I decided that I want to pursue physical therapy as a career versus going to medical school. I graduated from the University of Illinois a BS in Liberal Arts and Sciences (chemistry major) in May 2006. Have been working as a chemist in lab since August 2006. Plan on taking GRE by the end of the year and may have to retake some prerequisites to boost GPA. Any help that can be provided is much appreciated.
#1 by mistify on February 13, 2010 - 4:58 am
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Most clinics are willing to sponser a student for their observational hours. All PT programs require at least 50 hours of observation. I would start with your local hospital who may refer you to their volunteer department.
You can also consider a position as a PT tech…this is a position that is an “on the job trained” position. You might be doing a lot of clerical work, but would probably also have the opportunity to observe interesting cases and even help the therapist. It only pays about $9-10 an hour, but you’d be earning a little pocket cash while you do some observation. For a prospective PT student, it’s a very good experience.
P.S…if you are in the Chicago area, you can contact me directly if you would like the name of our volunteer office (sorry we are not hiring techs right now…except maybe for Saturday morning)…we regularly sponser observation hours.
#2 by Anonymous on February 13, 2010 - 9:59 am
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Alright buddy, right in my field. I worked as a Rehab Tech at a retirement community, which basically I was an assistant to everyone in the Rehabilitation Area. I suggest applying for a job as a Rehab Aid at a local retirement community or any where else near you that a p.t. can be found and just take in what they do, and if you do paperwork, read some of the things they write down.
#3 by Lynn on February 13, 2010 - 12:44 pm
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Since that is a job you’d have to be licensed for, and trained
in order to know how much pressure to use on certain body
areas, and you’d have to have knowlege of physiology, go to
the source. Call on the phone and ask to speak to clinics that
have therapists on staff. And leave a number where one or
two can call you back. Or make an appt. to see one, for a
consult. And then tell them your situation.
Or call your local hospital and see if you can be referred
to a location in your city that teaches PT. Since there
are nursing schools, there should be schools for training in
the field you are interested in.
I know a friend of mine has a daughter who is a therapist.
She learned from a doctor in his clinic and got accredited
after working as his aide for a couple of years. So she had
hands on training and a good recommendation to get her
license. Now she has a private practice in Carmel, Calif.
out of her home.
Hope something here has helped.