such a thing as too many degrees/specialties?

[amg1322]

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So I have learned A LOT since starting to read here on this forum and it leads me to another question. Is there such a thing as too many degrees/specialties/certifications?
Initially I just wanted to do DPT, but now I'm leaning towards an ATC masters and then DPT. But would it be worth it to go the extra mile at the end of DPT and get a sports certification as well? Is is too much or is it truly worth it to do it all? Does any one have any experience with any of this or is planning to do the same thing?

 

[DesertPT]

I would say doing the masters isn't really necessary unless you want to work for the Dallas Cowboys or something. Your salary/job prospects won't be terribly different either way, you'd mostly be doing it for your own personal satisfaction.

 

[amg1322]

I would say doing the masters isn't really necessary unless you want to work for the Dallas Cowboys or something. Your salary/job prospects won't be terribly different either way, you'd mostly be doing it for your own personal satisfaction.

This is true, I guess part of me does just want to do it. I guess I am hoping that there is at least some kind of payoff to doing it in the end

 

[questionmark32]

It depends what you plan to do while you're getting your Masters degree. I worked for an NFL team while I was doing my Masters in Sports Medicine. I would have done it again since I got that experience that will help me if I decide to go the professional sports route when I graduate with my DPT. If all the degree is going to give you is more letters behind your name instead of giving you opportunities to network in the field you want to pursue, then I would suggest you stick to getting the DPT alone.

 

[DesertPT]

If you are into sports you have to consider what you want to be doing...if you want to do sideline stuff you'll need to be an AT, if you want to be in the gym/clinic with the athletes then be a PT.

 

[WarriorPT]

Having more credentials is always better. If you have your ATC now (or are eligible for it) doing the master's will not be helpful. An ATC master's will largely expose you to research. However, so will PT school. Many clinics that contract with sport teams prefer PTs with ATC or SCS designators.

If your PT application needs to be strengthened then doing a master's before PT school may be helpful. Schools are looking at your ability to handle graduate level work. Having the master's degree can do a few things for you: (1) Boost your cumulative GPA, (2) Improve your 2-year GPA (last 2 years of school which is sometimes used by programs to determine a candidate's ability to be successful in PT school)-beneficial if you have a sub-3.5 GPA, and (3) Exposes you to research methods which can be a huge 'leg up' on the competition as the majority of pre-PTs do not have graduate level research experience.

 

[NewTestament]

So I have learned A LOT since starting to read here on this forum and it leads me to another question. Is there such a thing as too many degrees/specialties/certifications?

Yes there is. The more time you spend in school, the more debt you will accumulate and the less time you will spend actually treating patients. Get your DPT, work in the field, and then decide if you want to earn additional certifications and degrees.

 

[amg1322]

It depends what you plan to do while you're getting your Masters degree. I worked for an NFL team while I was doing my Masters in Sports Medicine. I would have done it again since I got that experience that will help me if I decide to go the professional sports route when I graduate with my DPT. If all the degree is going to give you is more letters behind your name instead of giving you opportunities to network in the field you want to pursue, then I would suggest you stick to getting the DPT alone.

I'm not sure what I would be doing while getting my masters degree, but assuming that's the path that I decide to go down I will definitely be looking for a sports/team related job or place to at least volunteer and gain more experience. It's not really about the letters at the end of name, it's about opening doors and having the right opportunities for what I want to be doing.

 

[amg1322]

If you are into sports you have to consider what you want to be doing...if you want to do sideline stuff you'll need to be an AT, if you want to be in the gym/clinic with the athletes then be a PT.

I have considered this many times, as much as I would love to be on the sideline I would prefer being in the gym/clinic. But I do love doing both, which is why I'm considering going through both programs.

 

[amg1322]

Having more credentials is always better. If you have your ATC now (or are eligible for it) doing the master's will not be helpful. An ATC master's will largely expose you to research. However, so will PT school. Many clinics that contract with sport teams prefer PTs with ATC or SCS designators.

If your PT application needs to be strengthened then doing a master's before PT school may be helpful. Schools are looking at your ability to handle graduate level work. Having the master's degree can do a few things for you: (1) Boost your cumulative GPA, (2) Improve your 2-year GPA (last 2 years of school which is sometimes used by programs to determine a candidate's ability to be successful in PT school)-beneficial if you have a sub-3.5 GPA, and (3) Exposes you to research methods which can be a huge 'leg up' on the competition as the majority of pre-PTs do not have graduate level research experience.

I am not eligible for ATC now, which is why I am considering the masters. I greatly enjoy the field, and yes my DPT does need some strengthening so I don't see how it could hurt. I do realize it is more time that I am in school and yes it is more debt, but at the end of the day if its worth it ..then it's worth it.

 

[WarriorPT]

I am not eligible for ATC now, which is why I am considering the masters. I greatly enjoy the field, and yes my DPT does need some strengthening so I don't see how it could hurt. I do realize it is more time that I am in school and yes it is more debt, but at the end of the day if its worth it ..then it's worth it.

Some of the top therapists in sport are DPT, SCS, ATC, but you don't always need the ATC if you have the SCS. I think most therapists in "sport" will be DPT, OCS, CSCS, but they won't necessarily be 'sideline' or 'courtside' PTs. You need to investigate your specific career interests. If courtside or sideline is your interest then ATC and/or SCS is the way to go. These certs will prepare you for the emergent response (on field/court). If you want to rehab injured athletes the ATC isn't necessary, but the SCS (or OCS) will help. The differences in costs are great as well. The SCS is a post-graduate specialization following some invested time and small amounts of money (for study materials, collecting hours, etc.). The master's in ATC by comparison is obviously more expensive with 2 years of full-time study. Really find out what you want to do, then make a solid plan.

If it were me I'd get my DPT first. It sounds like your plan ultimately leads you to PT. Once licensed you can pursue the SCS/OCS/ATC as it fits into your plan. Keep in mind that your interests may change in PT school.