Pondering the idea of a PT career...kindly help!!

[In a rut]

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Good day, All:

This would my first time writing a post on such a forum. I am 33 y/o, graduated college in 2010 with a BS in Accounting. During that time, I struggled immensely to find employment for 2 years as I lacked professional experience and the economy was still shaky. I mainly worked odd jobs until I landed a role with a small not-for-profit, which didn't pay much.

fast-forward to 2017, I was laid off from an accounting firm, lost my house, moved back in with my grandmother, who is not 100%healthy but I take care of her as much as I can. I have come to realize that there is no job security in accounting!! I was starting to finally begin my life if you will, but to have it all taken away!!

That being said, I am heavily considering a career change to pt! I have always been intrigued by the human body and how pre and post disease has its effects on the individual. Most importantly, I want to feel safe at my job; in regard to job security and being satisfied.

However, 3 years of grad school, the GRE and taking prerequisites (1 year) seems too drastic and when will I start my life? I'll be approx 38 when I finish pt school; if that happens and I achieve that goal. Will the jobs of today be available? My undergrad loans will accrue so much interest and pt school in not cheap! I owe $60k from accounting degree.

 

[DPT2021]

Tough to answer. You'll have to analyze the money to see if it's worth it. Obviously, staying in state is probably the best option.

With most schools being 9 straight semesters over 3 years, it leaves little time to work. That only adds to the debt.

As far as the job outlook, I can't imagine a better, more secure career. The initial baby boomers are just turning 70. Job security and growth as a PT will likely continue for the next 25 years. You likely won't ever be laid off. In fact, with current job placement rates at 100%, salary growth will likely exceed both inflation and GDP growth.

I'd think your accounting degree and business experience would only be an asset for anyone that hired you after school.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[In a rut]

Thank you for your reply. Losing a source of income and a house is devastating. Wow, I cannot imagine not working for three years! Loans on top of loans is financial suicide. A lot of "life" can occur while I am taking those pre-reques and who knows if I can make the cut into pt school. Too many variables here. I wish I knew about job security and happiness in my 20s. Losing a job and a home will screw with one's mind in imaginable ways.

Everyone here who's pursuing DPT, MOT/OTD, PA are blessed and brilliant for choosing such stable and personally gratifying careers.

 

[deleted621075]

This is tough because yes you will accrue more debt by being in a program but if you don't do it, the job is never possible. I understand your worries, I am a bit older too in the sense compared to my other classmates but to me 33 is not that old and you have a lot of life ahead of you. Its tough applying because yes there are a lot of variables but will you look back later in life and regret you didn't? I feel that is the question you need to answer. PT is a career that can provide stability and options unlike what you described in your past field but yes it is hard to get into school, I won't lie there, but don't let that discourage you instead if this is your dream, make it make you work harder. Its rewarding to get in.

I wish you the best in your decision and hope life works out. You have experienced something I wouldn't wish on anyone in losing your home but I think you have a direction with PT and how you feel about it but if you do not choose PT, hopefully another path works out.

 

[danhj89]

Good day, All:

This would my first time writing a post on such a forum. I am 33 y/o, graduated college in 2010 with a BS in Accounting. During that time, I struggled immensely to find employment for 2 years as I lacked professional experience and the economy was still shaky. I mainly worked odd jobs until I landed a role with a small not-for-profit, which didn't pay much.

fast-forward to 2017, I was laid off from an accounting firm, lost my house, moved back in with my grandmother, who is not 100%healthy but I take care of her as much as I can. I have come to realize that there is no job security in accounting!! I was starting to finally begin my life if you will, but to have it all taken away!!

That being said, I am heavily considering a career change to pt! I have always been intrigued by the human body and how pre and post disease has its effects on the individual. Most importantly, I want to feel safe at my job; in regard to job security and being satisfied.

However, 3 years of grad school, the GRE and taking prerequisites (1 year) seems too drastic and when will I start my life? I'll be approx 38 when I finish pt school; if that happens and I achieve that goal. Will the jobs of today be available? My undergrad loans will accrue so much interest and pt school in not cheap! I owe $60k from accounting degree.

