Grace
Physical Therapist interview for college assignment
Hello! My name is Grace, and I am a Sophomore at Concordia University Irvine.
As a student pursuing a bachelors degree in kinesiology, I am eager to learn more about the physical therapy profession as I have interest in this field and wish to learn more about it with a current PT. I am reaching out to request an informational interview, as I believe this would provide a valuable perspective for my class assignment and help guide my future career aspirations.
I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the day-to-day responsibilities of a physical therapist, the challenges in the field, etc. (have assigned + personal questions), and any advice you may have for someone considering this career path.
If you are available for a brief phone or zoom call, please let me know a time that works for you.
Thank you very much for considering my request. I look forward to the possibility of speaking with you.
2 answers
Susie Donohue
Susie’s Answer
Kinesiology was my favorite- and most challenging course- in PT school. Sounds like a great major for you if you are interested in a PT career. I would be very happy to speak with you over phone or Zoom and answer your questions. I am a pediatric PT with 30+ years experience across a range of pediatric settings, plus have also worked with adults on/off for many years in outpatient, acute care, and ICU settings. Happy to talk. You can reach out to me on LinkedIn
Hi Susie,
Thank you so much for offering to speak with me about your experiences in physical therapy! I truly appreciate your willingness to share your insights, especially given your extensive background in both pediatric and adult settings.
I will reach out to you on LinkedIn to connect further and schedule a time for our conversation that works for us both. Thank you once again for your generosity and support!
Wishing you all the best as well.
Warm regards,
Grace
Grace
Cheri Hall
Cheri’s Answer
With two decades of professional experience in physical therapy under my belt, I am well-positioned to answer your questions. The main role of a physical therapist focuses on patient care, but our tasks stretch far beyond that. Depending on where we work, our daily routines can differ.
For example, in an outpatient clinic, the day is typically well-organized. You can anticipate treating approximately 10-12 patients each day, with appointments usually set every 30 to 45 minutes. During these sessions, you may guide patients through specific exercises or help them learn a new skill. It's vital to note down the details of the treatment and the patient's progress in their medical record after each session.
In addition to this, you might have to make or respond to phone calls from patients or doctors. Physical therapists also help with preparing the clinic and sanitizing equipment between patients. Staff meetings generally occur once a month, and lunch breaks are frequently used for informal training or to catch up on paperwork from the morning.
For therapists employed in a hospital or assisted living facility, the daily routine might be slightly different. They are also required to record treatments and maintain a clean workspace. They often attend meetings with the entire team involved in a patient's care. The purpose of these meetings is to assess the patient's progress and discuss possible adjustments to their care plan or their readiness to return home.
I hope this helps paint a clearer picture of what a day in the life of a therapist looks like. Most therapists, myself included, welcome students interested in the field to shadow us for a day. I would suggest looking for clinics in Irvine where you could volunteer or shadow.
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Grace