PT Programs & Lagging Behind

[francium]

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Sorry for the novel; it was basically copy-pasted from my personal blog, but most of it is useful information for the question I wanted to ask.

My grades are pretty good, and I've always told myself that graduating exactly after four years (finishing Biology degree in Spring 2012) shouldn't be an issue to be anxious about. Well, I'm feeling it right now. This all started when I was reflecting on my interest in physical therapy. I basically have zero observation hours since the clinic I last volunteered at didn't really keep track of my presence; to be honest, I was really confused about my academic career's future at the time and didn't log them. I have zero work experience. I have zero confidence in applying to a physical therapy program by October 2011, which is around the time when most of the applications are due in Texas.

I've starting way too late in the PT game and I'm lagging far behind. So now I'm faced with this dilemma: Should I stay an extra semester or so in undergraduate university, so I can build my resume and confidence for applications in October 2012? Would staying an extra semester even help, or should I just graduate & obtain some sort of job in the meanwhile? I'm already basically done with the pre-requisites for all the programs I'm interested in.

Pros in Extra Undergrad Time: Gain observation hours. Network with physical therapists for potential recommendation letters. Take cool "extracurricular" advanced biology classes. Friends will also be graduating later so I won't be alone. Gain work experience. Won't feel the pressure of applying to programs so last minute.
Cons in Extra Undergrad Time: $$$$$$$ - I'm not sure if my financial aid is going to be coming in for those semester(s) I may be in university. Interviewers may question why I stayed an extra semester when I didn't have anymore required courses.

I just wanted a bit of advice, or see someone else's personal experience with this issue. I will be asking lots of questions to the PTs I shadow this summer. A lot of the counselors at my university have NO experience with people applying to PT programs, which I find very strange.

 

[bhatiaa1]

I honestly think from now till the end of September of 2011 is PLENTY of time to build up your resume or your profile by the time you start your application process.

I would focus on the require observations hours for the DPT program you would like to apply to. If it's 80 hours that are recommended, then make sure you hit that number and make sure it's in several settings (i.e., pediatrics, inpatient, outpatient, acute, orthopedics, neuro, etc...). I know programs rather see an applicant with hours in various settings than a million hours in orthopedics. Again, you don't have to go overboard with observation hours. KU, Wichita State, and Rockhurst University (DPT programs in the Kansas/MO area which I'm currently live) only require about 32 hours!!! I know applicants that gotten in with only 32 hours!!! DPT programs just want to make sure you have first hand seen all the possible areas you can work in as a physical therapist. Having a zillion hours in one setting will not help you.

Most likely you will need 4 LORS (2 from PTs and 2 from professors). Get those lined up. After you shadow a PT, asked them if they could write a favorable recommendation on behalf of you. If some reason they say no... don't be afraid to ask if there is anything you can do to change their mind... maybe more observations hours with them.

Hope this helps. If you do end up staying an extra semester... I would save your money and go to a local community college if you are looking to take extra classes or find a job as a PT tech & volunteer within your community.

 

[goyo1010]

Hey francium,

Honestly, you can do you observation hours during the summer! That's what I did. Latter half of May or something until July. That will give you more than the 100+ hours most of the Texas PT schools require you to have. If that's the only thing lacking from you application materials, besides the LORs some of which will come from the PTs you shadow. Since the Texas schools use their own application system or applytexas and not PTCAS you should be fine with all the due dates and such. Most schools have Nov 1 deadlines, so you have a LOT of time. If you commit this summer to observations and shadowin, you will be FINE! Just make sure your observation hours encompass a variety of settings, most especially acute care.

Depending on the school you may have to have 1 or 2 academic LORs with PT LOR, all PT LORS, or 1 PT/1 academic/1 Work/Volunteer, etc. Just make sure you have those other LORs done and work on getting those PT LORs though the shadowing. Ask relevant and open-ended questions when appropriate, engage with the patients, do what the PTs ask of you, get in the daily routine of the clinic and anticipate the needs of the PTs and/or patients.

 

[francium]

Thanks for the encouragement, you two. I've already taken my GRE, gotten my letters of recommendation, the hours required, and just need to work on my personal statements! 🙂

 

[goyo1010]

Thanks for the encouragement, you two. I've already taken my GRE, gotten my letters of recommendation, the hours required, and just need to work on my personal statements! 🙂

That's great to hear! Make that personal statement superb!