Total newbie questions...

[gumbyj]

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Hi All,

I am applying to DO schools this cycle (interested as PM&R as a specialty), but recently I have become really interested in exploring the option of a DPT. I was wondering if someone could answer a few really basic questions for me...

For your Pre-reqs do you get to chose those you designate as "Pre-reqs" for example I have 3 upper division bio courses, 6 behavioral science etc. can I simply pick the ones I got the best grades in to designate?
Also, do schools (I am interested in Columbia and NYU in particular care about only meeting the bare minimum volunteer/work PT hours?
I will have a first authored publication in the Journal of Physical Therapy next month? Would this help me at Columbia?

Thanks so much for helping me out with answers!

 

[gumbyj]

Anyone?

 

[NewTestament]

You have to choose the courses they are looking for. Not all of the Psychology courses you took qualify as pre-reqs. You need to send your grades for the Introduction to Psychology class, and either your Developmental Psychology or Abnormal Psychology class. You also need to send your grades for your two Introductory Biology courses. I don't recall an upper division biology course being a pre-requisite at most programs.

As for volunteer hours, don't try to obtain the bare minimum. Get as many as you can. Don't stop volunteering. Volunteer until you go to school. Not only will it help your application, but it will also give you more experience.

Yes, your name in a published journal will only help you. It won't necessarily earn you an acceptance, but it will distinguish you.

Kevin

 

[Cooperylee]

Sorry what is this published journal?

 

[fahimaz7]

There's a big difference between medical school and PT school. You need to do some soul searching and figure out what field is right for you. I'm a MS4 now and my wife just graduated from her DPT program in May, so I feel that I have some insight in this.

The personalities and goals between the two are strikingly different. Do you want to work in the next 7 years? Do you want normal hours? Do you want flexibility? Do you want to see people get better? These are some of the things to think of.

PS. Most people who come to medical school change their minds, especially if it's something as unique as PM&R. Keep that in mind as you go forward.

 

[NewTestament]

PS. Most people who come to medical school change their minds, especially if it's something as unique as PM&R. Keep that in mind as you go forward.

Can you elaborate on this? I find that interesting. I know medical school is a tough route. Did you change your mind?

Kevin

 

[fahimaz7]

Can you elaborate on this? I find that interesting. I know medical school is a tough route. Did you change your mind?

Kevin

If you polled the incoming medical students on their career goals, less than 10% of them would actually be applying to that said field when the time comes during 4th year. We have no idea what we actually want to do when we start medical school (for instance my best friend wanted to do family medicine and now he is declared and applying to plastic surgery), so only going to medical school for the goal of doing PM&R is a bad idea. The reimbursement sucks. There's no exposure to the field too, which makes deciding on it even harder. Most people that do PM&R are bottom of the bucket performers and it's either psych, family medicine, or PM&R as their options.

Plus, PM&R is not DPT. Not even close. They are very different fields.