4 answers
Gabe
Student
Boise, Idaho
1
Question
Asked
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what is a good thing to do at a young age to become a physical therapist
I'm a 14 year old boy ibn 7th grade, I'm an A and B student and I am interested in Becoming a physical therapist
#counselor #therapists
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4 answers
Ashlynn Bennett LAT, ATC
Athletic Trainer
6
Answers
Danville, Indiana
Updated
Ashlynn’s Answer
Gabe,
I think it is awesome that you have found something you are passionate about! While it may be early to start doing much in terms of working or planning for college, its never too early to continue exploring your interests. You can go to the American Physcial Therapy Association's website and read through articles that may have topics that interest you. You can also explore other careers that are similar in nature to physcial therapy. Once in high school I highly suggest shadowing multiple professions to help you get a better sense of what you gravitate towards. I also recommend being involved in other clubs or activities in you school and/or community. Not only will they look good on future application and resumes but it will also allow you to explore other interests. Keep up the good work in school and enjoy some other fun activities along the way!
I think it is awesome that you have found something you are passionate about! While it may be early to start doing much in terms of working or planning for college, its never too early to continue exploring your interests. You can go to the American Physcial Therapy Association's website and read through articles that may have topics that interest you. You can also explore other careers that are similar in nature to physcial therapy. Once in high school I highly suggest shadowing multiple professions to help you get a better sense of what you gravitate towards. I also recommend being involved in other clubs or activities in you school and/or community. Not only will they look good on future application and resumes but it will also allow you to explore other interests. Keep up the good work in school and enjoy some other fun activities along the way!
Lindsay Kim
Dental Assistant
37
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Lindsay’s Answer
Hi Gabe,
I think it's pretty early to start doing anything, but if you want to get a head start, you can contact a physical therapist and ask them for an interview. You can ask them any questions you have regarding the school, job, characteristics, etc! Once you enter high school you can contact them to start shadowing and you might even be able to apply for a PT aide job to get you more experience in the field.
I think it's pretty early to start doing anything, but if you want to get a head start, you can contact a physical therapist and ask them for an interview. You can ask them any questions you have regarding the school, job, characteristics, etc! Once you enter high school you can contact them to start shadowing and you might even be able to apply for a PT aide job to get you more experience in the field.
Pallavi Chandna
Teaching assistant
7
Answers
Columbus, Ohio
Updated
Pallavi’s Answer
Hi Gabe,
I agree with everything that Lindsay said. In addition to interviewing a physical therapist, you might be able to shadow them directly for a specific amount of time too. And physical therapists work in many different environments, like hospitals, nursing homes, training centers, etc. To find one, you can always google “physical therapists near me” or google your nearest hospital and look at their rehab department staff.
I agree with everything that Lindsay said. In addition to interviewing a physical therapist, you might be able to shadow them directly for a specific amount of time too. And physical therapists work in many different environments, like hospitals, nursing homes, training centers, etc. To find one, you can always google “physical therapists near me” or google your nearest hospital and look at their rehab department staff.
M. Cristina Fernández
Career Advisor
15
Answers
North Andover, Massachusetts
Updated
M. Cristina’s Answer
You've gotten some really awesome advice so far, Gabe! Job shadowing and informational interviewing are really great ways to gain more insight into the field. I wanted to add a little something into the mix as part of a longer-term strategy for you. Consider what skills a PT needs to demonstrate in order to be successful, and see how you can start to build upon those skills now (or in high school and college). For instance, PTs need to have patient care experience. You can start by gaining customer service experience and then work your way into roles where you work with people in a more clinical setting. Consider possibly working as an activity aide at an assisted living facility; start by volunteering while you're young, and move into a paid role with more responsibility toward the end of high school and into college. Other ideas include out-of-school programs for kids (especially if your role would be to help them with some physical activity) or for people with disabilities. You could also consider becoming a fitness trainer when you're out of high school. Why? Because Future Gabe will be working with people from a variety of backgrounds who come to you for any number of reasons. It's good to start diversifying your experience once you're at that point.
It also doesn't hurt to obtain and maintain a First Aid, CPR, and AED certification. You'll need to have one when you enter the industry, and by getting to know the basics early on, you'll not only be more poised to enter the working world, but you will also know how to handle yourself in an emergency.
But, as I said, this is all part of a long-term plan for yourself; at age 14, you can start by asking industry professionals questions, ask to shadow them (especially smaller practices), volunteer, and do your best in school so you can get into a good high school and college. As you get older, I would advise that you think strategically about what the most logical next steps should be to get yourself ready for PT school down the road.
Keep in mind, too, that there are other professions that may be similar enough to Physical Therapy that could pique your interest, as well: Occupational therapy, athletic training, or physiatry.
It also doesn't hurt to obtain and maintain a First Aid, CPR, and AED certification. You'll need to have one when you enter the industry, and by getting to know the basics early on, you'll not only be more poised to enter the working world, but you will also know how to handle yourself in an emergency.
But, as I said, this is all part of a long-term plan for yourself; at age 14, you can start by asking industry professionals questions, ask to shadow them (especially smaller practices), volunteer, and do your best in school so you can get into a good high school and college. As you get older, I would advise that you think strategically about what the most logical next steps should be to get yourself ready for PT school down the road.
Keep in mind, too, that there are other professions that may be similar enough to Physical Therapy that could pique your interest, as well: Occupational therapy, athletic training, or physiatry.