Physical Therapy?

[bmoneyf3059]

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Hey new member guys,
I was looking at one of the last physical therapy forums and it gave great insight and knowledge that really didn't have. But basically I have a few questions has the PT field got any better as far as I guess options? As far as pay I saw that a lot of people were talking about the ceiling pay of PT not being worth the school? The cap I saw being 65k.

Also I would like to take in yal advice on what I should be doing. At this moment my gpa is 2.7 yes I know bad. But I have basically 1 1/2 to 2 years of undergrad left. I just got into what we consider our upper division classes. My college doesn't have a pre-PT major so I am athletic training/ exercise science. So I feel like I have time to bring up my gpa and do any other things I need to be doing. Suggestions and advice?? Thanks in advance

 

[candbgirl]

This is a Pre-Med forum. I'm not sure anyone here will be able to answer your questions. There are PT forums just down the page from this fourm. Here, http://forums.studentdoctor.net/forumdisplay.php?f=821 and here http://forums.studentdoctor.net/forumdisplay.php?f=210.

 

[aSagacious]

Moving to the pre-PT forum.

 

[8MoreReps]

My advice if you really want to become a PT is to aim for an A in the remainder of your classes, as well as take science classes as electives that are not included in your normal program that you will need in order to apply to DPT schools.

According to the Bureau of Labor: "Median annual wages of physical therapists were $72,790 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $60,300 and $85,540. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $50,350, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $104,350."

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos080.htm#earnings

So 65k is on the lower end of average pay as a PT, not a cap. You can break 100k with hard work and experience. Also, some PT's go on to be rehab directors or even run their own practice after a while and potentially increase income. The cost/years of schooling for a DPT doesn't really match up to the salary compared to other health fields, so make sure you really want to become a PT. Many people with a bachelors degree will earn the same if not more than someone with a DPT.

 

[wrennywren]

While you won't be making millions, the cap is definitely not 65k.

In 2008, the MEDIAN earnings 73k a year, with the middle 50% of therapists making 61k to 86k a year.

As far as your grades are concerned, start getting better ones! 🙂 If you end on a high note for your last year and a half, that will be taken in to account on your application, especially if most of those classes are pre reqs..

 

[puppypaws]

You could also start getting ready for the GRE. Having a good GRE score can, to a degree, help balance a lower GPA. Another thing to keep in mind is that you need observation hours with a PT. You could look at the recquirements of a few of the PT schools you would be interested in attending to see what classes you need and how many observation hours you should have. The more observation hours, at the more locations, the better 🙂

 

[bmoneyf3059]

Thanks yal I realize that I do need to start doing observation hours. I was looking into interning at the end of this semester. At the moment I have eighteen hours and a part time job which is basically consuming all my time. As far as the grades go I agree I think if I average an A in most classes I still have an opportunity to end undergrad with a pretty decent gpa currently it being a 2.7. And most of the classes will be my pre req's/ science req's so hopefully I definately pull out good grades there. Any advice on managing time with eighteen hours and a job? If working is really even possible? I do really want to be a PT my personality I believe would be a great asset to the profession. I love helping people and working with athletics so maybe a little AT on the side for me. But the science I have taken so far didn't come easy for me A&P I. Not saying I can't just prior to becoming serious now and actually trying to do something with myself I really didn't have to work had to maintain or keep a B average. So any advice on how to study or managing time would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance