PT's in Massachusetts...

[Cerebro24]

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If there is a newbie thread, MOD's forgive me, i can't find it. But i had to post this.

Hi, i've been reading through the threads for the better part of an hr and have seen quite a few inspiring stories. Well, i'm looking into going into the DPT program and while i'm taking the pre-reqs (including the ones i already did in undergrad), i'm looking for Physical Therapists in MA that could help me with observation hrs.

I have an uphill battle in front of me and i'm trying to get ideas on how to go about it.
i'm 28.
Undergrad : Medical Technologist (2.79 gpa)
Work full time night shift
Not married, no kids.
GRE: 158(V) 150(Q) . Analytical Writing 4.5
TOEFL : Scores not available yet
Certified EMT (I'm not sure how this helps a physical therapy applicant but i did it last year while i was still deciding on what to do)

My Plans: I'm just trying to re-take all the pre-reqs, and see how that helps my application. Any other ideas are welcome.

Even if you think I'm dreaming, speak your mind, i want honest opinions.🙂

 

[okramango]

Your GRE is good, and you have exposure to health care, which definitely can't hurt. Do you currently work as an EMT?

The major weak spot for your application is your GPA. That's great that you are retaking all of your prereqs. Do your absolute best to get A's in everything. I would continue taking classes beyond prereqs, until your GPA is 3.0, or at least much closer to it. Then look for schools that consider only the highest grade for classes that were retaken, rather than averaging the two grades. Some schools only look at the last 60 units taken to calculate GPA, so that might work better for you as well. Most programs appreciate seeing a recent improvement in grades, especially in science and prereq courses, but if your overall GPA does not meet the minimum, then your application could be thrown out before even being reviewed. I think some schools have a 2.8 or 2.9 minimum, but most that I've seen have a 3.0 minimum.

And it would help your application to aim for at least three different PT settings to observe in, including at least one inpatient setting (hospital, skilled nursing facility, etc). Try to get at least 150-200 hours of PT observation to make your application competitive.

This is definitely doable if you put the work in. Good luck!

 

[Cerebro24]

^thanks for the ideas. I'm looking for a place to observe right now and i'm not finding any, i cant believe this. I'm not working as an EMT presently. With the time i have left between classes and the job, i'll have to split the remaining time on either EMT work/PT observation.
Do both or pick one and go aggressive on that one?