Do you have what it takes to be a physical therapist? Are you willing to put in the effort to earn your degree? What is your motivation? Do you enjoy helping people? Are you comfortable around elderly or handicapped individuals. These are questions you should ask yourself before you go any further. If you can honestly answer yes to these questions, you may be fully qualified to begin the process of becoming a certified, licensed physical therapist. Potential earnings are quite good and job security is assured due to the predicted future demands for skilled therapists.
Find a Physical Therapy School
You owe it to yourself to research schools that offer Physical Therapy (PT) degrees. Go online and get a feeling about the curriculum and the kind of applicants the schools seem to favor. Are the physical therapy schools strictly academic in demeanor or do they gravitate towards students with more life experiences? Hopefully you have some idea of what specialties you may want to pursue. Competition for available spots is quite intense, so you should probably have more than one alternative. Research the schools intensely to see if their programs work well for you. You must be comfortable with your choice. Make sure that you have successfully completed all the pre requisite courses for admission into the program.
Prepare for Your Admittance Interview
Because there are a limited number of openings, the interview process culls the crowd so to speak. Prepare yourself by researching as much as you can about the field, and especially any specialized areas in which you may have an interest. Get your hands on a few books about the various aspects of Physical Therapy, and explore any areas that appeal to you. Learn the terminology, so you can carry on an informed conversation with the interviewer.
Activities Count
Any activities you engage in before you apply should have some bearing on your future courses. Try to key your activities focused on areas that your chosen school may prefer in its applicants. Any related experience is a plus. Consider volunteering at a local hospital or nursing facility. Above all, be yourself during the interview. Demonstrate to the interviewers that you have some people skills that will help you relate to and understand problems your future patients will depend on you for.
Testing Requirements
The school will undoubtedly expect you to take some standardized tests as a condition of your admittance. The best advice is not to take the tests too early. Take the tests when you feel confident that you can do well so long as you make the deadline the school has imposed.
Grades and Activities
Maintain a high grade level for all your classes before the admittance process kicks in. Your grades are a reflection of your character and intelligence. They are proof that you have a exemplary work ethic. You can also use the time before the interview to add to your base of extra curriculum activities that have relevance to your chosen field.
Once you have set your course, you will be on your way to a highly rewarding career. You will achieve a high level of personal satisfaction, and will earn the admiration of your friends and family. Work hard towards your goals and always do the best you can.
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