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k_bits -> Where can a PT degree lead? (February 23, 2005 7:41:00 AM)
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Hello all. I'm in the midst of deciding whether or not to enter physiotherapy as a career and I could use some advice. I know some small amount about manual therapy, having been a massage therapist for 8 or so years and Feldenkrais enthusiast for a similar length of time.
At present, my interests are in neuro & pediatrics, though no doubt that could change. Ideally I would like to practice, teach (I believe I have an aptitude for science teaching, esp: anatomy) and conduct research. No doubt this is every idealists dream before the real world smacks em upside the head. J
My situation is thus: -
I am in Australia.
I am 27 yrs old.
I'd like to keep my options open.
I have the choice of doing a 3yr undergrad degree + 2yr Physio MSc or a plain 4yr BappSci (Pthy). In any case I will need to do 1yr of an undergrad degree before I can switch into Physio ; IOW the time invested is 5yrs either way. (as very few exemptions are given for undergrad studies).
My question/s
(1) Given the above, can you see any advantage in switching to the BappSci degree Vs completing the undergrad deg and going for the Masters?
I mean this in regards to my goals (teaching / research).
IOW - those of you who have a Bsc degree in a related field (medical science, biology etc) prior to PT: have you found this useful in persuing / widening your horizons? I have read a little abt the trend toward DPT in the US here - surely a strong background in science is preferable to a purely vocational degree which (?seems?) to skim over chemistry, biology, etc?
(2) Is there a strong research culture in PT? Is this a valid career aspiration?
(3) Other than the clinical practice (private / hospital), sales rep, practice manager, ergonomics instructor and teaching, what are some possible career pathways for a PT? Any really 'out there' career prospects?
I hope my questions haven't been too gauche and naive. I really would like to hear it "from the horses mouth" before I sign away 5yrs of my life and countless $$$.
Any and all help appreciated.
Kirk
Just an addendum: by research I meant this kind of thing -
http://www.rehabedge.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=000099
rather than epidemiology or the like. I guess what I'm asking is - do PT's conduct research on the "anatomical" (rather than "functional") level?
(God I hope I used those words right, or I'll look like an even bigger ass) :-)
Coincidentally, what are the current PT research trends? I've read a few issues of JMPT and Spine, so perhaps my opinions are skewed by ortho stuff - which there seems to be a lot of?
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