Working as a PT with a US college team?

[mac_kin]

Has anyone here worked as part of the rehabilitation team for a College sports team? Or is anyone looking into this?


I would like to work as a PT with a college team to gait ortho and sport physiotherapy experience. I have tried to contact a few of the teams and received no responses. Does anyone know the best way to approach a team? Is it customary for these teams to hire new PT grads?

Thanks!

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[MinnDasota]

Look into some of the APTA sports residency programs. That could get you in with some of the college teams. Otherwise most PTs in the college sports world are probably dual ATC/PTs. Those that are not, most likely, have been working many years and have a very good skill set and a wealth of experience in the sports PT field.

That said, it is not impossible to work as part of the rehab team as a new grad. I just feel you need to be on top of your game and have to wow them with your resume. Most new grads who do succeed in working with college teams probably have completed excellent clinicals with high level athletes.

 

[mac_kin]

Thanks for the info MinnDasota! The APTA website is definitely helpful.

I had a look at some of the fellowships/residencies. Most say they want a PT/Athletic therapy dual degree.

I already have the MScPT (from Canada) I'm open to upgrading to the DPT in the US. Does anyone know if there is a way to receive an accelerated Athletic Therapy degree if you are already a Physical Therapist??

 

[MinnDasota]

You don't need a dual degree for the residencies. You need to be either a ATC, paramedic, or emergency responder for the residencies. Most get their certification as a emergency responder (check out the sports therapy section at spts.org for more info).

The ATC is a degree where you have to get your bachelors or masters. Thus, you would have to go back to school and then take the certification exam NATBOC). That is why most get their emergency response cert.