PT Volunteer Opportunities in Philadelphia

[ildandp1212]

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I am a college grad interested in pursuing PT. Before I dive into more pre-req work I wanted to volunteer to make sure this is a direction I want to pursue. Unfortunately, although I've applied to various hospitals (CHOP, Penn Presbyterian etc.) I feel that they are already swamped with volunteers. Although I would prefer inpatient experience, I don't know where to start when looking for private oppurtunities. If anyone has any advice or knowledge, that would be great!

Thanks

 

[jblil]

Nursing homes usually welcome volunteers to work in their rehab department.

 

[okramango]

It took me many months of searching before I finally landed a PT observation position at a hospital. Most hospitals in my area were saturated with volunteers, or wanted me to volunteer in their gift shop before observing PT. I am now commuting to a hospital about an hour away from home once a week for my observation. It's turning out to be a wonderful experience and definitely worth the effort and persistence. I would suggest trying to contact the Rehab departments directly, rather than trying to go through the hospital volunteer programs. That's how I finally got this position.

It's much easier to find shadowing/volunteer positions at outpatient clinics or orthopedic/sports clinics. You can do a search for outpatient or sports PT clinics in your area, and simply call them or show up in person and ask. They are usually very open to this. Good luck!

 

[pjr75]

I would suggest trying to contact the Rehab departments directly, rather than trying to go through the hospital volunteer programs. That's how I finally got this position.

It's much easier to find shadowing/volunteer positions at outpatient clinics or orthopedic/sports clinics. You can do a search for outpatient or sports PT clinics in your area, and simply call them or show up in person and ask. They are usually very open to this. Good luck!

I agree. I actually got in touch with one of my hospital inpatient PTs through a PT in the oupatient clinic where I was shadowing. The others I got by contacting the rehab department directly and bypassing the volunteer programs completely. Good luck!

 

[Madness202]

I worked at NovaCare on East Erie Avenue while I was an undergrad. They have a lot of experience with working with volunteers. Give them a call to see if they have any openings.