hunter's post-bacc program goes, no one says that you could not use their program to get yourself into PT school. I'm not exactly sure what the pre-reqs are for PT school, but I'm assuming they're someone close to med school. The only reason why it will be better to be a post-bac student is because you will have early registration rights and it can get a bit hairy come registration time without seniority. Regardless, even without the help of the post-bac you can do this. Gather all your facts about exactly what classes you need for PT admissions and take it from there.

Best of luck.

 

[meg926an]

Thanks for the advice! I'll definitely look into it. If I went to pursue my second bachelor's degree in a field like biology, would I need to focus all of my classes in the biology field? I know for physical therapy you need a lot of other pre-reqs like anatomy and physiology, do you think a second bachelor's degree would force me to take unnecessary courses?

 

[johnnyscans]

Thanks for the advice! I'll definitely look into it. If I went to pursue my second bachelor's degree in a field like biology, would I need to focus all of my classes in the biology field? I know for physical therapy you need a lot of other pre-reqs like anatomy and physiology, do you think a second bachelor's degree would force me to take unnecessary courses?

My opinion: Given your GPA, there is no reason to pursue a second bachelors. Take the pre reqs. I think my girlfriend had to take A&P I and II, Bio 1, Chem 1 and 2, Physics 1 and 2, and 2-3 semesters worth of sociology and psychology. There is no need to incur the costs of a second bachelors when you really only need 10 classes.

Don't forget, most PT schools require the GRE, so you'll need to prepare for that as well.

 

[FightinUruKai]

you'll want to register for a second degree at the CUNY's, because otherwise you'll never get into the classes you need. You can take whichever classes you want, you are just declaring that you are pursuing a second bachelor's degree. You don't actually have to complete the degree. Try getting in touch with the admissions office of your closest cuny and telling them that you need to take some pre reqs, and ask their advice. I suggest getting them on the phone if you can - emails are usually rather brusque.

 

[meg926an]

Thanks for all of the advice. Regarding Hunter, they specifically state on their post-bacc website that the program isn't for physical therapy students. However, is it looked down upon to enroll as a second-degree student and then not complete the actual degree?

For most of the schools I'm looking to apply to, I will need Bio 1 and 2, Chem 1 and 2, Physics 1 and 2 and A&P 1 and 2. I've already completed the Stats / Psychology courses as an undergrad so should be fine there.

Would I be able to apply to Hunter as a second degree biology major and then just take the classes above and not actually fulfill the degree?

Thanks again for all of the help-- I feel so lost as a career changer!

 

[FightinUruKai]

I would check with the admissions office of a PT school you are interested in, but I do not believe they would look down upon you not completing your second degree.

Once you register for the second degree, you can take whatever courses you like, as long as you can get into them. I would suggest going to another of the CUNYs besides Hunter, since it can be very difficult to get into the classes you need. They have a lot of post bac students, regular students, and non-degree students vying for those spots.

Honestly, though, give Hunter, or the CUNY of your choice, a phone call and ask them these questions directly. They will give you the best, and absolute, advice. Here is the admissions office phone number for City College - (212) 650-6977 .

Good Luck!