question about pt schools

[ucd]

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A couple questions regarding PT:

1)Are there any DPT programs that don't have human anatomy or biochem as pre-requisites or is this a must?

2)what is the general number of hours that a person should shadow a pt before applying??

3)How many pt schools do applicants usually apply to??

Thanks!

 

[pttrac]

1. Anatomy and Physiology are a must in every program. That is the foundation of PT. As for Biochem, that will vary from program to program, but most will require only a year of general chemistry. Some might require a class in organic chemistry as well.

2. Depends on the program so look up each one that you're interested in on www.apta.org or call the actual program and speak with someone or request information from that school. For my schools, most required at least 50-100 hours of observation/volunteer/work and at least 40-50 of inpatient. Some do not require inpatient, but I advise you to do it just so that you know more about the field.

3. This will vary from school and geographic location, but since PTCAS has been introduced, there will be far more applicants in the coming years. I would say a typical program will receive 150+ applicants for a class of 30-45 students. You can look at the APTA website for more stats or you can call each program you're interested in and get the info from them.

 

[MinnDasota]

1. Many don't require biochem. It may be a good idea to have some anatomy as it will at least expose you to it. Anatomy in PT school can be overwhelming so it can only help you. So I think anatomy is a must, biochem is not.

2. I think you should shadow as much as possible. Remember, to apply to PT school, you need a PT as a reference so the more you are with them, the better reference they can be. There is a minimum number of hours required by each school but remember, it is the minimum. I think by the time I applied to PT school, I had 7000+ hours (I was a full time aide for a few years). You definitely don't need that much but you should do more than the minimum required. Just my opinion.

3. I've seen people apply to tons of schools (the PTCAs has made applying much more accessible). I guess this gives you options if you get accepted to them. Back in 2003, I applied to 3 and deferred them all to take time off from school for the time being. In 2005, I applied to 2. If you are thinking of applying to PT school, apply to those that you are interested in whether 2, 5, or 10 schools. (Just keep in mind that applying is not cheap). I think with the PTCAs, it may even be harder to get in now as there are probably more applicants for just 20-50 spots.

 

[ucd]

Thanks for all the replies. Do you know where I can find ranking of pt schools?My gpa is about a 3.1 and I want to know which schools I might have a chance at?

Ps-why is pt predominantly women, I believe the ratio is 3:1. Most health schools these days are 50:50 except nursing. Just an observation

 

[xMerryx]

http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/grad/pht/search

Regarding the gender gap, I have NO idea why that is...But I'm a health sciences Major and from a class of approx. 30 students maybe 5 are male

 

[pbd27]

Hello!

I have a question regarding the pre-requisites for DPT programs. I am currently a business major at my college, so I'm taking the prereqs in addition to my course curriculum. However, I need to take some classes over the summer, and I was contemplating taking some pre-reqs at a community college to save money. Do DPT programs look down upon classes taken at community colleges? I would assume not, because there are people who get into great programs after attending county colleges. What do you guys think?

Thank you 🙂

 

[PTMattI]

some schools require certain pre reqs be taken at a 4 year university. that information can be seen on PTCAS.

other than for the schools that require certain classes be taken at a 4 year university, it makes no difference.

 

[markelmarcel]

This should be in the Pre-PT forum, just saying.

 

[okramango]

I think this thread was created before the Pre-PT forum existed. I'm not sure how pbd27 found it for his/her necropost.

 

[markelmarcel]

I think this thread was created before the Pre-PT forum existed. I'm not sure how pbd27 found it for his/her necropost.

whoops, totally didn't see the original post was from 2008! Good call, my bad!

 

[okramango]

By the way markelmarcel, I've been meaning to tell you - congratulations on graduating PT school!!!
I was following these boards when you first started, and I remember how it was a hard adjustment for you at first. It's inspiring to see people make it through as I start my own first year now 🙂