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Volunteer Physical Therapy

Carla Said:

Should I major in physical therapy or occupational therapy?

We Answered:

I agree with the first post...if you do enjoy working with those with mental impairments, you would probably best be suited for OT...you will certainly come across it in PT, but not as frequently. However, if will also depend on your setting.

You obviously seem to like working with children, but I also suggest you observe both PT and OT in the adult population as well...you have to be able to pass all the adult based theories in your coursework.

PT will tend to focus on gross motor abilities such as running, walking, balance, and basic mobility, etc.

OT will tend to focus on fine motor abilities, driving, activities of daily living, low vision, sensory integration, etc...

...it really depends where your interests lie.

...both careers are expected to grow much faster than average, and both pay similarly.

My best advice is to observe them both.

Marilyn Said:

Where to get experience in physical therapy field?

We Answered:

A hospital based setting that offers a variety of level of services will probably give you the greatest variety. For instance, our facility offers inpatient medical surgical, inpatient actue rehab, day rehab, outpatient orthopedics and outpatiet neuro. How much access you can have to each setting will vary. They may have some policies you need to follow in order to arrange some observation such as having to go through the volunteer office, or having to get a drug test, etc.

An outpatient clinic is usually very easy to get in and observe, but you will be limited to the types of patients they see in that clinic...which is often somewhat narrow.

You most likely will have to complete some volunteer hours in order to apply to PT school, so you are headed in the right direction. Not only will this help you find out what PT is all about, but it will also help you fill a requirement.

Nancy Said:

Can I get into a Physical Therapy school with a 3.0 gpa?

We Answered:

Yeah, highly unlikely...unless you apply in Mississippi where they don't get any more than a few dozen applicants...

...sorry

...consider retaking some of your prerequisites

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