What are some jobs that look good on app for DPT school?

[ctwen]

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I'm still waiting to hear back from some of the schools i'm waitlisted for and meanwhile, I am planning for the worst (applying again next cycle). My goal is to improve my application through jobs/internships. Does anyone have any idea of any jobs/internships/licenses/certificates that DPT schools will look favorably on such as personal trainer, maybe working in front of the PT desk, or working at a gym? Any input would help, thanks!

 

[baday1]

Being a PT Technician (or PT Aide) looks good on applications, and while a Tech, look for experience both in back with PTs and patients, as well as up front to get some experience with Insurances, scheduling, copays, etc. Getting experience in both areas will give you a broader picture of how a clinic runs. During my interviews I was able to talk about my front office experiences, and the interviewers mentioned it is an important aspect candidates frequently over look

 

[Julie S]

You may also want to try something different. I worked for about a year as an outreach and research coordinator with Parkinson's patients before I applied. Its actually what lead me to PT. I run support groups, a dance program, research projects, community education etc. It hasn't necessarily taught me so much about PT but it has taught me how to interact with people (patients, community partners, colleagues, etc). I know this is not a common position but there is some overlap with research coordinators/assistants that work in the clinical setting. I think some bigger PT schools use research coordinators as well. You may want to see if such positions are available at a big research university (I work at Penn).

I still got in quite a few shadowing hours to diversify.

 

[fallingreason]

Anything that requires technical knowledge and critical thinking.

You don't need to be a PT Aide, at least not more than 8-16 hours a week. You'll get your PT experience from observation hours.