Javier Said:

Physical Therapy School??

We Answered:

You do not say what your GPA actually is, nor what your prerequisite GPA is. Most programs are primarily concerned with prerequisite GPA most. If you do not have at least a 3.0, I would consider re-taking some classes. Even though your previous grade will still be factored in, your new grade will hopefully boost your GPA. Ideally, your prereq GPA should be at least 3.5 to be competitive.

I would look for schools that have had low enrollment the past two or three years as this will increase your chances of admission. Most master's programs are not getting as many applicants because of the switch to DPT. I think most people figure that if they are going to spend three years as a graduate student, they should get a doctorate.

I think NIU will still be a master's program for the next year or two.

Priscilla Said:

Aspiring Physical Therapist?

We Answered:

Most programs are now actually doctorate programs which is three years for a DPT...combined education is typically 7 years total. You can major in anything you wish as an undergraduate; what is more important is that you meet the prerequsite courses. This typically involves bio, chem, physics, stats, calc/trig, psych, etc. Therefore, most students choose an undergraduate major related to this.

You can get a list of all the PT schools at www.apta.org under the PT/PTA programs link on the left hand side of the screen.

However, off the top of my head, some schools you may want to consider: Northerwestern, UIC, Bradley, Midwestern, Northern Illinois University, Rosland Franklin University, U of W, Marquette, U of Indiana, U of Evansville, U of Iowa, Ambrose, Debeque, SLU to name a few.

Laura Said:

What is the best way to find out how to either observe, volunteer, or work with a physical therapist?

We Answered:

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.

Sidney Said:

Help choosing an area of study when my major is Physical Therapy.?

We Answered:

The way NIU does their program is a little different than some other colleges in the area who require you to get your BS prior to entering the program (these are mostly DPT programs). Since, the "pre-physical therapy" course does not result directly in a degree, it leaves students without many options if they do not make it into the program. Therefore, some students seek to actually obtain a degree, or at least make progress towards a degree program. The difficulty is, the prerequisites for the PT program do not necessarily lead towards any specific degree emphasis since the coursework is so diverse.

I think if you want to persue a BS, the kinsiology program is an excellent choice. Many of the courses that are required for PT are required for kinesiology including PSYC 102, math 155 or 229, BIOS 357, etc. What will be interesting is if they will make you take chem 110 (since I'm guessing you've already taken 210 and 211).

However, if you do change to a degreed major, there is no doubt that it might take you longer to complete the BS if you don't make it into the professional phase of the PT program. I don't think you can take kinesiology as a minor, but this would best be directed to someone in that college...I think it is only offered as a major.

Yet, here is some other advice, if you are fairly confident in your academic performance, there is a very good chance you will be admitted into the program...especially if you have a good interview and writing sample. In this case, you could probably still stay on the pre-PT track, but I would still apply to other schools where you would be eligible after your junior year (there aren't many that allow you to apply this early, so it might be better just to wait).

At the very least, I think changing to kinesiology might be a good option...especially if your academic performance is a little shaky. Focus on the PT prereqs at this time and take a few of the "easier" KNPE courses such as intro to aquatic fitness (if it's open to you) on the side. At the very least, if you do not make it into the PT program, you can return your senior year to continue more of the kinesiology courses and you can continue to work on your PT application and apply the following year. At the worst case scenario, it might take you five years to complete your BS, but then you would still be eligible to apply again to NIUs PT program; and also to DPT programs since you will have your degree.

Changing your major to kinesiology would allow you to still take the PT prerequisites, but allow you to persue the kinesiology degree should you not make it in (it will just take longer).

Hazel Said:

What are my chances of getting into a Doctor of Physical Therapy Program?....?

We Answered:

You chance are not great. You will be competing with people with 3.5 or better. Schools generally heavily weight grades and gre scores. I would apply to all of the schools especially schools with interviews. I would maybe take a class or 2 over and try and get an A.
Best wishes