St. Augustine vs. other schools

[HopetobePT]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hi everyone,

I am in the process of narrowing down which schools I would like to apply to for the upcoming application cycle, and even though St. Augustine isn't a part of PTCAS I am still planning on applying to it.

My question is, what sets St. Augustine apart from other schools? I seem to know a lot more about some of the other schools I am applying to, but from what I've heard I really like St. Augustine. It is high up on my list because I have heard so many great things about it, but I would like to know more. If any of you are students there now, could you tell me what makes it a better program than others? I have read through the school's website and I know they are big on manual therapy and professionalism, but what are some things we as applicants should know (things that aren't included on the St. Aug website) before applying. I just want to know more information beyond the basics.

I'm hoping to visit the school soon, so I'm sure I will learn more then, too.

Thanks in advance.

 

[SimplyPT]

Are you applying for summer or spring 2012?

 

[HopetobePT]

I was going to apply for spring, but I may wait and apply for May 2012.

 

[hefe]

Hi everyone,

I am in the process of narrowing down which schools I would like to apply to for the upcoming application cycle, and even though St. Augustine isn't a part of PTCAS I am still planning on applying to it.

My question is, what sets St. Augustine apart from other schools?

Sorry to cherry pick answers, but the biggest difference is about 4-5 years worth of $10,000/yr free income after you pay all your bills+taxes on a 65k salary. This is assuming you choose it over a state school that costs 45k tuition.

Apply there, but I'd apply elsewhere (locally) too. Consider it if you're ok giving up what amounts to this in free-spending income or you can't get in elsewhere. Try a PTCAS cycle too.

 

[DPTinFL]

A few things from the top of my head

Pros:
1. Manual therapy/orthopedics. USA is a hands on/practical school. You will learn about extremity, spine, and myofascial manipulations. On your last semester, you can take electives (which most studends do) that focus on manipulations of lumbar, pelvis, subcranial, cervical, etc... As a new grad, you are super prepared for outpatient ortho like nobody else. I was even exposed to dry needling for trigger point management, I'm not sure how many schools out there do this. Also, you can take these or similar courses as continued education as a PT but it will cost you.
2. USA is only PT/OT. All resources go to making it a better PT/OT school.
3. Faculty is great. Board certified specialists and fellows everywhere.
4. Outpatient ortho clinic and aquatic therapy in the school to facilitate learning.
5. Graduate in 2.5 years.

Cons
1. Class size- about 60 but during lab, you will have about 2-3 instructors.
2. Tuition- private school= expensive.
3. Not a traditional school so less extracurricular activities (no intramurals sports, social clubs, etc...) But you really do not have time since it is an intense compact curriculum.

 

[dptforme]

St. Augustine is a well respected school but I definitely recommend visiting the campus and others to see what aspects are important to you.
I interviewed at the San Marcos campus and here are some observations in addition to those stated previously (I'm not sure if these apply to the main campus though I'm sure they are very similar).
Pros
-on a fast track to get you out quickly
-a gym in the building
-just PT & OT so it is very concentrated
-several different entering classes so if you fall behind you don't have to wait a whole year to make up classes.

Cons:
-student's share cadavers with different lab sections, so the cadaver will be different the next time you see it because others have worked on it
-only 2-3 days scheduled days a week that you could go into the cadaver lab to study when classes aren't in there
-emphasis on internet use for learning(if I'm paying so much money for an education, I'd rather do it in a class room)
-not on a traditional campus(I felt more comfortable at tradition schools so I could be more involved)

I did end up choosing another school but I do think USA is a great program, it just wasn't for me. Seeing a program that I couldn't see myself happy in, helped me make my decision and I definitely recommend that to others in the decision making process.

 

[HopetobePT]

Thank you everyone for your replies, you all have been most helpful.

Just wanted to bump this thread one more time to see if anyone else (former or current USA student(s)) has any additional information that would be helpful as I look to narrow down my choice of PT schools.

Thank you so much again.