Starting the PT journey, any advice?

[radiotherapist]

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This is my first post here, and I will try to make it quick. I recently graduated from school as a radiation therapist, but the job market is very tight right now. I have been contemplating going to PT school as a result. I had a few questions about the field, my chances of getting in, and any advice you can give me to make myself more marketable for a school. My biggest question is how is the job market? When I search for jobs it seems like there are quite a few out there. I was also wondering if anyone thinks I have a realistic shot to get in, and what I can do to increase my odds. Here are my stats
Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science in progress, will complete Spring 2014.
Concentration: Psychology/Sociology
GPA:3.6
Prereq GPA3.
GRE: Need to get this done also.

Any ideas on how I should get my observation hours in? How should I split them between in-patient, out-patient, etc?

Thanks for any help, and if you have any advice on anything else I can do to better my chances please let me know.

 

[NewTestament]

The job market for PTs is overall good, but it depends on which area you're looking for work. Obviously, there are differences from one state to another, and even between counties. Entry-level PTs can expect to earn about $60k-$70k, but most DPTs have significant debt to pay off.

Your GPA looks fine. Obviously you need observation hours in at least three different settings. I would get 100 outpatient 100 inpatient/acute, and 100 in another setting, such as a SNF, ALF, or a sports orthopedic clinic. Make sure you find two PTs who are willing to write LOR's for you.

I assume you have many pre-requisites to complete with a degree in sociology and psychology. Do as well as you can in those classes (>3.5) and you will have a chance. Only apply to schools you are enthusiastic about.

Kevin

If you need me to define those acronyms, please let me know.

 

[radiotherapist]

Oh wow that's quite a bit of hours. Thanks for the info. As far as pre-reqs go I've got one or two left depending on the program.

 

[schnell8]

Oh wow that's quite a bit of hours. Thanks for the info. As far as pre-reqs go I've got one or two left depending on the program.

Yeah, you should be fine in terms of GPA. Definitely get going on those hours though and make sure you get a variety. Go to a hospital, go to a nursing home, obviously the outpatient clinics. The more settings you have the better...If you can get more settings PLUS lots of hours then its a win-win.

As for your GRE, allow yourself a good month or two of studying (I personally recommend GRE for Dummies...seriously...but you might want to pick up a book with practice tests to go with it). This exam is no joke though..

If you can manage to do it, I would strongly recommend getting involved with a research group at your university. It puts much wanted sprinkles on your application and can get you great Letters of recommendation from professors.

Finally, be prepared to explain why your changing your career like this. The main question is the application in to explain what led you to choose PT over other health careers. Be prepared to have a great 3-5 page essay as to why your doing PT now.

Otherwise, good luck! You are picking a great field. For us here in Michigan, PT is one of the few jobs in very high demand. Average starting salary is ~$65K and students are getting job offers in their 2nd year. Like it was said above though, it could be different for Texas. 👍

 

[jdaniels360]

Schnell, isn't the essay only 4500 characters? About a page? Not 3-5? Maybe I misunderstood? But if it is three to five that'd be great! I have so much to say and it would be a shame to have to narrow it to only a page.

 

[WarriorPT]

Job market - Plenty of jobs available right now.

Improving your marketability - I agree with @NewTestament. You need plenty of hours in as many settings as possible across the continuum of PT care. These include, in part, acute, subacute, LTC, ALF, home health, and outpatient. There are also a number of specialties to observe: ortho, neuro, cardiopulm, pediatrics, women's health, men's health (early stages), geriatrics, sport,....

Lastly, you should post in the "Ask a DPT Admissions Director." You have access to an application reviewer and applicant interviewer. I like to add that your application should look like you have thought long and hard about becoming a PT. It shouldn't just be data compiled together. If you are serious about being a PT it will come through. I don't think anyone should consider PT school as a fall back option for employment. It is an immense amount of work. Think long and hard about it. Good luck!
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Licensed Physical Therapist

 

[radiotherapist]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I appreciate it. @warriorPT I didn't mean for it to sound like it was a fallback plan. I actually started out wanting to do PT, but I changed my mind because of the time involved. It wasn't the best decision, but I did have some great experiences in the oncology field. Now that I'm a little older, and more mature I realize that it would be worth it in the long run. I was asking about the job market because I don't want to end up in the same situation after busting butt in PT school for 30+ months. When the schools ask me about it I think it would be best to be truthful, and tell them I was just being a lazy kid, but I grew up, and decided that I wouldn't be happy if I didn't try. I am now very motivated, and much looking forward to it. I also have another question. I want to start getting my hours very soon. I would start tomorrow if possible. What is the best way to go about getting these hours. Should I call first and speak with a PT, or just go up in person, introduce myself, and ask about opportunities for observation hours?

 

[WarriorPT]

@radiotherapist I recommend calling ahead. You want to make sure that a PT will have time to meet with you and answer questions. When we aren't treating we are documenting, so showing up unannounced may not work for him/her. I'd start observing with a private clinic simply because hospitals require more documentation to come on board (occasional background checks, shot records, etc.). Some hospitals have a month long admin process before you can clock serious hours. While observing in the clinic you can proceed with the necessary paperwork to obtain observation hours in a hospital/SNF,etc. There is no reason why you can't do them in tandem.

I think most PTs enjoy having students around. Today I had a student sit in on an evaluation for low back pain.

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Licensed Physical Therapist