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How can I gain experience towards becoming a physical therapist?

I want to be prepared for physical therapy. I have a pretty good idea on what it all entails, but I think some experience would do me good. I would be interested in shadowing someone or even just getting in contact with one, but I don't know how. #physical-therapy #physical-therapist #medicine

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Vivian’s Answer

Hi Sophia! I know that internships are a good way to get hands on experience especially for physical therapy and there are many websites such as LinkedIn that posts positions that you might be interested in. Even going to a place that does physical therapy and asking if they have any job openings might be a good opportunity to do so. Another way is by applying to the gym where you can work with personal trainers who help people with muscle treatment sometimes is also a good way to get experience. Good luck!!
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Shannon’s Answer

in addition to the above - PT's work in nursing homes and PT clinics/offices too. i wouldn't be surprised if a nursing home were to let you shadow or intern/volunteer or whatever - they may have a bigger need for volunteers than a hospital; and most patients would love seeing a new face. (actually people in nursing homes usually prefer to be called residents, b/c they live there, but i digress). you could also ask a local PT/PTA school if you can shadow there and/or observe some classes.
if you want to get a job in a PT place now, you might work in the waiting room where you wouldn't be able to see the action. ask about that in your interview if you want to try that route.
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Lyndsey’s Answer

I think it is a great idea to shadow a physical therapist before you decide whether or not it is the career for you. You could always approach your local PT and ask if you would be welcome to shadow OR if they are looking for any interns to help and assist them. An internship is a wonderful way of learning the ins and outs of any profession without a full commitment.

You can reach out through a phone call or a letter. I would just explain that you are interested in possibly becoming a physical therapist down the road and would like to learn more before making the commitment.
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Maria Cecilia’s Answer

Exposure to the profession is an appropriate thing to do if you are truly interested in physical therapy. There are many ways to approach it. One is to volunteer - a hospital based physical therapy environment is a great place to start because you will encounter much of the basics of the field. Various shadowing opportunities with a PT or PTA would also be appropriate. If you happen to come across a job within a physical therapy clinic or environment, such as a technician, it would be truly a great path as you will be right in the middle of the action as well as earn a bit at the same time. Which ever way you choose to do it, putting yourself in a physical therapy environment will help you in terms of getting into PT school but also for the long term once you graduate, earn your license and start working. Good luck!!
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