Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
How to Climb the Ladder to Physical Therapy School
25
items Rehabilitative health has always been a passion of mine. I had aspirations of becoming a DPT and later changed my mind with interest to purse an orthopedic physician assistant career. At the break of Covid-19, finances, and life's obstacles, I was no...
Sections
5
Making Your Career Decision in High School
Types of Schools & Programs
Prerequisite Courses for PT School
Get Familiar With Basic Equipment Early
Volunteer, Resources & Jobs Leading to PT Work Experience
Making Your Career Decision in High School
If you're in high school and already have a clear idea of the PT career path you'd like to take, consider these suggestions.
This was a great program that allowed me to gain the experience I needed as a young student with interest in PT. See if your school is affiliated with HOSA! It's well worth the experience.
What Is HOSA?
Take a deeper look to understand how beneficial CTE programs can be. Review your state's ACTE records to learn more.
What Is Career & Technical Education (CTE)?
See if your state has a career technical education (CTE) program and search additional data to support aspiring HS vocational careers.
CTE in Your State - State Profiles and Comparisons
This is a quick read to provide insight on certain job qualities to have when preparing for a health science career.
What Are the 5 Health Science Career Pathways?
Begin with the end in mind. Let Dr. Justin help you figure out the pathway you need to take for PT school. Great video!
3 Paths to Become a Physical Therapist | Which is the BEST FIT for you?
Types of Schools & Programs
Learn the specifics of the types of job roles are required of a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) or Doctor of PT (DPT).
Great video from Dr. Justin. I've become a fan of how information his videos are! Which PT career path will you take? Please advise, there are more bridge programs, but the value in this video is still relevant.
PT vs PTA | What are the Differences Between Physical Therapist and Physical Therapy Assistants?
The main resource you should be reviewing to understand the expectations of the organization.
American Physical Therapy Association
Here's the latest update on accredited PTA to DPT bridge programs.
PTA to PT Bridge Programs
Here is an additional resource to advance your career as a PTA.
APTA: PTA to PT Career Transition
Prerequisite Courses for PT School
Learn these core courses ahead of time to stay on track for the PTA or DPT programs.
Here's a quick and humbling PSA to bring awareness on the difference of PT vs DPT. Some PTs did not have the privilege to be grandfathered in although treating at a DPT level in the clinical setting. Great insight on how to view your therapists.
What is the difference between a PT and a DPT
Here's an example directly from Univ. of St. Augustine (DPT program, FL) on the key steps to get into PT school. Please advise, all programs are not the same so please make sure to look at the specific courses that are required as prereqs.
How To Get Into Physical Therapy School: 10 Key Steps | USAHS
Here's a real perspective from a DPT on what to expect about PT school. Take a listen.
My Honest Thoughts on Physical Therapy School | PT School Expectations vs. Reality from a New DPT
Get Familiar With Basic Equipment Early
These are the basic dural medical equipment (DME) that PT's often use when treating patients in an inpatient and outpatient setting.
Take a browse of the clinical devices that are defined as DMEs.
What are examples of Durable Medical Equipment (DME) | Medline
She gives a clear and concise instruction on how to properly use a transfer (gait) belt.
Video-How To Apply a Gait Belt
This video is packed with good fundamental info on how to properly and most importantly safely transfer patients. I used these strategies to assist patients when I worked in the hospital.
Video-Sit to Stand Transfers and Walker Safety
The reason why I chose this clip compared to other longer detailed videos is because she provided a realistic perspective for patients who have to transfer at home with a standard bed. This is what therapists will be teaching the patient during their...
YouTube Short: How to do a slide board transfer.
Volunteer, Resources & Jobs Leading to PT Work Experience
My most major advice: Get your observation hours in and have a strong letter of recommendation from professionals you trust. Here are my best suggestions of volunteer work, additional ways to boost your experience, and job choices that should be cons...
I thoroughly enjoyed working for this company as a therapy tech. I highly recommend. This is one of the BEST ways to get work experience and observation hours in.
Rehab Therapy Tech Job Description- Encompass Health
Inpatient Setting: You have direct patient care working in this setting. They typically assist nursing and other clinical staff take pts to different departments for other services throughout the hospital.
Patient Transporter Job Description Template
CNAs are a direct aide to nurses involving patient care in an skilled nursing facility, hospital, and home health. They often assist PTs in transferring patients and toileting.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Job Description Template
Wow, this is a great opportunity to get your volunteer hours in. Please use as many resources as you can get.
APTA: Volunteer Opportunities
My best advice for this section: Get involved & join a club! Shameless plug of my alma mater. I had a great time participating in the club. One interesting fact. We were able to assess a cadaver at UNC Chapel Hill.
College of Charleston | Join Student Organizations-
Try to get ahead and participate in grant writing programs to support you financially.
Forbes-How to Pay For Graduate School With Scholarships, Grants And Fellowships
Use this site to research and help you get your personal questions answered about PT school
Reddit.com
Use quizlet to help you study A &P. This was a life saver in school.
Anatomy and Physiology Flashcard Sets | Quizlet
Keep the end in mind. Get familiar with common medical terms so that you will have a smooth start with collegiate studies.
medical terminology Flashcard Sets | Quizlet