5 answers
7
Updated 325 views

How important is it to job-shadow a physical therapist?

I want to pursue physical therapy and have done a few job shadows. I am just not sure if these are worth my time or not.

careeradvice physical-therapy physical-therapist careerexploration careergoals collegeprep professionaldevelopment handsonlearning healthcarecareers clinicalexperience healthsciences medicalcareers jobshadowing
Answer This
7

5 answers

0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Cynthia’s Answer

Hello,
If you are uncertain about your career choice, it can be helpful to job shadow physical therapists to gain more clarity and insight into various types of therapy. However, most graduate physical therapy programs require you to do a specified number of observation hours at specific types of settings as part of the application process. The therapist you observe will have to sign something to verify your hours and sometimes make comments.
Because acceptance into a physical therapy graduate program is quite competitive, it would be more worth your time to have volunteer and/or work experiences that are somewhat related to the field. That would strengthen your application and interview (if applicable).
Good luck-
Cindy
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, that cleared a lot of my other questions! Asher
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Vianne’s Answer

Job shadowing a physical therapist is a smart move, especially early on. It shows you what the job is really like every day, beyond what you find online or hear from others. You'll observe the work pace, meet different patients, and understand the tasks involved. This helps you decide if it's the right career for you before you commit.

It's also a great chance to network and make connections in the field. These relationships can lead to recommendations, internships, or useful advice. Since each clinic operates differently, you'll also learn about the variety in physical therapy settings and find out which one suits you best.

Even if you realize it's not the right fit, that's still a win. It's better to discover that now than after spending more time and money.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Nadia’s Answer

Job shadowing is definitely a good way to help you see what being a PT is really like. PT is a very rewarding job, but it can also be pretty stressful, and doesn't pay as well as other healthcare professions compared to the level of education that is required, so you definitely want to make sure you are really passionate about it before deciding on this path (I'm not trying to discourage, as it can definitely be a very rewarding career, where you will get to make a huge difference in the lives of your patients!). Don't be afraid to ask questions to get the most out of your time! Try to shadow in a variety of settings if possible, as the field of PT is very broad (PTs work in different settings, including acute-care (in hospitals), neuro-rehabs, outpatient orthopedics, vestibular rehab, pediatric clinics, in schools, among other settings. Additionally, shadowing time is required for applications to most PT schools, and admission can be very competitive. If you do choose to job-shadow, make sure you log this time, and get the PT you shadow to sign off on it, so that you can use it later your applications!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Rebecca’s Answer

I think it is worth your time, even though you may feel like you are not doing much. Just try to move around to get varied settings so you can see different styles of therapists and different kinds of rehab. And, in agreement with previous answer, you may be required to submit these hours to some graduate schools. Maybe some settings will let you be a bit more interactive and allow ample opportunity to ask thoughful questions, so you feel like you are getting more out of the time.
Thank you comment icon I appreciate your support, Rebecca Asher
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Rafael’s Answer

Hey Asher, from my own experience across multiple career shifts, I can tell you that job shadowing is absolutely worth your time because it's the closest thing you get to actually living in that role before committing years of school to it. Every time I moved into a new field, whether it was going from engineering into consulting or jumping into tech and supply chain strategy, the moments where I got to see the work up close beforehand always helped me make better decisions and feel more confident going in. For physical therapy specifically, shadowing also matters because most grad programs actually require observation hours for admission, so you're knocking out a requirement while also confirming this is truly what you want to do every day, which is a win-win and definitely not a waste of your time. I hope this helps!
0