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What was the hardest part about finding the right job for what you wanted to specialize in for physical therapy? #Spring25

I am a high school senior who is wanting to become a physical therapist. However, the area I am interest in specializing in does not have many job opportunities for me. I am wondering on how people have gotten through this even though it may be far ahead of me.

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Donna’s Answer

While you may have truly found the area in which you would eventually like to practice, I would encourage you to keep an open mind at this point. If you move along through undergraduate school and then get accepted to a PT school, your graduation from PT school is 7 years away. Many changes can occur both in your life and in the practice environment within that time.
I want to digress just a moment to focus on your word “specialize”. A graduate from any PT school in this country is provided a generalized education in the field. You may have a course or two offered as electives that introduce you to a specialized field, but you will not graduate as a specialist. Once you graduate from PT school and begin working, you would need to pursue additional continuing education, perhaps a residency or a formal specialty track in order to further your preparation and practice in a specialized area. See the American Physical Therapy Association website (apta.org) to see some specialty certifications they offer. Other professional associations offer continuing education and certifications as well.
So, basically I would recommend that you focus on doing well in undergraduate school so that you are competitive when applying to PT school and be open to absorbing various experiences in PT school. Best of luck!
Thank you comment icon I appreciate your support, Donna Lauren
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Rebecca’s Answer

I agree with Donna, it helps to go into your education with an open mind, taking it all in and considering every aspect of the field. The thing I appreciate the most about my career choice is how it has afforded me to adapt and evolve throughout the years. I have enjoyed working in different settings, changing schedules and workplaces to keep things interesting and sparking new skills and knowledge rather than feeling stagnant in my career. There is so much to learn. This will be an exciting time for you as you journey through your education. But you can, certainly, always keep your eye on that chosen specialty and turn your compass slightly in the direction when given the opportunity.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for your time! Lauren
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