PT→Exercise Physiologist

[Dr2618]

Would it be crazy of me to drop out of PT school and become an exercise physiologist instead?

The school load is taking a toll on my mental health and I don't think this is something I can handle for 3 years. Does it really get better out after school? I guess I should mention that I am in my first semester and a lot of what we're learning is foundational stuff (no touching people and sitting on my butt studying all day).

Does anyone have any perspective on PTs vs. Exercise Physiologist? I know the pay is quite different, but if I dropped out now I would have no debt. Also, an exercise physiologist's salary is fine with me. Exercise Physiology was also my favorite class in undergrad.

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[SATXDPT]

Wait, your hx shows exclusively Allopath/Osteopath/Pre-med, how did you end up in PT school?

What DPT program are you in that is 100% didactic and nothing hands on in the whole first semester?
If that is true, then yes, it will get better as you move away from hard core book learning to hands on learning and clinical experience. The first semester is truly rough and we lost 2 from my cohort who could not keep up, but the 2nd semester was much better.

If you are drowning right now and worried about your grades, you should immediately speak to your professors and academic advisor about how you are feeling. They truly want you to succeed and don't want to lose any students at this point of the program.

Regarding Exercise Physiologist, I would say that the job pool is going to be much shallower. Go to Indeed.com and see what job openings are available in your desired geographic location as well as who the employers are and how they are rated.

I hope that you are just experiencing a blue funk right now and stick it out. You will feel much better at the end of the semester when you get a break and have some rest.

 

[Dr2618]

Wait, your hx shows exclusively Allopath/Osteopath/Pre-med, how did you end up in PT school?

What DPT program are you in that is 100% didactic and nothing hands on in the whole first semester?
If that is true, then yes, it will get better as you move away from hard core book learning to hands on learning and clinical experience. The first semester is truly rough and we lost 2 from my cohort who could not keep up, but the 2nd semester was much better.

If you are drowning right now and worried about your grades, you should immediately speak to your professors and academic advisor about how you are feeling. They truly want you to succeed and don't want to lose any students at this point of the program.

Regarding Exercise Physiologist, I would say that the job pool is going to be much shallower. Go to Indeed.com and see what job openings are available in your desired geographic location as well as who the employers are and how they are rated.

I hope that you are just experiencing a blue funk right now and stick it out. You will feel much better at the end of the semester when you get a break and have some rest.

I go to a state DPT program.

I feel like I'm drowning, however, I am consistently above average & my grades are decent. I've talked to them and they've only really given me general tips.

Thank you for your advice and words of encouragement; I appreciate them.

 

[SATXDPT]

I know it feels like you are killing yourself studying and are disappointed that you are getting "decent" grades and not 'A's like you did in undergrad. You have to change your mindset. As long as you don't end the semester in probation (or dismissed), then you are succeeding. There will always be someone in your group that seems to have it really easy, and that doesn't seem fair. You just need to survive this trial by fire and put the semester behind you.
Unless you suddenly realized that you hate PT, then stick it out and let us know how you feel after the spring semester. Also, maybe get in some personal counseling sessions during the winter break and figure out some coping skills to help you with the stress.

Good luck!