Physical Therapy School

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You definately want to go the direct entry route for PT school. Admission into PT school after a regular 4 year degree is more competitive than Med school.
Key is to find a university that has a broad range of majors/interests, so that if your kid does decide not to do PT, they would also be very happy there.

Signed, parent whose kid started out wanting PT, was not direct admit, and it became painfully obvious by end of freshman year that they should switch career plans/majors (was Exercise Physiology---whihc is really just a pre-PT/pre-OT major), very happy parent that the university had many other choices to switch into (kid has graduated already)

sure, Jan.

Ditch the attititude---and see the post right below yours. Yes, admission to DPT school is extremely competitive, as competitive if not more so than medical school. Kids with 3.8 GPA and great GRE scores apply to 10-15 schools each cycle and often need 2-3 cycles to secure a spot. There simply are not enough spots for the applicants. Hence, why your kid should ideally try for direct admit program if they are at all seriously considering DPT. They can always switch out, but getting in is incredibly difficult. My kid has friends who are doing just that right now. Top students, at a great university, struggling to get into a DPT program.

University of Pittsburgh is the #1 ranked program in PT. It has an acceptance rate of 32% and the average GPA was 3.7 with a 3.65 for pre-reqs. At Washington University (#1 ranked), the average accepted student had a GPA of 3.69 and 3.58 for science classes. It seems competitive but nothing like medical school.

https://www.shrs.pitt.edu/dpt/admissions
https://ptcasdirectory.apta.org/577/Washington-University-in-St-Louis?id=577&tab=admissionRequirements#viewTab

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My high schooler is interested in becoming a physical therapist. He's looking at both the six year options, where you are guaranteed admissions and get the BS and DPT combined, and regular options where you spend 4 years on your BS and then apply for a DPT program.

My preference for him is the regular option, but he's worried that it will be hard to get into PT school, and that the six year option is safer for that reason. Does anyone have any knowledge of how hard it is to get into PT school?

Also, how important is name recognition for PT schools? A lot of the six year programs are at schools without big names. Does it matter a little? A lot? Not at all?

Finally, do people often get into PT school with prerequisites but without a science major? He's not a kid who loves science. He does fine, gets good grades, but there are other subjects he likes more. He's very athletic, and loves volunteering with kids with disabilities, which is why he's thinking a PT who focuses on kids would be a good job.

hmm, maybe have him do some research about whether or not pt is the field for him? you don't need a science major, but most pre-PT students do end up majoring in a science because the pre-reqs are very science heavy and that way they can "double dip"- it somewhat varies by pt school but at a minimum he will need 2 semesters of biology, 2 of chemistry, 2 of physics, and 2 of human anatomy&physiology as an undergrad in order to apply to PT school. and then the courses once you actually get into pt school are pretty science heavy too- lots of anatomy, physiology, etc.

I think it's a good fit for him. He does well in his science classes, but he's not a kid who seeks it out on his own time, and his science classes aren't the ones he's most excited about. Maybe some of that is that I compare him with his siblings, both of whom are science lovers. I'm not worried that he won't be able to do the science, just that he'd probably like a balance of classes and a chance to do other things.

But as to why I think it's a good fit? He's a very athletic kid, and very educated about his own body and how to improve his performance. But even more than his own sports he loves working with little kids. He coaches swimming, and teaches some kids with disabilities 1:1, and has worked as a 1:1 for kids with disabilities at camp, and coaches special olympics. Those are his very favorite parts of his week. So, a job that builds on both of those things seems like a natural fit.

[Anonymous]

Temple has a great PT program but nit sure I’d want my kid there for 6 years

[Anonymous]

3x3 is the way to go save a year of tuition and you have to pass the same boards as everyone else.

the down side, unless you own your own practice with multiple locations, you top out pretty quickly in terms of salary but it is a very family friendly career.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:3x3 is the way to go save a year of tuition and you have to pass the same boards as everyone else.

the down side, unless you own your own practice with multiple locations, you top out pretty quickly in terms of salary but it is a very family friendly career.

