physcial therapy vs chiropractic vs nursing (Full Version)

All Forums >> [RehabEdge Forum] >> Students



Message

matjtayl -> physcial therapy vs chiropractic vs nursing (February 16, 2005 6:15:00 AM)

I graduated from Indiana University a few years ago with a degree in Computer science/information systems I then went back to school 2 yrs later and took classes in accounting and switched to the accounting profession. Both profession didn't work out the best, pay was a lot less then expected no where what the average graduate is suppose to make, like $17/hr and the computer jobs were short term on contract only for a few months. The accounting was boring never liked it.

When I first went to school I wanted to be a biology major, I wanted to be an athletic trainer. Biology and chemistry were too hard so I gave up. I regret that decision now. I want to go back to school and become something I said I was too stupid to be as a freshman.

I have been debating between Chiropractor , physical therapy, and nursing. Nursing is attractive because the pay is good right out of college and it only will take 15 months of work to get a 2nd undergrad in nursing. It also won't cost me much since I can get it at a state school. Hospitals are desperate for nurses now there is a big shortage so finding a nursing job won't be a problem. I was lucky to have all my undergrad classes paid for so far, because my dad is a disabled veteran. So I have no loans to worry about.

However I really like what PT's and Chirporactor professions more. They learn a lot more science and are more like doctors. I love science, even though it is my worst subject. It appears easier to get into Chiropractor school then PT schools, however I like what a PT does a little more. My grades are "fair". 3.4 GPA. C's and B's first two years of college, and almost straight A's the remaining years. It will take probally 4-6 yrs of additional years of education though if I want to go this path and these schools cost about $25k a year to attend. Trying to come up with that money is a big "?" Also how difficult will it be to find a job in that field? How competitive is the job market for PT's and Chiropractors? Are a lot out of work?



JLS_PT_OCS -> Re: physcial therapy vs chiropractic vs nursing (February 16, 2005 7:34:00 AM)

I think if you are interested in more immediate employment, and your finances are uncertain for a doctoral program (as Chiro and PT both are), then you might be better served in nursing.

It is a noble profession and you will never want for a job, that's for sure...

I would thoroughly research the PT vs Chiro thing... make your own decision. There is a lot of information out there on this issue, that's for sure...



Diane -> Re: physcial therapy vs chiropractic vs nursing (February 16, 2005 10:40:00 AM)

http://chirotalk.proboards3.com/

This site spells out what life is really like for chiros who don't succumb to the 'belief system' they are exposed to in chiro school.



Wisecracker -> Re: physcial therapy vs chiropractic vs nursing (February 16, 2005 1:38:00 PM)

Well the chirotalk boards could hardly be construed as objective. But that's really a different subject isn't?

I see that the nursing profession continues to be expanding with immediate openings and career growth. It is a noble profession and you can have a very positive impact on your patients lives. I recommend nursing.



Dr.Wagner -> Re: physcial therapy vs chiropractic vs nursing (February 16, 2005 5:09:00 PM)

If you still live in Indiana you have a few PT schools to choose from (I went to IU)...but they are NO WHERE as inexpensive as when I went. The jobs are found primarily out side of Indianapolis and the range in the 40s to 50s to start (depending on type of work). Nursing jobs are abundant, but this type of profession is COMPLETELY different than PT. Chiropractic is also a very different animal.
Occupational Therapy should also be considered.



Alex Brenner PT MPT OCS -> Re: physcial therapy vs chiropractic vs nursing (February 16, 2005 11:56:00 PM)

There are some good chiropractors out there and I think it can be a fine profession but there are certainly some problems within this profession. Just follow some threads at chiroweb to see what I mean.

I was accepted to Logan college of chiropractic back in 1995 but chose to go to physical therapy school instead. At the time it was going to cost close to $100,000 by the time I graduated. Upon graduation, most chiros have to start a private practice and it can be pretty much sink or swim which is why I think we sometimes see some questionable practice in chiro. I am happy with my decision.

I agree nursing can be a great profession with the possiblities of becoming a nurse practioner or nurse anesthetist both of which are great jobs with potentially great income.



UTDC -> Re: physcial therapy vs chiropractic vs nursing (February 17, 2005 4:54:00 AM)

Don't forget PA programs, 2-3 years of school with a fair amount of demand....a good profession.

