Physical Therapy to DO Transition

[dc3770]

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I know this has been a topic of discussion on this website previously, but I have noticed that most of the discussions have not taken place since 2009ish and I wanted to get an up to date view of the topic. I am a recent graduate of a DPT program and have recently started working as a PT and have found that I feel limited/restricted in my ability to treat patients (No direct access, can not order MRIs, etc.). Because of this, I have been considering applying to a DO program. I have all of my pre-requisites completed (was a Biology major as an undergrad) and only have the MCAT to take to apply. I am aware that Med school is going to be a major challenge but I have been a hard worker throughout and feel that I am up for the task. My question is: Are there any PTs on this forum that have made the transition and are they willing to share their stories/give any advice? Would you recommend making the switch?

Thanks in advance.

 

[darklabel]

I know this has been a topic of discussion on this website previously, but I have noticed that most of the discussions have not taken place since 2009ish and I wanted to get an up to date view of the topic. I am a recent graduate of a DPT program and have recently started working as a PT and have found that I feel limited/restricted in my ability to treat patients (No direct access, can not order MRIs, etc.). Because of this, I have been considering applying to a DO program. I have all of my pre-requisites completed (was a Biology major as an undergrad) and only have the MCAT to take to apply. I am aware that Med school is going to be a major challenge but I have been a hard worker throughout and feel that I am up for the task. My question is: Are there any PTs on this forum that have made the transition and are they willing to share their stories/give any advice? Would you recommend making the switch?

Thanks in advance.

cum/sci GPA? Also be aware that studying for the MCAT won't be cake walk, especially since its been a long time since you've seen the material.

 

[dc3770]

My undergrad GPAs were 3.4 overall, 3.2 sciences (which I know is not the best). My GPA in PT school was 3.7. I'm aware that MCAT studying is going to be difficult (especially with the organic chemistry) since I have not seen it in a while. That has been my main deterrent about making the switch but I would like to see how much I can recall prior to giving in.

 

[Temperature101]

My undergrad GPAs were 3.4 overall, 3.2 sciences (which I know is not the best). My GPA in PT school was 3.7. I'm aware that MCAT studying is going to be difficult (especially with the organic chemistry) since I have not seen it in a while. That has been my main deterrent about making the switch but I would like to see how much I can recall prior to giving in.

You should be fine with a 27+ mcat....

 

[darklabel]

My undergrad GPAs were 3.4 overall, 3.2 sciences (which I know is not the best). My GPA in PT school was 3.7. I'm aware that MCAT studying is going to be difficult (especially with the organic chemistry) since I have not seen it in a while. That has been my main deterrent about making the switch but I would like to see how much I can recall prior to giving in.

Not trying to deter you, just letting you know. On the AAMC website, they hve a free practice MCAT. I suggest you take it and see how you do. Also Orgo only extends to Orgo 1 and doesn't make a huge appearance in the Bio section.

 

[MedPR]

Not trying to deter you, just letting you know. On the AAMC website, they hve a free practice MCAT. I suggest you take it and see how you do. Also Orgo only extends to Orgo 1 and doesn't make a huge appearance in the Bio section.

I definitely had orgo 2 on my MCAT.

 

[darklabel]

I definitely had orgo 2 on my MCAT.

Really? Like what? I thought the EK books said they only go to Orgo 1, but I must be mistaken. I only know grignard makes an appearance, but thats a really easy one to remember.

 

[MedPR]

Really? Like what? I thought the EK books said they only go to Orgo 1, but I must be mistaken. I only know grignard makes an appearance, but thats a really easy one to remember.

IR/NMR and many of the other labs are second semester stuff at my UG.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

 

[darklabel]

IR/NMR and many of the other labs are second semester stuff at my UG.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

Oh, I had that first semester and in first lab.

Lets just leave it as Orgo 1 + 2 then since it varies per UG

 

[Mr Kenobi]

I definitely had orgo 2 on my MCAT.

👍

 

[wjs010]

I was accepted into a DPT program no more than a year ago and opted out to go DO for some of the same reasons. I know i'll be happy with the choice. you should b okay if you nail the mcat..

you can also go check the resident board and look at pmr...a lot of previous PTs made the switch. good luck😀

 

[dc3770]

Thank you everyone for your input!

 

[Columbia09]

IR/NMR and many of the other labs are second semester stuff at my UG.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

True that. Doing that right now in orgo two

 

[Gatorgirl729]

I can't really give you the helpful advice you are looking for, but just wanted to say I am in the same boat as you. I was in chiropractic school and left for the same reason. I was trying to decide between dental school and DO school after I left and have chosen to pursue DO school. Good luck to us both! 🙂