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I am a senior in high school that will be attending a Christian College in the fall to study Kinesiology/Exercise Sciences. I am excited about the program and all that I will learn. I was wondering what are the most challenging obstacles / watch outs that I will come across and need to consider when working towards a career in Physical Therapy? #Spring25
I plan to attend school in Wisconsin to study Kinesiology and get my Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science. I then plan to continue on to Grad School for Physical Therapy. Looking for tips on how to be successful in the school undergraduate program, grad school for PT and in working towards a career in Physical Therapy.
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Dr’s Answer
Hey Jackson! Wow, you're on an exciting journey toward a career in Physical Therapy, and it sounds like you’ve got a good plan in place! 🏃♂️💪
First off, kudos to you for committing to a career that’s all about helping people move better and live pain-free—pretty awesome, right?
So, what challenges should you expect as you pursue your Kinesiology/Exercise Science degree and eventually go into Physical Therapy? Let’s talk about a few "watch outs" to keep in mind:
1. Time management is going to be your best friend (or maybe your only friend when things get hectic). Balancing classwork, internships, volunteering, and maybe even working part-time can be a lot! The more organized you are, the better. Make sure to schedule study time, breaks, and time for self-care. If you don't take care of yourself, you won’t be able to take care of others.
2. Academic rigor—Physical Therapy grad schools are competitive! Undergrad will be your foundation, but you'll need to ace the pre-PT courses like anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics. Be ready to dig into some intense textbooks and lab work. But hey, remember: you got this!
3. Hands-on experience is key. You’ll have to volunteer, intern, or work with patients as much as possible. That’s how you’ll develop the empathy, skills, and knowledge needed for a successful PT career. The more you interact with patients and professionals, the better prepared you’ll be.
4. The PT school application process—It’s tough. So, start researching schools early, get your volunteer hours, shadow a PT, and build relationships with professors who can give you strong recommendations. Don’t just check off the boxes—become immersed in the PT world.
And some tips to make sure you stay successful and motivated:
Stay curious and ask questions. PT is all about problem-solving—each patient is different! The more you learn and ask, the more equipped you’ll be to tackle real-life cases.
Network—go to conferences, talk to professionals, and meet other PT students. These connections will help when it’s time to look for jobs and internships.
Take care of yourself. Seriously, physical therapy can be physically demanding, so be sure you’re working out and staying fit, not just for school, but for your own well-being. Trust me, you’ll need that stamina when you’re on your feet all day helping others.
In the end, don’t stress—enjoy the process, stay curious, and remember why you’re doing it all. Physical Therapy isn’t just about fixing injuries; it’s about changing lives one movement at a time. You’ll be doing incredible work!
Good luck, and have fun on this journey!
First off, kudos to you for committing to a career that’s all about helping people move better and live pain-free—pretty awesome, right?
So, what challenges should you expect as you pursue your Kinesiology/Exercise Science degree and eventually go into Physical Therapy? Let’s talk about a few "watch outs" to keep in mind:
1. Time management is going to be your best friend (or maybe your only friend when things get hectic). Balancing classwork, internships, volunteering, and maybe even working part-time can be a lot! The more organized you are, the better. Make sure to schedule study time, breaks, and time for self-care. If you don't take care of yourself, you won’t be able to take care of others.
2. Academic rigor—Physical Therapy grad schools are competitive! Undergrad will be your foundation, but you'll need to ace the pre-PT courses like anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics. Be ready to dig into some intense textbooks and lab work. But hey, remember: you got this!
3. Hands-on experience is key. You’ll have to volunteer, intern, or work with patients as much as possible. That’s how you’ll develop the empathy, skills, and knowledge needed for a successful PT career. The more you interact with patients and professionals, the better prepared you’ll be.
4. The PT school application process—It’s tough. So, start researching schools early, get your volunteer hours, shadow a PT, and build relationships with professors who can give you strong recommendations. Don’t just check off the boxes—become immersed in the PT world.
And some tips to make sure you stay successful and motivated:
Stay curious and ask questions. PT is all about problem-solving—each patient is different! The more you learn and ask, the more equipped you’ll be to tackle real-life cases.
Network—go to conferences, talk to professionals, and meet other PT students. These connections will help when it’s time to look for jobs and internships.
