What am I missing?

[ahungerartist]

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I'm a junior at Pitt and just this past week had a change of heart about my career plans to go to med school. I've decided that my priorities have changed and I'd rather go into physical therapy where I can have more contact with patients and time for a family. I'm a neuroscience major with a 3.52 gpa and have almost all of my premed requirements, and am planning to see an advisor to update my schedule for the classes I don't have. Also, I've been working in a biology lab since my freshman year and also began volunteering at a local hospital with geriatric patients last summer and probably have almost 100 hours there.

However, I've been doing some research and have noticed a lot of value in pt school applications on clinical experience in pt, which I don't have. Also, I don't have much time to put this together, as I'm almost done with undergrad. What's the best way to go about getting this experience, and how important is it if my other credentials are good?

Thanks a bunch.

 

[callmecrazy]

Many schools have a minimum for PT hours, and I would suggest at least reaching those. Also, I think it is the absolute best way to be sure PT is the right career for you.

You still have plenty of time to get some hours in if you volunteer weekly. If you are volunteering through UPMC already, just have them switch you to a PT setting. It shouldn't be a problem. If you aren't already volunteering through UPMC, here is the link for their volunteer services deparment: http://www.upmc.com/supporting/Pages/Volunteering.aspx With so many medical resources near Pitt, it shouldn't be a problem getting you some inpatient and outpatient hours. And Children's Hospital, while not in Oakland anymore, is another good place to get some volunteer hours in; you just have to apply through their volunteer office separately.

Good Luck (and I got all of my hours in through UPMC/Children's and didn't start until 2 months before applying because of a late decision to apply; you'll be fine!)

 

[truthseeker]

You should be fine. The recommendation (requirement) that PT applicants spend some time with a PT is so that you are sure you want to BE a PT. The class sizes are small and there is a shortage so they want to be sure that the students that they accept, stick with it and practice.

Find a variety of settings and spend some time at each to get the full flavor of what the profession is like. Even if it wasn't required it is always a good idea to shadow so that you know you are making the right decision.

Good luck.