Ive decided on a major. Physical therapy.

J. Crawford · #1 02-25-2010, 09:11 AM

I finally have a good idea what I would like to major in, and become after graduation: Physical therapy. Im only a junior, so I have plenty of time, but I have to start looking into colleges, summer jobs related to the field, etc.

1. I know what its like. Ive been through just about everything outside of water rehab for my spondo (Extra lumbar vertebrae), so Ive already been introduced to it and know some things.
2. Bio is my favorite subject, and I kill it. If I did the math correctly, my overall average so far from Bio I and Bio II is about a 95%. Thats awesome, and I love going to school just for bio. Anatomy next year will be hard, and if my current Bio I/II teacher is allowed to teach an AP/Kent State University Bio(III), even more so.
3. I love the body, but I hate blood and guts.
4. Its in the "healthcare" field, so even though jobs may be tight, they never totally disappear.
5. I would make my Physical Therapy center accept insurance. My mom, who works for a medical insurance agency, said 95% of places dont accept insurance, so lots of people cant take the needed PT.
6. Penn State and OSU both have awesome PT wings.
7. Includes fitness, which Im learning, is really fun and addicting.

There are more, but those come right to mind. So, good or bad? Do you agree? I really think Im set, for now, and I know things can and will change, but Im happy to have found something to look forward to.

blendermassacre · #2 02-25-2010, 09:36 AM

PT is a pretty awesome field. Having had quite a bit myself ( three dislocated shoulders, knee problems, back problems ((thanks highschool football)). I hope it goes well for you, Jordan.

J. Crawford · #3 02-25-2010, 10:25 AM

Thanks man!

Ive also started getting back into my fitness/exercise life. Aftr having stomach ulcers and H1N1 I had to quit for a while, but Im back.

Grilled chicken wrap for lunch! YUM!

Holy War · #4 02-25-2010, 10:33 AM

Have fun. My girlfriend is finishing up her doctorate in PT right now. Its a lot of work, but rewarding and pays well.

Corporate Boy · #5 02-25-2010, 10:38 AM

If you want to be around some crazy good musicians and study PT... check out Shenandoah University. It is in Winchester, VA, my home town. It is a music conservatory, plus they have a great PT program. It is a small town and a small school, which if that isn't your thing, then you will probably hate it. It is also kind of expensive. Winchester is an easy 75 minute drive to Washington, DC. There is a huge hospital and health care system in Winchester which is connected to the school. They also offer Music Therapy. Good luck with it and have fun!

tycobb73 · #6 02-25-2010, 10:39 AM

I don't know if its a state thing, but here in MI you have to have schooling beyound a 4 year degree. My freind explained it to me once but I forgot exactly how it went. If you're going to start your own clinic you will be spending more time with business matters than PT matters. In fact I would suggest working for someone while getting an MBA with an emphasis in etreprenuership so you have an idea of what its like. As a small business owner its stressful looking a month out and not having that week booked up. It always seems to book up though.

**peabody** · #7 02-25-2010, 01:18 PM

There is a terrific PT program here at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse. My only recommendation is to keep those grades up. PT is a very competitive field of study. I hope it works out for you.

Buslady7803 · #8 02-25-2010, 03:55 PM

Im just gonna say AWESOME! you will help so many people doing this.

my bro gets PT a couple times a week, and it's really helping him gain his abilities back from the stroke.

6jase5 · #9 02-25-2010, 10:19 PM

Best way to be marketable in the future is to study multiple disciplines like combining PT with RD or exercise phys. I applaud your direction. I was going that route years ago but life tossed me in another great direction.

Sterling_Bass · #10 02-25-2010, 10:29 PM

PT is a great career choice. However, just to be clear, it is not a major in most universities. It is a separate Master's degree that one attains after receiving his Bachelor's. Some schools have a joint PT/Bachelor's program. Basically, you get accepted as an incoming freshman and take courses pertaining to PT and the sciences. Instead of applying to grad schools in your junior/senior year of college, you are basically in as long as you maintain a certain GPA. I believe Drexel University in Philadelphia has this type of program.
Good luck in your studies and continue working hard.