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Should I pursue a degree in physical therapy? Any advice on this?
I'm in my final year of hs and im at that stage of deciding my career and im confused. I wanna pursue a degree in physical therapy but I've heard people say there's no scope, is that true? What is it like to be a physical therapist? People in this career, are yall satisfied with your job?
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Kayla’s Answer
Hi Ramya,
First things first, I think it is important for me to acknowledge that I am not a physical therapist. However, when I was a senior in high school I also had the intent of going to school for physical therapy (PT). Having gone into my undergraduate degree with that aim set me on the path to find my current work and dream career of clinical exercise physiology (CEP) (the path and work just fit what I wanted to do better).
I think that the scope of practice for both careers (CEP/PT) depends on where you are willing to live and what you want to do with it. As I am unsure of what the scope of PT is like where you live I would strongly encourage you to reach out to some PTs in your area and/or where you think you would like to live when your older to get a feel for the scope of practice and day to day work flow. If you have the chance, try to shadow as well and really pay attention to what the PTs are doing (like how much do they sit at a desk, paperwork, exercise planning, handling insurance if they have to, etc.). As I am not a PT, I don't want to give further advice on PT exclusively.
As far as starting your education however, I think it is important that you consider majors and classes that not only align with the PT education track but your own interests as well. For instance, when I started my undergrad there were two main tracks I was encouraged to choose from, biology or exercise science. I believed at the time exercise science suited my interests more due to the smaller gap between education and application. It was during my time during that education path that I discovered the career option that I actually ended up pursuing.
There are tons of careers out there that aren't often talked about and readily visible. It is okay to be unsure if PT is the career you want to follow. If you remain unsure but still go the route to being a PT, just keep an eye out for other careers you may not have known existed before. Something may just come along and change or solidify your choice of pursuing PT.
Great question and I hope this helped. Best of luck with everything!
Sincerely,
Kayla
First things first, I think it is important for me to acknowledge that I am not a physical therapist. However, when I was a senior in high school I also had the intent of going to school for physical therapy (PT). Having gone into my undergraduate degree with that aim set me on the path to find my current work and dream career of clinical exercise physiology (CEP) (the path and work just fit what I wanted to do better).
I think that the scope of practice for both careers (CEP/PT) depends on where you are willing to live and what you want to do with it. As I am unsure of what the scope of PT is like where you live I would strongly encourage you to reach out to some PTs in your area and/or where you think you would like to live when your older to get a feel for the scope of practice and day to day work flow. If you have the chance, try to shadow as well and really pay attention to what the PTs are doing (like how much do they sit at a desk, paperwork, exercise planning, handling insurance if they have to, etc.). As I am not a PT, I don't want to give further advice on PT exclusively.
As far as starting your education however, I think it is important that you consider majors and classes that not only align with the PT education track but your own interests as well. For instance, when I started my undergrad there were two main tracks I was encouraged to choose from, biology or exercise science. I believed at the time exercise science suited my interests more due to the smaller gap between education and application. It was during my time during that education path that I discovered the career option that I actually ended up pursuing.
There are tons of careers out there that aren't often talked about and readily visible. It is okay to be unsure if PT is the career you want to follow. If you remain unsure but still go the route to being a PT, just keep an eye out for other careers you may not have known existed before. Something may just come along and change or solidify your choice of pursuing PT.
Great question and I hope this helped. Best of luck with everything!
Sincerely,
Kayla
Kayla, thank you sm for taking your time and giving me this advice. It's very helpful, I appreciate it.
Ramya
Kazi Rubayee
Oriental medicine health professional, Acupuncturist, Holistic health practitioner
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Kazi’s Answer
This is great, thinking ahead of choosing a career. Physical therapy is a rewarding career. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that there is increased employment in this profession which is supposed to grow by 21% between 2020 and 2030 than average occupation.
As per study requirements, you need a bachelor's in science such as anatomy, exercise, and other related science subjects, and 3 years of doctorate
after that.
There are variety of places like hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, even schools, and sports settings, where the physical therapist works. The scope of practice, helping patients recover from injuries, and chronic conditions, aiding mobility and function, and engaging them in exercise. Continuous learning is involved in this career because there is always new research in this field, and you need to stay updated.
To confirm your choice and help you decide, try shadowing and internships.
All the best,
As per study requirements, you need a bachelor's in science such as anatomy, exercise, and other related science subjects, and 3 years of doctorate
after that.
There are variety of places like hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, even schools, and sports settings, where the physical therapist works. The scope of practice, helping patients recover from injuries, and chronic conditions, aiding mobility and function, and engaging them in exercise. Continuous learning is involved in this career because there is always new research in this field, and you need to stay updated.
To confirm your choice and help you decide, try shadowing and internships.
All the best,
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Ramya
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