When to start focusing on observation hours?

[DeterminedONE84]

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I am taking all my pre-req sciences over this upcoming spring and summer semester at a community college. After that I will have about three semesters at a university to fulfill my undergrad in Kinesiology. When do I need to start focusing on raking in the observation hours? Should I be working on this starting now? And what exactly do I need? How many hours, what settings, etc. I am excited to start seeing light at the end of the tunnel after an academic fall from grace a couple years back, but now realizing I need to focus on the other things that get me into PT school besides academics!!

 

[nicolej5]

as soon as possible in as many settings as possible for as many hours as possible

 

[MrLe1104]

I am doing my last semester at CC right now and almost done with PT-preres. Recently, I am observing/volunteering in an outpatient clinic and will do the same thing in a hospital in March.

 

[bythebay]

I agree with nicolej5. Having a lot of hours is really helpful not just for your application but because you won't be freaking out about if this is the right position for you if you really know the position. It's hard to get hospital hours, it takes awhile to get through some of the background and health checks so starting that process early is helpful.

 

[DPTHopeful2012]

I am taking all my pre-req sciences over this upcoming spring and summer semester at a community college. After that I will have about three semesters at a university to fulfill my undergrad in Kinesiology. When do I need to start focusing on raking in the observation hours? Should I be working on this starting now? And what exactly do I need? How many hours, what settings, etc. I am excited to start seeing light at the end of the tunnel after an academic fall from grace a couple years back, but now realizing I need to focus on the other things that get me into PT school besides academics!!

If you're applying to PT school when the next cycle opens then I'd start hours ASAP. I'd get 2-3 settings and do as many hours as you have time for without compromising your grades. Good luck!

 

[rockstudy]

I agree with all of the above. Also look for oportunities to do service volunteering such as Special Olympics, Habitat For Humanity, Big Brothers & Sisters, Local Foodbank etc. Not only will you be helping others but it shows a commitment to something bigger than yourself. There are many PT programs that give this alot of weight . They look for well rounded applicants.

 

[schnell8]

I agree with nicolej5. Having a lot of hours is really helpful not just for your application but because you won't be freaking out about if this is the right position for you if you really know the position. It's hard to get hospital hours, it takes awhile to get through some of the background and health checks so starting that process early is helpful.

not only that, you have to get a TB test done on yourself as well...BUT, it is well worth it to get the hours in and see the different setting! Hospital settings are a whole different ballpark compared to outpatient.

Also, check out nursing homes and school settings of PT. A lot of people forget about these and even if you only got in 10-20 hours in one of these settings, it would significantly boost your chances (or so I was told by Admissions from UM - Flint).