4 answers
Garret
Student
Lawrence, Kansas
1
Question
Updated
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What is the best way to prepare for graduate school as a student on the pre-physical therapy track?
As a sophomore in college, I am starting to focus on the requirements for graduate school and the best way to set myself up for the application process. Any tips, tricks, or advice that may not always be obvious when preparing for and applying to graduate school? With some schools not putting as much emphasis on the GRE or requiring it at all, is it still good to take it? I would love to hear anyones thoughts or opinions! Thank you!
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4 answers
Ashley Holum
student
5
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Ashley’s Answer
Hi Garret,
this is great that you're asking this now! You still have time. It wasn't until I was a junior in college that I set my mind to PT. After I graduated in 2024, I took a "year off." I think this was great for my resume and application to grad school. I actually went to Africa to study abroad; what an amazing experience if you have a chance... take it! During this time I also worked as a physical therapy aide for a little over a year. The goal of an aide is to make the therapists day go smoothly. We're like an assistant helper. I wouldn't have changed a thing about it. It was a wonderful experience working with patients and building relationships with them. I consider myself to be a little shy at times but I love people! As an aide I would welcome people in, exercise with them & correct their form, set patients up on a modality (hot pack, e-stim, ice, compression pants), report everything I did on the patient's exercise sheet, add and print out HEP2Go (exercise programs) programs for patients to take home, clean every treatment room/ do the laundry, create grocery lists, and occasionally answer phone calls. I cannot tell you how much this prepared me for PT school. I also never knew there was a hybrid program until I was applying.... and I'm in a hybrid program at MUSC now! This flexibility allows me to study from any location and be around the ones I love.
this is great that you're asking this now! You still have time. It wasn't until I was a junior in college that I set my mind to PT. After I graduated in 2024, I took a "year off." I think this was great for my resume and application to grad school. I actually went to Africa to study abroad; what an amazing experience if you have a chance... take it! During this time I also worked as a physical therapy aide for a little over a year. The goal of an aide is to make the therapists day go smoothly. We're like an assistant helper. I wouldn't have changed a thing about it. It was a wonderful experience working with patients and building relationships with them. I consider myself to be a little shy at times but I love people! As an aide I would welcome people in, exercise with them & correct their form, set patients up on a modality (hot pack, e-stim, ice, compression pants), report everything I did on the patient's exercise sheet, add and print out HEP2Go (exercise programs) programs for patients to take home, clean every treatment room/ do the laundry, create grocery lists, and occasionally answer phone calls. I cannot tell you how much this prepared me for PT school. I also never knew there was a hybrid program until I was applying.... and I'm in a hybrid program at MUSC now! This flexibility allows me to study from any location and be around the ones I love.
Cynthia Doyle PT, DPT, CCI
Physical Therapist
17
Answers
Cheboygan, Michigan
Updated
Cynthia’s Answer
Hello,
It is great that you are planning to become a physical therapist. I agree with Donna's answer and will add to that. It is highly competitive to get into PT school, so it is critical to get top grades in your undergraduate classes...especially the sciences and other courses your graduate program requires.
Most educational paths include completing a bachelors degree that includes the required pre-requisites and then completing a 3-year masters program earning a DPT (doctorate in physical therapy). There are some colleges that offer a combined undergrad/grad program leading to a DPT in 5 years.
In evaluating your application for PT grad school, the admissions committee will want to see that you understand what this career entails. It would extremely be valuable to have volunteer, work and/or observation experiences related to various aspects of physical therapy to strengthen your application.
PT is a great career that offers works with so many different populations and in various employment settings. For my career, I chose a large variety, including large teaching hospital, home health, rehab facility, out patient orthopedics, school-based pediatrics and finally PTA program administration. Others focus in one area and become experts in that. The choice will be yours. Good luck!
Cindy
It is great that you are planning to become a physical therapist. I agree with Donna's answer and will add to that. It is highly competitive to get into PT school, so it is critical to get top grades in your undergraduate classes...especially the sciences and other courses your graduate program requires.
Most educational paths include completing a bachelors degree that includes the required pre-requisites and then completing a 3-year masters program earning a DPT (doctorate in physical therapy). There are some colleges that offer a combined undergrad/grad program leading to a DPT in 5 years.
In evaluating your application for PT grad school, the admissions committee will want to see that you understand what this career entails. It would extremely be valuable to have volunteer, work and/or observation experiences related to various aspects of physical therapy to strengthen your application.
PT is a great career that offers works with so many different populations and in various employment settings. For my career, I chose a large variety, including large teaching hospital, home health, rehab facility, out patient orthopedics, school-based pediatrics and finally PTA program administration. Others focus in one area and become experts in that. The choice will be yours. Good luck!
Cindy
Dino Ubalde
Educator/Psychologist/Life Coach
231
Answers
Tracy, California
Updated
Dino’s Answer
Hi Garret, thank you for reaching out. It's great to see you asking questions and making informed decisions about your career. Planning for graduate school while still in college is a smart move, and it shows you're focused on building a stable and productive future. You're on the right path, but remember to enjoy your college days too. As you continue your studies, you'll set yourself up for a successful future. My mentor once advised me to gain some work experience, maybe 2-3 years, before starting graduate school. This way, you can work and study at the same time, which helps with career growth and personal development. After completing your MA or MS, you can take a break if needed and then consider pursuing a PhD if it aligns with your goals. Ultimately, it's all about what you want for your future. Good luck to you Garret and wish you success in life!
Visit the school that you want to study and ask their GRE requirements.
Always make your target grades higher to make sure you would meet your GRE requirements.
Visit your school counselor for some insights about going to college.
Watch videos or programs about career explorations and try to participate in the program.
Visualize yourself what do you want to be 5-10 years from now.
Dino recommends the following next steps:
Donna Calvert, PT, PhD
physical therapist
62
Answers
Mission, Kansas
Updated
Donna’s Answer
Here are some recommendations:
1. Identify NOW the PT schools you are interested in attending. Be aware of each of their program’s pre-requisites and any national testing required (e.g. GRE). Make sure you are tracking to complete those pre-requisites before applying to PT schools.
2. Make yourself study or work on assignments in between undergrad classes and development efficient study methods. (see your college’s learning center for study techniques)
3. Attain your highest GPA possible, especially in sciences.
4. Apply to more than one PT school.
5. As of 2020, the American PT Association has required the entry level degree to practice to be at the DPT or clinical doctorate level. Unless you want an additional degree such as an MBA, the standard is to move from a completed undergrad degree directly into a DPT program.
6. Become familiar with the APTA website. (APTA.org)
Good luck!!
1. Identify NOW the PT schools you are interested in attending. Be aware of each of their program’s pre-requisites and any national testing required (e.g. GRE). Make sure you are tracking to complete those pre-requisites before applying to PT schools.
2. Make yourself study or work on assignments in between undergrad classes and development efficient study methods. (see your college’s learning center for study techniques)
3. Attain your highest GPA possible, especially in sciences.
4. Apply to more than one PT school.
5. As of 2020, the American PT Association has required the entry level degree to practice to be at the DPT or clinical doctorate level. Unless you want an additional degree such as an MBA, the standard is to move from a completed undergrad degree directly into a DPT program.
6. Become familiar with the APTA website. (APTA.org)
Good luck!!