Jeff



tc -> Re: physcial therapy vs chiropractic vs nursing (February 17, 2005 12:06:00 PM)

I agree with UTDC, the PA profession is a good one and is growing and the monetary return is definately there.



jma -> Re: physcial therapy vs chiropractic vs nursing (February 17, 2005 1:08:00 PM)

Yes, the PA profession is gaining popularity in the work force and takes less time and pays considerably well.

JMA



srcase -> Re: physcial therapy vs chiropractic vs nursing (February 17, 2005 3:41:00 PM)

matjtayl: I would recommend that you observe some PT's in different settings and ask them questions to find out if it is right for you. The profession is a unique blend of art and science. We do a TON of education, so teaching is very important, people skills are a must, and creative problem solving. I constantly feel like I am playing detective, which is exciting. Anatomy, kinesiology and physics are probably the most relevant sciences to have an interest in. It is extremely rewarding and challenging, and the most common attribute among therapist is caring for others. We truly want to help others, so for most of us, it's not about the money. Pretty much everyone else makes more money than us (unless you own your own clinic), but we are passionate about empowering people to move in the most optimal way they can. The job market is good, especially with baby boomers getting older. Check out the APTA.org website for more info. Good luck!
Sarah Case, MPT, CSCS



Dr.Wagner -> Re: physcial therapy vs chiropractic vs nursing (February 18, 2005 12:15:00 AM)

I am quite fond of being a Physician (DO) ;)

Couldn't imagine being anything else, fantastic blend of medicine with the art of PT.



Jeep -> Re: physcial therapy vs chiropractic vs nursing (February 18, 2005 2:24:00 AM)

All have contributions to make to patients.

What work style are you best suited/looking for?

Employee? or employer?



Wisecracker -> Re: physcial therapy vs chiropractic vs nursing (February 18, 2005 8:38:00 AM)

Ethan Wagner DO:

I thought you were an ER doc? Where does the art part come in in that setting? Not trying to flame, I am just curious.



JLS_PT_OCS -> Re: physcial therapy vs chiropractic vs nursing (February 18, 2005 9:12:00 AM)

I believe any time you interact with another person, there is an art involved.
Bedside manner is a good example, and that is important for anyone in the healthcare system. Perhaps especially in emergency care...



Wisecracker -> Re: physcial therapy vs chiropractic vs nursing (February 18, 2005 10:20:00 AM)

Jason,

Your point is well taken. But I have a couple of friends who are boarded in ER and their remarks to me is that most of the work they do is treat'em and street'em adhereing to rather strict algorithms of care. And I am curious as to what Dr. Wagner is doing that utilizing the "art of PT" in an ER shift.



srcase -> Re: physcial therapy vs chiropractic vs nursing (February 19, 2005 5:28:00 AM)

I just wanted to point out that as a group of mostly PT's, we are not very supportive of our own field. The first eight replies to matjtayl were encouraging him to go into other fields, but if you read his post carefully, he already states which profession he prefers...PT. I am surprised that we aren't more encouraging and excited to share our profession with him...why do you think he posted here in the first place? Did anyone else notice this??
Sarah



Diane -> Re: physcial therapy vs chiropractic vs nursing (February 19, 2005 5:43:00 AM)

..Um...Sarah, my post was among the first 8:
"The first eight replies to matjtayl were encouraging him to go into other fields"

I would just like to point out that I put up that link to DIScourage this individual from considering chiro.



Dr.Wagner -> Re: physcial therapy vs chiropractic vs nursing (February 19, 2005 1:21:00 PM)

Wisecracker,
I meant being a DO, the medical school portion and the OMT labs really seemed alot like my labs in PT school. OMT (and virtually all manual medicine) is very much an art...the specialties in post graduate training are different ( I guess I wasn't necessarily speaking for how I practice but rather how it is taught.)
I certainly don't want to discourage anyone from being a PT, it was a great field for me and very rewarding. It is fantastic for families and has a very predictible schedule. Of the 3 professions originally listed, I would choose PT. Of all the health professions, I would still choose to be a DO (all over again).



srcase -> Re: physcial therapy vs chiropractic vs nursing (February 19, 2005 2:23:00 PM)

Oops, my apologies Diane :)



ravisekhartvm -> Re: physcial therapy vs chiropractic vs nursing (February 19, 2005 6:25:00 PM)

PT is a better profeesion ,nursing have lot of job oppurtunities but nursing does not have a status in society.but physiotherapy is a well reputed profession



Page: [1] 2 3   next >   >>



Forum Software © ASPPlayground.NET Advanced Edition 2.5.5 Unicode

0.063