2 answers
Resham
Student
Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan
2
Questions
Updated
552 views
Do you need experience in physical therapy?
I'm a non-experience student. still doing my last year of physical therapy due to covid19. I'm also weak in practice. it will be a pleasure if you help me with your assistance. #physical-therapy
Login to comment
2 answers
Simeon Snow
Risk Assurance
1790
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Simeon’s Answer
The key to succeeding without experience is to look for careers that do not require a lengthy background to get into. Try and get certified in a career that requires little experience. You can look at job boards to see which ones require experience and which ones don't. Find a career that does not require much experience and try to get certified in that area.
Donna Calvert, PT, PhD
physical therapist
57
Answers
Mission, Kansas
Updated
Donna’s Answer
The practice of physical therapy requires extensive, specific training and a level of direct patient care experienced which is gained in the US by PT students affiliating to deliver clinical care during their PT degree training. The amount of direct patient care required by training programs can vary by country.
In the US, PT students desiring direct clinical experience are encouraged to work during undergrad school breaks in a PT dept as an aide or volunteer, if allowed by the clinical system. Now this will not allow you to function as a physical therapist but you will be able to observe treatments and better understand the work done in a department.
Another option in the US is for graduated PT students to enter a "residency" in the field in which they are most interested to develop advanced skills in that area before acquiring a paid position at a clinic or hospital.
I don't know if volunteering in a clinic or hospital is available in Pakistan but if so, I would recommend you investigate that avenue to gain some experience in dealing with patients.
In the US, PT students desiring direct clinical experience are encouraged to work during undergrad school breaks in a PT dept as an aide or volunteer, if allowed by the clinical system. Now this will not allow you to function as a physical therapist but you will be able to observe treatments and better understand the work done in a department.
Another option in the US is for graduated PT students to enter a "residency" in the field in which they are most interested to develop advanced skills in that area before acquiring a paid position at a clinic or hospital.
I don't know if volunteering in a clinic or hospital is available in Pakistan but if so, I would recommend you investigate that avenue to gain some experience in dealing with patients.
Thank you, sir, for your comment. I must tell you in Pakistan no one giving us the importance. Actually, I want to apply for a master's in physical therapy in the US. I'm just waiting for the fully-funded scholarship. It will be a great pleasure of you if you inform me about it.
Resham
I am sorry but I do not know about any specific funding that may be available as each university in the US has its own scholarships, if any are even available. Since PT is so competitive and those applying already have an undergraduate degree, funding is difficult to acquire. You might begin a search with the American Physical Therapy Association website (www.APTA.org). But realistically, getting full funding to obtain a PT degree is difficult.
Donna Calvert, PT, PhD