All the 3X3 programs are at private schools, or out of state schools. 4X3 would be way cheaper because he can go in state, and possibly live at home for some of it, unless he gets great financial aid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:3x3 is the way to go save a year of tuition and you have to pass the same boards as everyone else.

the down side, unless you own your own practice with multiple locations, you top out pretty quickly in terms of salary but it is a very family friendly career.

All the 3X3 programs are at private schools, or out of state schools. 4X3 would be way cheaper because he can go in state, and possibly live at home for some of it, unless he gets great financial aid.

Either way it's expensive. If you can manage to afford the 3x3, it's worth it as you have guaranteed admission and typically only need to maintain a 2.5+ (but check it depends upon the school). As gaining admission to DPT school after undergrad is challenging, simply not enough spots for those interested and qualified. And the competition for spots in state schools is even more competitive, as who wouldn't want to save $$$ on DPT school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:ts a flat field, meaning when you finish you get a salary and cant go up unless you do the business side of it--like own your own agency. Upi can make more not taking insurance but in that case you have to live in a HCOL. I think they make around 80-110K?

Well, you won’t compete with a lawyer, but my sister works for the school system, so is part of the teacher’s Union. That was convenient when her kid was little. School systems compete for her with better packages. Every time she takes a few credits (random courses that interest her), she gets a raise. She will have a pension when she retires. And over the summer (when school PT is not offered), many parents want to continue so she takes them on as “private patients.”

Whether all of that is appealing Depends upon your frame of reference (you sound like a man).

Flat salary person is not wrong. Plus it's a huge debt.

She just told me yesterday she got a $7,000 raise, which help boost her retirement (which is based on top earning years). Every time she has moved districts, she gets a considerable raise. Again, if you are thinking business earnings, that may sound flat, but if you want guaranteed job security and family friendly hours, it is an appealing option.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:ts a flat field, meaning when you finish you get a salary and cant go up unless you do the business side of it--like own your own agency. Upi can make more not taking insurance but in that case you have to live in a HCOL. I think they make around 80-110K?

Well, you won’t compete with a lawyer, but my sister works for the school system, so is part of the teacher’s Union. That was convenient when her kid was little. School systems compete for her with better packages. Every time she takes a few credits (random courses that interest her), she gets a raise. She will have a pension when she retires. And over the summer (when school PT is not offered), many parents want to continue so she takes them on as “private patients.”

Whether all of that is appealing Depends upon your frame of reference (you sound like a man).

Flat salary person is not wrong. Plus it's a huge debt.

She just told me yesterday she got a $7,000 raise, which help boost her retirement (which is based on top earning years). Every time she has moved districts, she gets a considerable raise. Again, if you are thinking business earnings, that may sound flat, but if you want guaranteed job security and family friendly hours, it is an appealing option.

PS-I forgot to mention that she also helps children function in life, and teaches their parents how to maximize their potential. Which is a lot more appealing than selling widgets.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:ts a flat field, meaning when you finish you get a salary and cant go up unless you do the business side of it--like own your own agency. Upi can make more not taking insurance but in that case you have to live in a HCOL. I think they make around 80-110K?

Well, you won’t compete with a lawyer, but my sister works for the school system, so is part of the teacher’s Union. That was convenient when her kid was little. School systems compete for her with better packages. Every time she takes a few credits (random courses that interest her), she gets a raise. She will have a pension when she retires. And over the summer (when school PT is not offered), many parents want to continue so she takes them on as “private patients.”

Whether all of that is appealing Depends upon your frame of reference (you sound like a man).

Flat salary person is not wrong. Plus it's a huge debt.

She just told me yesterday she got a $7,000 raise, which help boost her retirement (which is based on top earning years). Every time she has moved districts, she gets a considerable raise. Again, if you are thinking business earnings, that may sound flat, but if you want guaranteed job security and family friendly hours, it is an appealing option.

PS-I forgot to mention that she also helps children function in life, and teaches their parents how to maximize their potential. Which is a lot more appealing than selling widgets.

Yes thanks I am a pediatric PT so I am familiar with what I do and how much I make and why I don't recommend this job to kids these days who need a DPT. That change was a terrible idea IMO.

