Worried about my major (Full Version)

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silverviolette -> Worried about my major (June 9, 2002 8:57:00 AM)

am an English student at a small liberal art school who has not taken many science classes. I am very interested in how our bodies function and very into fitness. I think tha I want to go to grad school for PT but I have very few reqs, right now and as an upcoming senior it would be difficult to change many of my classes. I am going to be an ahtletic trainer next year so that should help but I feel very behind. Do you think i shoudl graduate with English and try to squeeze in some Chem. and Bio classes then take them after graduation or do you think I should transfer to a state school and spend two more years getting my reqs done?? I am very confused. Thanks for all your help!



jma -> Re: Worried about my major (June 10, 2002 10:37:00 AM)

Hello,
From what I am seeing in physical therapy programs, a lot of places, especially masters' programs, are asking for a bachelor's degree prior to admission to a PT program. In my opinion, it makes sense to finish your degree and then decide when you want to take prerequisites. Some decide to go to work part-time and take the science courses they need. Others take them full time and others have done both right after finishing their degree. That decision is yours to make. I can't really comment on if working as an athletic trainer first would be helful or not. Perhaps others in this forum who went through that experience can share that info with you. Hope this helped.



silverviolette -> Re: Worried about my major (June 10, 2002 11:14:00 AM)

Thanks for your advice! I have another question though- are the requirements for graduate school in PT basically the same at all schools? It seems most require 1 sem. biology,1 yr physics,1 yr chemistry, 1 anatomy and 1 psychology. I have the psychology covered but need to start on the science classes. Also how difficult is it to get into PT school? Thanks once agian!



Inspired -> Re: Worried about my major (June 11, 2002 5:34:00 AM)

Have you done any job shadowing or volunteering at a PT clinic or hospital? This, in my opinion, may help you decide if PT is truly a passion for you. It needs to be if you are to be successful. The education journey is endless in PT, graduating is only the first step. Try to job shadow in a variety of PT specialties. Athletic training is great for learning to motivate people about exercise, but PT is much more than that. You need to be sure that you are comfortable dealing with patients who have varied backgrounds and diagnosis, not just the one's who want a flat tummy and are willing to listen to you. Volunteering is usually a pre req to most PT schools anyway. Instead of doing athletic training, look into PT Aid, at least that way you'll be in a PT setting and get a closer look at what's going on. Good luck!



mcap -> Re: Worried about my major (June 11, 2002 6:30:00 AM)

Silverviolete:

As others on the board have stated, I think it is most important that you voluteer, speak to PTs and find out what the field is all about. In this way you can make sure it is what you really want to do.

Personally, I would finish the degree you started and take the required classes after. In this way they could be done at a state school or even community college where it is cheaper and convenient. This path will also give you options if decide the field isn't for you.

As for science after liberal arts....don't worry. I was a history major and had to take all of my prerequisites after school.

As for getting into PT school....I wouldn't worry too much about that. The comptetion used to be fierce. My class had over 700 applicants for 40+ spots. However with declining enrollments and the proliferation of schools it is much, much easier to get into school these days. Some of the programs are really desparate for anyone who meets the mimimal criteria. This is good for you but bad for the profession I'm afraid......

Good luck,
mcap



jma -> Re: Worried about my major (June 11, 2002 10:33:00 AM)

Hello Silverviolette,
As far as I know, the PT requirements are not the same in all schools. Certain schools may want what you listed, others may ask for things you never thought of. Let me give you an example. Although I never had to take organic chemistry but did anyway, I had to take biochemistry and histology in my program. Sounds like medical school right? We'll these were one semester classes and they were required by my program.
I suggest that if you are interested in schools in you area, please visit the following site: [URL=http://www.apta.org]http://www.apta.org[/URL]
Look in education and find the accredited PT schools by state. There you will find contacts and phone numbers for other universites that offer PT programs. They will be more than happy to send you information about their program and the prerequisites that you need prior to or after admission. Some of the schools have websites that you can look at yourself for the information. Its a long tedious process but, apart from talking to other PT's or volunteering, this is another way to find out the specifics you need answered so you know what is going on. Hope this information helped. I know because I went through the same process. Good luck



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