Question about observation hours and PT aides

[spartyon1867]

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I am a junior and have 61 observation hours of outpatient orthopedic/sports med and I'm trying to figure out where else to observe to have a good variety of environments. I've noticed that a lot of people volunteer at nursing homes, and I was wondering if you just volunteer in general or if you are actually with a physical therapist. The same with pediatrics...are you actually working with a physical therapist who specializes in pediatrics? I am also working on getting hours in a hospital setting, I'm just wondering where else I can go.

Another semi-related question...how do you find a PT aide/technician job? I know not all clinics have them, so is there any other way of finding these jobs besides calling every PT clinic near me?

Any advice would be much appreciated! 🙂

 

[kcrat21]

I am a junior and have 61 observation hours of outpatient orthopedic/sports med and I'm trying to figure out where else to observe to have a good variety of environments. I've noticed that a lot of people volunteer at nursing homes, and I was wondering if you just volunteer in general or if you are actually with a physical therapist. The same with pediatrics...are you actually working with a physical therapist who specializes in pediatrics? I am also working on getting hours in a hospital setting, I'm just wondering where else I can go.

Another semi-related question...how do you find a PT aide/technician job? I know not all clinics have them, so is there any other way of finding these jobs besides calling every PT clinic near me?

Any advice would be much appreciated! 🙂

I'm a rehab tech currently and I found my job on craigslist by just doing a physical therapy search. There were tons of them, but I also live in the DC area so there are just lots of clinics in general. I would do that if I were you...good luck!

 

[millyvanillie]

I currently am completing hours at an outpatient clinic. There I observe various physical therapists and volunteer (clean the equipment, refill the towel area, prepare the treatment room). The main PT I observe will be confirming my hours and providing a LOR.

This same PT was nice enough to put in a good word for me at his second job-a nursing facility. He spoke to the PT director at the nursing facility about me. I then called her but she first required that I go through the volunteer's dept at the facility. Once I became a formal volunteer she set me up with a PT. Again I observed and assisted all the therapists in the gym. Though I mostly observed my assigned PT. Once I completed 30 hours she confirmed the hours.

You might not be assigned a PT. However, if you are positioned in the physical therapy dept of a facility it'll be up to you to connect with a PT. Ask him/her questions and try to go when you know he/she is going to be there. This PT will be the one who will most likely confirm your hours. Observe and offer to do some volunteer work.

Good luck!