Total Observation Hours

[MJHUSKERS]

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I could use a little advice about PT hours. I have been observing/volunteering all summer and I have earned 3 good recommendations from PT's. However, I'm not sure if I have accumulated enough total hours compared to most people. Here is what's on my applications thus far:

Acute Hospitals: 78 hours
Pediatrics: 28 hours
Transitional Care Unit/Nursing Home: 35 hours
Outpatient Clinic: 25 hours
Private practice: 8 hours

Total = 174 hours.


Is that enough?

 

[xMerryx]

I think your fine!! Actually that is the exact total hours I did =O
But I did it in the same place so I think it's great you have observed in different settings.

I know of people that just did the amount of hours required by the school; if you're above that, I think it really shows commitment, especially when you have distributed it that way

 

[MJHUSKERS]

Thanks for the response xMerryx. I'm just concerned because it seems like people are putting in 300+ hours, but that could due to the fact they are being paid as an aide. I've been having to take days off my summer job to do these observation hours. That's why I'm wondering if I have put in enough time or not because I need to earn some money or I'll be eating nothing but oatmeal all semester.

 

[Cronos]

That sounds like plenty. And if you feel like you need more, remember you can do some more during the semester until the application deadline. Remember also that some people have so many because they weren't accepted their first time around and it's an easy way to improve their application.

 

[Muscles00GT]

Definitely sounds like a good amount of PT hours. I wish I had similar numbers. Unfortunately, I just decided I wanted to pursue PT this past year. Prior to that, my intent was medical school for my DO and thus I spent tons of time shadowing doctors, surgeons, and nurses...about 400 hours worth over a 3 and a half year span. I'm going to be shadowing a PT in a few weeks..not sure how many hours I'll get in, but hoping I can get a legit LOR from them.

 

[Kyra4dpt]

That's plenty! I'm trying to get in my hours now before the application deadline and will probably only have just over 110+ hours by then. The joys of working FT and going to school and trying to volunteer and.... I think you are more than fine in terms of hours, depending upon where you are applying. When I have spoken to programs in open house, I hear more emphasis on grades in pre-reqs, taking upper level bio courses and diversity in your volunteer experience rather than the # of hours (assuming you meet or exceed their minimum!).

 

[seminolefish]

I just decided I wanted to do PT in June and started shadowing like crazy since. I've got 77 hours so far in 9 weeks which is pretty good. I'm trying to get 130 by the time I apply in a few more weeks. I'll be super freakin busy but it'll be worth it for the apps.

 

[seminolefish]

After reading the above post, I'll probably not work myself too hard and get 110 hours instead. I have 3 different settings but one that is lacking is inpatient hospital which I'll be starting next week.

 

[Akiramay]

I racked up a little over 100 hours total in 2 outpatient clinics and with a home health PT. MJ, you definitely have enough hours!