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Looking at PT as a second career
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Looking at PT as a second career - July 4, 2003 9:16:00 AM
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NavySCPO2PT
Posts: 3
Joined: July 3, 2003
From: Virginia Beach, VA
Status: offline
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I am currently in the U.S. Navy and will be retiring in about 3 1/2 years after 20 years and am seriously considering PT as my second career. My questions are is this field safe or is it as bleak as some make it out to be? Is getting the PTA degree first worth it or should I basically skip right over that and just concentrate on the prereqs for PT? Do most PT's who have a master's also have a BA? I had heard at some schools you don't require a BA to move right into to master's in PT. What is the best field to get a BA in before moving onto the master's or doctoral in PT? I know I seem to be asking alot of questions, but with 3 1/2 years left before I retire I really want to make sure I'm getting into the right field. I appreciate everyone's insight. Thanks in advance.
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Re: Looking at PT as a second career - July 4, 2003 5:06:00 PM
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jma
Posts: 2405
Joined: August 24, 2000
From: NY
Status: offline
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Hello,
You can find answers to most of your questions at the official PT website at [URL=http://www.apta.org]http://www.apta.org[/URL]
Good luck
JMA
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Re: Looking at PT as a second career - July 7, 2003 6:12:00 PM
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NavySCPO2PT
Posts: 3
Joined: July 3, 2003
From: Virginia Beach, VA
Status: offline
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One of my fears is leaving the security of my current job to complete all requirements of becoming a PT while raising a family. Has anyone had experience with this scenario and how did you handle it? Thanks in advance for the replies.
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Re: Looking at PT as a second career - July 10, 2003 10:16:00 PM
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johnjfraser
Posts: 102
Joined: June 11, 2000
From: Staten Island, NY
Status: offline
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If I was to do it all over again, I would do my undergrad in Athletic Training, Nursing, or Physician Assistant. (These undergrad degrees will both contribute to your body of knowledge, and since PTs are with increasing autonomy - the latter degrees will assist you with differential diagnosis). Then persue the Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree (DPT) for you PT education. The vision statement of the American Physical Therapy Assoc states that by 2020, all PTs will be DPTs. I would just bypass the Masters degree. Email me if you have any further questions.
Funny, your retiring from the Navy and Im seeking a commission (when the position opens). Anchors away!
------------------
John J Fraser, PT, MS
johnjfraser@yahoo.com
[URL=http://www.geocities.com/johnjfraser]http://www.geocities.com/johnjfraser[/URL]
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Re: Looking at PT as a second career - July 11, 2003 9:24:00 AM
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Inspired
Posts: 36
Joined: April 11, 2002
From: Biddeford, ME, USA
Status: offline
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Don't bother with the PTA degree unless you want to be a PTA - there are very, very few transitional programs in this country. Spend some time volunteering or job shadowing with PT's - you'll learn so many things about the career that are not obvious to you when you're a patient sitting in the waiting room. Don't do it for the money - it's not why you joined the Navy and shouldn't be the reason behind a life changing decision. I can really relate to your situation. I spent a tour in the USMC, and when I got out I fell in love with PT. I have a toddler, and must work to help support my household. I started in a PTA program because it was more affordable and took less time. It was always clear to me that I wanted to do more than what a PTA can, so I left that program and started working on a BS in Exercise Physiology. Try to get a degree in a health care field, so that if you have to take a break between your BS and DPT, you can make a little money to pay back some loans! Most private schools are very expensive, so see if you can accomplish your BS in a public/state college. Most schools offering a DPT require a 4-year degree in any field as long as you have the chemistry, physics, math, and A&P requirements met (along with core courses). Check the education section on the APTA site (www.apta.org) and then call some of the schools in your area. They'll gladly send you info on their requirements. My best advice to you is:
DO SOME VOLUNTEERING IN MORE THAN ONE SETTING (HOSPITAL/CLINIC/HOME CARE)
TAKE COURE CLASSES BEFORE YOU ARE DISCHARGED - YOU'LL GET 75% TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE GI BILL
Good luck, it's hard to go to school and raise a family, but it is possible if you are hungry enough.
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