I graduated 15+ years ago, and out of my graduating class, very few are still working as PTs. It's not that different from being a teacher -- if you are the secondary breadwinner, it's a fantastic gig. Although with the debt these DPT kids are taking on these days, I don't think it's worth it even for that. I think being a gym teacher would make more financial sense and allow time for a side hustle for extra income. Coding, personal training, private sports coaching. Then move into school admin or make the side hustle the main job.

OP I would encourage your son to keep working out and being healthy, and plan on coaching his kids' rec sports teams, and to find a job that makes more financial sense, unless he plans on staying single or partnering with someone who has a higher-paying job.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:ts a flat field, meaning when you finish you get a salary and cant go up unless you do the business side of it--like own your own agency. Upi can make more not taking insurance but in that case you have to live in a HCOL. I think they make around 80-110K?

Well, you won’t compete with a lawyer, but my sister works for the school system, so is part of the teacher’s Union. That was convenient when her kid was little. School systems compete for her with better packages. Every time she takes a few credits (random courses that interest her), she gets a raise. She will have a pension when she retires. And over the summer (when school PT is not offered), many parents want to continue so she takes them on as “private patients.”

Whether all of that is appealing Depends upon your frame of reference (you sound like a man).

Flat salary person is not wrong. Plus it's a huge debt.

She just told me yesterday she got a $7,000 raise, which help boost her retirement (which is based on top earning years). Every time she has moved districts, she gets a considerable raise. Again, if you are thinking business earnings, that may sound flat, but if you want guaranteed job security and family friendly hours, it is an appealing option.

I've heard this from friends who are PTs. Do you think they would ever roll it back?
PS-I forgot to mention that she also helps children function in life, and teaches their parents how to maximize their potential. Which is a lot more appealing than selling widgets.

Yes thanks I am a pediatric PT so I am familiar with what I do and how much I make and why I don't recommend this job to kids these days who need a DPT. That change was a terrible idea IMO.

I graduated 15+ years ago, and out of my graduating class, very few are still working as PTs. It's not that different from being a teacher -- if you are the secondary breadwinner, it's a fantastic gig. Although with the debt these DPT kids are taking on these days, I don't think it's worth it even for that. I think being a gym teacher would make more financial sense and allow time for a side hustle for extra income. Coding, personal training, private sports coaching. Then move into school admin or make the side hustle the main job.

OP I would encourage your son to keep working out and being healthy, and plan on coaching his kids' rec sports teams, and to find a job that makes more financial sense, unless he plans on staying single or partnering with someone who has a higher-paying job.

[Anonymous]

Why aren't there any PTs over 40 yrs old? It seems like most are women in their 30s...where do they all go?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why aren't there any PTs over 40 yrs old? It seems like most are women in their 30s...where do they all go?

OP here,

I know a PT in her 80's, and have known several between 40 and 80. I wonder why you don't?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why aren't there any PTs over 40 yrs old? It seems like most are women in their 30s...where do they all go?

OP here,

I know a PT in her 80's, and have known several between 40 and 80. I wonder why you don't?

Seems very rare to see anyone over 40 at the various practices I've been to. Where do they go?

[Anonymous]

PT masters programs/DPT are extremely competitive. The best route is a 5/6 year PT program. (Financially, PTA is the best route - keep reading regarding the salary cap, which is tough to navigate with huge debt).

One thing to consider - the salary is capped pretty much at $100. The insurance and Medicare reimbursements limit what a company can pay a pt and make a profit. Because of that, most PT clinics require PTs to ‘see’ 2-4 patients an hour.

Best route is get your experience then do private practice cash only.

Northeastern has a good program and their internships really help their students get required clinical hours. Make sure any program he looks at has a solid clinical program or getting his hours will be stressful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why aren't there any PTs over 40 yrs old? It seems like most are women in their 30s...where do they all go?

They go private cash only on a part time basis. It’s hard physical work and they don’t get paid a lot. Plus paperwork for insurance.

The absolute best PT I’ve ever seen is in her late 50s now. But she’s also amazingly fit.