WOULD I HAVE A FUTURE IN PT? (Full Version)

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jxrodrig -> WOULD I HAVE A FUTURE IN PT? (May 30, 2005 2:51:00 PM)

I am in my late forties in a career change and would really be interested in others that are late-starters in the field of Physical Therapy. I have done some shadowing in both inpatient and outpatient plus worked as a tech for a while but as I progress towards my bachelors degree, I wonder if I will encounter a problem when trying to apply to physical therapy schools. I have a good GPA (3.5) but I am worried that my age may work against me. I am aware that it can be very physically demanding and would not have undertaken this if I had not thought it thru.
Are there others that have faced this obstacle and came through it? Any input, positive or negative is welcomed. :confused:



pwrandall -> Re: WOULD I HAVE A FUTURE IN PT? (May 30, 2005 4:55:00 PM)

There was one student in my class who was in his forties and he was made to feel as welcome as the rest of us (most of us were just about thirty at the time). Unfortunatly, this student struggled quite a bit with the program, but successfully completed all coursework. It was during his clinicals that bigger problems occured. I cannot speak to what the struggle was, but I always wondered if his age made it awkward during his clinical affilitations, in that the people instructing him were frequently younger. To the best of my knowledge he is not licensed today.

However, many of us in therapy are career changers, myself included. I've found it to be a very stimulating career and am greatful to have found a good group of therapists with which to exchange information and ideas. Good Luck!

PETE



Dr.Wagner -> Re: WOULD I HAVE A FUTURE IN PT? (May 30, 2005 4:59:00 PM)

Let me tell ya man, there are many many 40+ graduates from medical school every year...I think you will do just fine in PT school. You can absolutely succeed, with out a doubt.



Randy Dixon -> Re: WOULD I HAVE A FUTURE IN PT? (May 31, 2005 1:07:00 AM)

If you know what it is about and thought it through then your age should be a non-issue. PT can be physically demanding but I have known disabled therapists also. As far as official restrictions or obstacles I am pretty sure they would be illegal.



Sebastian Asselbergs -> Re: WOULD I HAVE A FUTURE IN PT? (May 31, 2005 2:17:00 AM)

Go for it!



vt2c1ms -> Re: WOULD I HAVE A FUTURE IN PT? (May 31, 2005 6:20:00 AM)

In my PT class, there are 2 out of 32 that are 40+. If your heart and mind are in the right place, no problemo!

Mark



jxrodrig -> Re: WOULD I HAVE A FUTURE IN PT? (May 31, 2005 3:58:00 PM)

I REALLY APPRECIATE EVERYBODY'S INPUT. THANKS FOR ALL YOUR REPLIES! :)



Yogi -> Re: WOULD I HAVE A FUTURE IN PT? (June 1, 2005 12:17:00 PM)

jerod, if you're in your late 40's, you'll spend the rest of your working years doing something, the same as if you were in your late whatever. The military age discriminates, and pilots have a mandatory retirement age. Whatever your life experiences prior were, they are something only you can bring to the field of therapy. PT schools do value life experience. Some clinical instructors may not, though, dealing with that is just another of those life experiences. If you think you can make it, and decide you want to, I don't think age will be a detriment in your application(s).



jma -> Re: WOULD I HAVE A FUTURE IN PT? (June 1, 2005 2:10:00 PM)

Do the dew and you should do well.



cadenza2 -> Re: WOULD I HAVE A FUTURE IN PT? (July 3, 2005 3:24:00 AM)

Do it!!! Every day is a new day!!! 40 or 20... doesnt make any difference!



clydesdale6 -> Re: WOULD I HAVE A FUTURE IN PT? (January 3, 2006 1:13:00 PM)

I can give a better answer if you tell me why you want to go into P.T. There is no question age means crap. You can do it. But why do you want to do it, will allow me to give you better advice. It is not for everyone and it is a big committment. You want to know what you are headed for. Good luck.



jxrodrig -> Re: WOULD I HAVE A FUTURE IN PT? (January 3, 2006 1:57:00 PM)

I had wanted to get into physical therapy because of the rewards. My sister is a physical therapist and I have shadowed her as well as other PT's. I am fully aware of what I am getting into, I was more concerned of the quality of care that I could provide to a patient in my late fifties and sixties, provided my body holds up to the demands placed on it. It is definitely something I have been giving a lot of thought to!!



connie.pt -> Re: WOULD I HAVE A FUTURE IN PT? (January 3, 2006 3:24:00 PM)

I graduated from PT school at 36. My age was never a factor. To me, the life experiences I had beforehand were very valuable to the process and integration of learning and application of physical therapy.
As for your body holding up, it's all about your body mechanics and learning the techniques which will allow you to be the most efficient.
As for the rewards, if you're not looking for monetary rewards, this could be the place for you. (See the PT salary thread under "students")



jxrodrig -> Re: WOULD I HAVE A FUTURE IN PT? (January 3, 2006 3:37:00 PM)

Thanks for your input Connie.pt. I know there are rewards, and monetary is just a small portion of that equation. Now I just have to get past Physics I and II..



clydesdale6 -> Re: WOULD I HAVE A FUTURE IN PT? (January 3, 2006 3:57:00 PM)

If that is the case, don't worry about your age and body. You will use your mind, more than grunt. You will be fine. Physics was a bitch, but you will get through it. Good luck.



jxrodrig -> Re: WOULD I HAVE A FUTURE IN PT? (January 3, 2006 4:02:00 PM)

Thanks... clydesdale6 for all of your input.



pilatespt -> Re: WOULD I HAVE A FUTURE IN PT? (January 10, 2006 11:59:00 AM)

Jerod,

The biggest thing that will determine whether or not you have a future in PT is the PT program you choose to attend. There are some very good ones, and some bad ones. Remember, your PT education is like a game of golf. You cannot make a good shot if you are not lined up correctly. However, when you are lined up properly, you can hit it to the green everytime.



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