I’m extremely interested in becoming a physical therapist. I’m not sure what to do about schooling though. I’m currently in my senior year at high school, and I’m considering many different schools. Most of the full programs are at extremely expensive private schools, and I dont think I can financially afford them. I was hoping to get an undergraduate degree or a pre-health degree first at state university, then move onto graduate school at one of the more prestigious universities. However, I have a few questions…
What are my options for undergraduate study?
I’ve noticed that the full programs involve a bachelors in exercise science or athletic training. May I major in one of these for my undergrad studies and then possibly become an athletic trainer, or something along the lines, while i attend graduate school? Any help, advice, or comments would be helpfull. Thank you.
My mom, who works at a hospital, also told me that many hospital and private practice firms pay off school debt and/or offer bonuses upon hiring. Does anyone have any information or first hand experience with this?
Yes, direct admit programs are probably already full and tend to be at really expesive, private colleges.
It is certainly possible that you can complete your undergraduate degree at a state university and then transfer for your graduate degree. But remember, that all programs are accredited, and a big, expensive schools doesn’t mean you get a better job. There are many good PT schools run at state universities such as University of Illinois at Chicago, Univesity of Wisconsin, OSU, etc.
Becomng an athletic trainer for your undergraduate degree…you’ll have to take a couple extra courses that won’t be covered in the ATC degree, but shouldn’t be a big deal…just be aware that there is extensive field work required to become an ATC.
Exercise or health care science degrees are meant to feed students into graduate programs such as PT and OT, although the degree itself, doesn’t mean much in the real world. This means, you might complete 4 years of school, and if you don’t get into a graduate program, you are kind of stuck. So, it’s good to have a "back up plan."
I don’t have any experience with getting school loans paid off, but I can tell you that many nursing homes and home health agencies are offering hefty sign on bonuses…sometimes up to $5,000…this where the greatest demand is for practice.
Good luck.
July 31st, 2009 at 1:48 am
Yes, direct admit programs are probably already full and tend to be at really expesive, private colleges.
It is certainly possible that you can complete your undergraduate degree at a state university and then transfer for your graduate degree. But remember, that all programs are accredited, and a big, expensive schools doesn’t mean you get a better job. There are many good PT schools run at state universities such as University of Illinois at Chicago, Univesity of Wisconsin, OSU, etc.
Becomng an athletic trainer for your undergraduate degree…you’ll have to take a couple extra courses that won’t be covered in the ATC degree, but shouldn’t be a big deal…just be aware that there is extensive field work required to become an ATC.
Exercise or health care science degrees are meant to feed students into graduate programs such as PT and OT, although the degree itself, doesn’t mean much in the real world. This means, you might complete 4 years of school, and if you don’t get into a graduate program, you are kind of stuck. So, it’s good to have a "back up plan."
I don’t have any experience with getting school loans paid off, but I can tell you that many nursing homes and home health agencies are offering hefty sign on bonuses…sometimes up to $5,000…this where the greatest demand is for practice.
Good luck.
References :
I am a PT