Take care of yourself. Seriously, physical therapy can be physically demanding, so be sure you’re working out and staying fit, not just for school, but for your own well-being. Trust me, you’ll need that stamina when you’re on your feet all day helping others.
In the end, don’t stress—enjoy the process, stay curious, and remember why you’re doing it all. Physical Therapy isn’t just about fixing injuries; it’s about changing lives one movement at a time. You’ll be doing incredible work!
Good luck, and have fun on this journey!
Thanks for your encouragement!
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Jackson,
That’s awesome that you’re heading into Kinesiology and Exercise Science with the goal of becoming a Physical Therapist! It’s a rewarding field, but there are definitely some challenges along the way. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Undergrad (Kinesiology/Exercise Science) Challenges & Tips:
1. Heavy Science Load – Anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and chemistry can be tough. Stay on top of coursework and find study groups early.
2. Hands-On Experience Matters – Shadow PTs, volunteer in clinics, or work as a PT aide. Schools love to see direct patient interaction.
3. Build Strong Relationships – You’ll need letters of recommendation for PT school, so connect with professors, advisors, and professionals in the field.
4. GPA & GRE – Keep your GPA solid (3.5+ is ideal), and if your PT school requires the GRE, give yourself time to prep.
Grad School for PT:
1. Rigorous Coursework & Clinicals – The workload intensifies with more hands-on labs and patient care. Time management is key.
2. Develop Critical Thinking – It’s not just about knowing the body but applying that knowledge to real patients. Ask lots of questions during clinicals!
3. Networking & Mentorship – Get involved with APTA (American Physical Therapy Association) and connect with practicing PTs early on.
4. Licensing Exam (NPTE) – Start prepping for it during your final year, so it’s not overwhelming post-graduation.
Building a Career in PT:
1. Find Your Niche – Sports rehab, paediatrics, geriatrics, neuro PT—explore different areas in school and clinicals to see what excites you.
2. Work-Life Balance – Burnout is real. Learn to manage stress, set boundaries, and take care of your own body too.
3. Continuing Education – PT is constantly evolving, so stay up to date with certifications and new treatment techniques.
You’re already thinking ahead, which is a great sign that you’ll do well. Keep that mindset, stay proactive, and enjoy the process—it's a journey, but a rewarding one. You've got this!
Best wishes!
That’s awesome that you’re heading into Kinesiology and Exercise Science with the goal of becoming a Physical Therapist! It’s a rewarding field, but there are definitely some challenges along the way. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Undergrad (Kinesiology/Exercise Science) Challenges & Tips:
1. Heavy Science Load – Anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and chemistry can be tough. Stay on top of coursework and find study groups early.
2. Hands-On Experience Matters – Shadow PTs, volunteer in clinics, or work as a PT aide. Schools love to see direct patient interaction.
3. Build Strong Relationships – You’ll need letters of recommendation for PT school, so connect with professors, advisors, and professionals in the field.
4. GPA & GRE – Keep your GPA solid (3.5+ is ideal), and if your PT school requires the GRE, give yourself time to prep.
Grad School for PT:
1. Rigorous Coursework & Clinicals – The workload intensifies with more hands-on labs and patient care. Time management is key.
2. Develop Critical Thinking – It’s not just about knowing the body but applying that knowledge to real patients. Ask lots of questions during clinicals!
3. Networking & Mentorship – Get involved with APTA (American Physical Therapy Association) and connect with practicing PTs early on.
4. Licensing Exam (NPTE) – Start prepping for it during your final year, so it’s not overwhelming post-graduation.
Building a Career in PT:
1. Find Your Niche – Sports rehab, paediatrics, geriatrics, neuro PT—explore different areas in school and clinicals to see what excites you.
2. Work-Life Balance – Burnout is real. Learn to manage stress, set boundaries, and take care of your own body too.
3. Continuing Education – PT is constantly evolving, so stay up to date with certifications and new treatment techniques.
You’re already thinking ahead, which is a great sign that you’ll do well. Keep that mindset, stay proactive, and enjoy the process—it's a journey, but a rewarding one. You've got this!
Best wishes!
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Jackson !
I am very impressed with your academic plans ! I can tell you will have a bright future ahead in a most satisfying career ! Although I am not a Physical Therapist, I think I can provide some general advice.
Keep in mind that you will need to be licensed as a Physical Therapist in the state which you will want to practice in. That being said, you can go for the Physical Therapy program in any state, just as long as you get licensed in the state you want to work in.
