Working as a Student

[Mayonaise32]

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I am a freshman exercise science major about to comeplete my first full year. I need to find a job and would like to in physical therapy since I plan on attending PT school. But is it possible to work in physical therapy during the summer without being a Physical Therapist or assistant. I know my cousin who attends pharmacy school worked in pharmacy all through out college. Is physical therapy the same? Could I get a job as only a student?

 

[adw253]

You can look into getting a job as a PT Aid or PT Tech. These positions typicall only reuquire a high school diploma. A few of the clinics in my area also require current certifications in First Aid and CPR. Also, if you can't find any openings for these jobs, you can try volunteering in the area to gain additional experience in the field. At one of the sights that I volunteered at I was offered a position as a PT tech when one of their employees quit.

 

[ptootles]

I worked as a PT Tech/Aide during most of my undergrad years (and still do during my break from school). As an undergrad, I worked fulltime during the summer and part time during school. The job is basically assisting the PT or PTA with patient treatment (under supervision) and anything else they need done around the clinic. There's no pre-req training involved but it can help to get your foot in the door if you volunteer first and demonstrate good work habits, etc. PT Aide is also good exposure to whatever PT setting you're in (outpaient, inpatient, SNF, etc.) and can be used as observation hours when you finally get to the PT program applications. Also, like a lot of professional medical businesses, PT clinics (outpatient especially) have need for front-desk personnel and records and things like that.

 

[NeophyteParkour]

Are those positions technically legal anymore? Or is it just the direction PT is going in that they soon will be? I'm a bit confused as I've heard both sides.

But anyway, if you take a position like that you need to volunteer first. You won't be able to be an asset to them if you don't have any idea what you're doing.

 

[dizzy88]

PT aide/tech positions are hard to come by these days, at least where I live. You can call around and see if places are hiring, but more than likely, you will just need to do job shadows/volunteering. This is the way that most people I know got their foot in the door. Also, it might be hard to find a paid position just for a summer.