Pre-Physical Therapy (DPT/MPT) w/ Finance Degree

[sliced bread]

Hi All,

I finished my undergrad with B.S. in Finance from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a 3.5 GPA in June 2007. I've always been extremely active and played D1 sports at Poly; when my eligibility ran out I got heavily into triathlons.

During my tenure (pre-triathlon) I went through major knee reconstruction, three ligament tear (MCL, ACL, PCL... no meniscus damage! lol). Since my knee experience I have fallin head over heals for the physical therapist profession. I'm glad such an epiphany has occurred while still relatively young (24) and look forward to the adventure from here on out.

Post graduating I've been roughing it in Australia and New Zealand for a year working odd jobs in order to continue my travel.

Ok.. in order to be considered anywhere I need to go back to school and complete a few pre-reqs (biology, physiology, chemistry, psychology, etc) that I did not complete in my study of finance. What are my best options for completing these courses within CA? Do I have to go somewhere as post-bacc? Is a CC ok? Can I apply to a 4 year under new major, take courses then drop out (pushing it)?

I have currently relocated in San Diego, but have no problems moving around...

Any other advice for the beginning stages of my journey would be more than appreciated... thanks guys and gals

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[myr11]

The common route is to take classes at community college or do a Post-Baccalaureate program. I don't think anyone could possibly tell you which is the better option. You should pick something you could afford and you feel comfortable in. Also you have to consider the scheduling if you are going to be working while taking classes, in which case community college seems to be a very good option since most offer night classes and usually have enough spots open in all classes if you apply early. Don't forget that physical therapy programs will be looking at your whole background not just where you took your sciences classes. There are so many intangibles that it is hard to say what is the best option...Some pro's to think about the CC route are affordability, flexibility, ability to take only the classes you need, and some of the pro's of the Post-Baccalaureate programs are that many offer pre-health sciences counseling, it will give you the ability to apply to most health professional schools if you change your mind, and although this is very debatable some schools may see more prestige in completing the program if it is at a prestigious school. The bottom line is that you are trying to make yourself the most competitive candidate and stand out so you must do everything you can to do that which is more then just where you are taking your sciences courses...Hope this helps you. Good Luck