Journey to Become a Physical Therapist by Ashley Shelton

Beginning Undergrad

sheltoal — 2024-11-26 03:15:52 UTC

The first step during the journey of becoming a PT is going to undergraduate school at your college of choice. I chose to attend Miami. The field of PT is unique because it does not require a specific degree, you are just required to take the courses that graduate school deems necessary. Some of the most common majors for this field though are health sciences, kinesiology, and exercise science. I chose to major in kinesiology.

Campus Involvement

sheltoal — 2024-11-26 03:21:22 UTC

One of the best ways to meet peers that are interested in the same career choice is to join the Pre-Physical Therapy club at Miami. This club is beneficial in helping students know what they need to do to be applicable for graduate school. For example, the club will help students with applications and their course schedules. The club also advertises shadowing opportunities and volunteer opportunities.

Observation Hours

sheltoal — 2024-11-26 03:27:55 UTC

Many graduate schools require observation hours. This is where a student will contact different outpatient and inpatient facilities and ask to come observe one of their physical therapists. The requirement for observation hours depends solely on the graduate program. A lot of the programs have different requirements for how many hours, and also have different requirements for the settings that they want the hours done at. It is beneficial for students to observe as many different settings as possible to be able to get an idea of where they would want to work in the future. The more hours a student has also might be more appealing to a graduate program. I observed around 25 hours in different inpatient facilities and 25 hours in an outpatient facility. My number one school to attend is Ohio University for graduate school. Ohio University does not require any observation hours, which is very unique.

Maintaining a High GPA

sheltoal — 2024-11-26 03:33:31 UTC

During undergraduate school, it is crucial that students maintain a high GPA. Physical therapy school is extremely competitive. One key factor that graduate admissions will look at is a students GPA. Although only a 3.0 or higher is required for PT school, PT schools typically accept students with a GPA of a 3.5 or above. It is also crucial for students to do well in the graduate programs required classes, because the admissions will look at this individual accumulative GPA without electives. I have already applied to graduate schools with a GPA of 3.88 accumulative.

Taking the GRE

sheltoal — 2024-11-26 03:42:59 UTC

Some graduate programs require students to take the GRE. This is a multiple choice, computerized, standard exam. It is not PT specific, instead it is a very general exam that many other programs require too. I personally did not take the GRE because some programs are starting to not require it. Looking back on my journey, I would take the GRE to have more options for schools.

Applying to PT Schools

sheltoal — 2024-11-26 03:47:58 UTC

Applying to PT schools was a very stressful time. Students typically choose around 5-6 schools to apply to, so you have a better chance to get accepted to at least one. I applied to Ohio State, Ohio University, Bowling Green State, Mount St. Joseph, and University of Cincinnati. I applied through PTCAS, which most of the programs require you to apply this way. The applications required a written essay along with some supplemental essay questions asked. The applications also required letters of recommendations and your course grades/final transcripts. The application processes took a long time, so I would advise students to start early and keep track of deadlines because applications cannot be submitted after the deadline has passed.

Interview Time!

sheltoal — 2024-11-26 03:55:05 UTC

After the admissions office has reviewed your application, they may ask you to come in for an interview. Not all graduate programs require an interview. Also, not everyone that applies gets asked to come in for an interview. Some applicants get denied before this step. All of the interview processes are not the same for every program. Bowling Green State interviewed me over the phone. The University of Cincinnati had an online interview where you recorded yourself answering the questions that were asked. All of my other programs that I applied to required an in person interview. This was a great way to learn more about the program while also allowing the faculty to get to know me better.

Waiting...

sheltoal — 2024-11-26 03:59:56 UTC

After my interviews were complete, the programs said that they would get back to me within 2 weeks. I got accepted into Mount Saint Joseph University which I am very excited about! I am now waiting to hear back from Ohio University and University of Cincinnati to make my decision on what program will be the best fit for me academically and financially.

Letters of Recommendation

sheltoal — 2024-11-26 04:04:45 UTC

All of the programs that I applied to and researched required letters of recommendation. Some programs required more or fewer letters, but I commonly saw 3 letters of recommendation required throughout the programs. The programs typically required at least one letter from a licensed physical therapist that you observed, and then letters from bosses, PTA, or professors from your studied field. I had 3 letters of recommendation. One from my boss, one from my professor, and one from a physical therapist I shadowed.

You've Been Accepted!

sheltoal — 2024-11-26 04:10:35 UTC

Once I find out what schools I have been accepted to, I have to make a decision on where to attend. My favorite school is Ohio University, so I am eagerly waiting to hear back from them. After being accepted, many schools require a downposit to be paid in by a certain date. This is to make sure that you are positive that you are coming to their school.

Graduate School

sheltoal — 2024-11-26 04:16:15 UTC

Ohio University PT graduate program is a comprehensive, 3-year long program. It is a year around program, beginning in the summer and then ending after 9 semesters are complete. The first year is knowledge based, learning courses like gross anatomy and physiology. The second year builds off of what I learned in the first year, progressively going into more detail. Towards the end of the second year into the 3rd year, this consists of clinical rotations. Students choose their top 10 locations for clinical rotations then are randomly assigned to one of their 10 options. After completing the 9 semesters, students will graduate with their doctorate degree in physical therapy.

Post-Graduate School

sheltoal — 2024-11-26 04:21:39 UTC

After graduating, students are required to pass a state licensure exam. I should be very prepared for this because OU is a great program. This National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) will question my basic, entry level competence after graduation to ensure that I am ready to be a physical therapist.

Licensed Physical Therapist

sheltoal — 2024-11-26 04:24:51 UTC

After getting my license, I am ready to start practicing as a PT! At this point, I plan to already have a job lined up. Many students during their clinical rotations build relationships with the faculty. This helps the students line up jobs before they graduate. I planned to maybe take a few months off after school because I will most likely be exhausted mentally and physically. This all depends on when and what jobs I have lined up.