Suzanne
What setting would be the best for me to work in as a physical therapist?
I am about to start college this upcoming fall, and since physical therapy requires a doctorate degree, I have awhile until I am done with school. Although I have some time, I like to think ahead, and I am unsure which setting would best suit me in the field of physical therapy. I have the options of working in a hospital, a clinic, or in a sports environment. I love watching sports and participating in them, so at one point I was leaning towards that setting, but I have a calm and patient personality that might be better for the hospital or clinic. I have been a dancer for over 10 years now, and actually had to go to physical therapy because of an injury from dancing. My physical therapist was able to reunite me with my passion of dance, so I would love to help someone return to their beloved sport as well. However, is it more difficult to find a job as a physical therapist in the sports field? At first my dream was to become a physical therapist for a professional sports team, but I am unsure if they would want someone with more experience rather than an individual fresh out of college. Plus it seems like that job would come with lots of pressure, and I do best when no pressure is on my shoulders. Overall, I am wondering which path would fit me best for physical therapy. #sports #physical-therapist #therapy #physical-therapy #hospital #physical #clinic
3 answers
Candace Burton
Candace’s Answer
I would highly recommend completing an athletic training program instead of physical therapy. Athletic training is more specific to your desire to work in sports. You will also get a chance to work with sports teams around your school and get hands on experience which will help build your confidence. It is more difficult to find a job in the sports field just because it is more specific. But just because it is harder, doesn't mean that you shouldn't go for it.
Thank you very much! I will be sure to consider athletic training and see how I like it!
Suzanne
Elise Brown
Elise’s Answer
To be honest, most PT students come in to PT school thinking they want to work in sports PT or outpatient orthopedic PT (clinic). There are so many different options besides the ones you listed including home health, skilled nursing facilities, schools, pediatrics, women's health, long term acute care, etc., and you don't really know which you will like best until you work in that setting as an aide in undergraduate or in an internship during PT school. Many of my classmates changed their minds about what they wanted to do after clinicals. Many work in multiple settings, and love it! Find opportunities to work as an aide, shadow or volunteer in the settings you think you will like best. A very small percentage PTs work with professional sports teams and they are usually more experienced. There are more opportunities to work with college athletes, high school athletes, dance companies, etc. if you think sports therapy is your path.
Thank you! I'll try to gain more experience in the field by volunteering or shadowing and see which setting is best for me.
Suzanne
Deborah R. Brandt, PT, DPT
Deborah R.’s Answer
http://westsidedancept.com/
Check out the above website to see what this pt practice does with dancers and other people. You are in a unique position to do for others what your pt did for you.
Generally speaking a pt degree offers many options that will be available to you as you learn and experience more. As Elise stated, pt offers you many possibilities for fulfilling your dreams which may change over time and you want to have the education behind you to support your changing wishes.