Shadowing!?!

[aspiringDPT231]

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Hi everyone!
so I recently decided to major in physical therapy when I go to college. I am a junior in high school right now and I am actually going to physical therapy for a minor soccer injury. I talked to my DPT and PTA and they said they would allow me to shadow over the summer. I just wanted to know how long should I shadow a this place and should I also intern somewhere? Also what do you do while shadowing? Just sit and watch or do they allow you to help set things up?

Thanks for any responses!🙂

 

[MCWills]

I think every place is different in terms of what they will allow you to do. Getting in as many hours as possible is best. Each PT school has different requirements, but in most cases the more hours you have the better. Eventually, you will also want to make sure that you have experience/observation hours in a few different settings since a lot of schools require that. If you have the time, you might even think about getting a part time job as a PT aide because that will allow you to be more hands on, give you a lot of hours and you will get paid for your time.

Also, if you haven't already you should go check out PTCAS.org because that will give you a much better idea of what schools are out there and what they require for admission. Most programs are now doctoral programs, but there are also a decent number of programs you can enter into as an undergraduate freshman.

Good luck!

 

[aspiringDPT231]

I think every place is different in terms of what they will allow you to do. Getting in as many hours as possible is best. Each PT school has different requirements, but in most cases the more hours you have the better. Eventually, you will also want to make sure that you have experience/observation hours in a few different settings since a lot of schools require that. If you have the time, you might even think about getting a part time job as a PT aide because that will allow you to be more hands on, give you a lot of hours and you will get paid for your time.

Also, if you haven't already you should go check out PTCAS.org because that will give you a much better idea of what schools are out there and what they require for admission. Most programs are now doctoral programs, but there are also a decent number of programs you can enter into as an undergraduate freshman.

Good luck!

Thanks! and when you say I could get a job as a PT aide do I need any prior experience in this field? also where could you find a job like that? would you just call different places asking if they need one

 

[hawk777]

I can say it's best to check with the programs you're interested in. I know for the school I am going to (University of Missouri) Their observation hours were a firm requirement, but going beyond them has no impact on your consideration for the program. This isn't to say that you shouldn't observe more, it's great experience for you, but depending on the program you want to get into, I would find out specifically what they want. That way, you may have more time to spend on your class work to make sure you get those As. Good luck.