I would like to encourage you to move forward no matter what.
You are in the right track. Don't let your age discourage you, it means nothing.
Just follow your heart and keep on doing what you want!
I understand the debts, but i think we all have some portions as we pursue PT or any other profession careers.
I am confident that PT has so many rewarding aspects that will ease your financial burden.

Good luck.

 

[lucylovesspud]

Hi there! I have a similar story, so I'll share.

I graduated from undergrad, worked a soul-sucking job for several years, and while I was in the process of buying my first house, was laid off. I spent a few months trying to figure out which way was up and get back on my feet. During that time, my mom had her knees replaced. To ease the burden on my dad, I moved back in with my parents to help my mom recover. I took her to all her pt appointments and decided I would change careers.

I am living with my parents while I work full time as a pt tech and am in school. My undergrad was totally unrelated to pt, so I had to take all prereqs but biology I and II over the last year. It hasn't been easy, but it has been incredibly rewarding. I was a manager in my former field, managing a large group of people. Now I'm at least two years older than all the pts where I work as a tech. Despite the huge change in rank, I love going to work everyday. That's not something I could ever say of my previous job. I am applying this cycle, and if all goes as planned, I will start pt school next year when I am 29. Working as a tech has been pivotal during this journey. There were several times when I was so stressed with exams and volunteer responsibilities and everything else, that I wanted to give up. The only thing that got me through was knowing that one day I will have a secure job that I love and that provides me a comfortable life. I can't speak to your loan situation, as I have no loans from undergrad. Not gonna lie though. The thought of all the debt I will have from pt school scares me. The way I justify it is this: If I'm going to be working for 25-30 more years, what's a few more years of school and some student loan debt. Seems like a reasonable tradeoff if I enjoy my job and have job security. Sure, my reasoning may be flawed, but that's what works for me and I'm sticking to it.

I'm really sorry about your current circumstances. My only advice is to do what feels right, despite what the naysayers say. Things will get better. Hang in there!

 

[GypsyHummus]

You also have to take into account that a majority of Physical Therapy students are also like super fit. Im pretty sure you need to have a minimum body fat around 15% and at least a 6 pack.

 

[Never2Late4Change]

Good day, All:

This would my first time writing a post on such a forum. I am 33 y/o, graduated college in 2010 with a BS in Accounting. During that time, I struggled immensely to find employment for 2 years as I lacked professional experience and the economy was still shaky. I mainly worked odd jobs until I landed a role with a small not-for-profit, which didn't pay much.

fast-forward to 2017, I was laid off from an accounting firm, lost my house, moved back in with my grandmother, who is not 100%healthy but I take care of her as much as I can. I have come to realize that there is no job security in accounting!! I was starting to finally begin my life if you will, but to have it all taken away!!

That being said, I am heavily considering a career change to pt! I have always been intrigued by the human body and how pre and post disease has its effects on the individual. Most importantly, I want to feel safe at my job; in regard to job security and being satisfied.

However, 3 years of grad school, the GRE and taking prerequisites (1 year) seems too drastic and when will I start my life? I'll be approx 38 when I finish pt school; if that happens and I achieve that goal. Will the jobs of today be available? My undergrad loans will accrue so much interest and pt school in not cheap! I owe $60k from accounting degree.

So sorry to hear about your struggles. Life can certainly suck at times...but perseverance and grit can do wonders. I started PT school at 35, and will be 38 when I graduate. I previously worked in a field completely unrelated to healthcare, so I went through 2 years of prerequisite coursework, and two cycles of applying to programs before I earned an acceptance. I have a ton of student loan debt, as well, and have struggled with starting over, just as you mentioned. But I am so proud of myself for making it this far, and these next few years are really just a blip in the lifespan, even though it feels like forever going through the process. If this is what you want, do not let anything get in your way. You just need to figure out all of the details and make it happen. You've got this! 🙂