Really, there is no way to tell people how to be successful. This is one of the purposes of a college education. You will sharpen the skills you already have, gain knowledge about things you've yet to learn and have a new social environment. This is part of the personal growth college offers. You probably are already a great student, so bring those traits with you to college. Punctuality, consistency, focus, discipline and curiosity are very important in college.
Don't forget to have some fun, also ! Attend activities and events on campus. Explore your new city or town. College is a time to appreciate your unique self. High school may have been relating to other peers but college is where you get to meet people of all different backgrounds. Your goals are basically the same but in different ways and you will make friendship bonds that can last a lifetime. Stick to your value system, ethics and beliefs because they may be tested in college. Always be true to yourself.
Do not worry about obstacles. If you encounter them in college, you will know what to do about them at the time they happen. If they happen.
Don't forget to apply for Federal Student Financial Aid, Work Study and Scholarships and Grants. That can alleviate some of the expense. If you are moving from Florida to go to college in Wisconsin, you will have to pay non-resident tuition until your 12 month residency is done. Since the college you've mentioned is a private college, find out if they have one tuition rate or if they charge a different rate for non-residents.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
I am very impressed with your academic plans ! I can tell you will have a bright future ahead in a most satisfying career ! Although I am not a Physical Therapist, I think I can provide some general advice.
Keep in mind that you will need to be licensed as a Physical Therapist in the state which you will want to practice in. That being said, you can go for the Physical Therapy program in any state, just as long as you get licensed in the state you want to work in.
Really, there is no way to tell people how to be successful. This is one of the purposes of a college education. You will sharpen the skills you already have, gain knowledge about things you've yet to learn and have a new social environment. This is part of the personal growth college offers. You probably are already a great student, so bring those traits with you to college. Punctuality, consistency, focus, discipline and curiosity are very important in college.
Don't forget to have some fun, also ! Attend activities and events on campus. Explore your new city or town. College is a time to appreciate your unique self. High school may have been relating to other peers but college is where you get to meet people of all different backgrounds. Your goals are basically the same but in different ways and you will make friendship bonds that can last a lifetime. Stick to your value system, ethics and beliefs because they may be tested in college. Always be true to yourself.
Do not worry about obstacles. If you encounter them in college, you will know what to do about them at the time they happen. If they happen.
Don't forget to apply for Federal Student Financial Aid, Work Study and Scholarships and Grants. That can alleviate some of the expense. If you are moving from Florida to go to college in Wisconsin, you will have to pay non-resident tuition until your 12 month residency is done. Since the college you've mentioned is a private college, find out if they have one tuition rate or if they charge a different rate for non-residents.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Congratulations on your decision to pursue a degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science, with the goal of becoming a physical therapist! It’s an exciting and rewarding field that allows you to make a significant impact on people’s lives. As you embark on this journey, one of the most common challenges you’ll face is balancing the rigorous academic demands with practical, hands-on learning. In undergrad, you’ll need to master a wide range of subjects such as anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and psychology, all while gaining experience through internships or shadowing opportunities. Time management and maintaining a strong academic foundation will be critical, as graduate programs for Physical Therapy are highly competitive. Make sure to build strong relationships with your professors and peers, as mentorship and support will help you succeed.
As you transition into graduate school, the intensity will increase as you dive deeper into clinical training and research. Physical therapy programs require not just academic excellence but also emotional resilience and the ability to handle the physical demands of the profession. Learning how to effectively communicate and empathize with patients is just as important as mastering the technical aspects of treatment. Seek out opportunities for clinical experiences early, as these will help you develop critical skills and confidence. Additionally, staying updated with the latest research and advancements in the field will set you apart and prepare you for a successful career. With determination, passion, and a solid support system, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your goals. Best of luck!
As you transition into graduate school, the intensity will increase as you dive deeper into clinical training and research. Physical therapy programs require not just academic excellence but also emotional resilience and the ability to handle the physical demands of the profession. Learning how to effectively communicate and empathize with patients is just as important as mastering the technical aspects of treatment. Seek out opportunities for clinical experiences early, as these will help you develop critical skills and confidence. Additionally, staying updated with the latest research and advancements in the field will set you apart and prepare you for a successful career. With determination, passion, and a solid support system, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your goals. Best of luck!