2 answers
Alex
Student
Orange, California
1
Question
Updated
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What was the most challenging concept you had to learn throughout PT school? #Spring26
I'm a junior in college, starting to research what PT school I want to go to. I want to know the most challenging thing, so hopefully I can prepare myself the best for it.
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2 answers
Nadia Hassler
Physical Therapist
5
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Nadia’s Answer
Hi Alex,
For me, the most challenging part of PT school was the sheer amount of information we had to learn at once. The coursework is intense—it is not uncommon to spend most of the day in lectures and labs, sometimes from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with minimal breaks, and then go home to study for an upcoming exam. The first year was the hardest for me because that is when you learn many of the foundational concepts and skills that everything else builds upon.
If you want to prepare now, you could consider taking a medical terminology course if it is not already a prerequisite for the programs you are considering. Familiarity with medical language would have made my first year a little easier. I would also encourage you to begin developing efficient study habits and figuring out which strategies help you understand and retain information best. For example, I process information well by listening, whereas I do not retain as much from simply reading a textbook. I sometimes recorded lectures—with permission—to revisit later or looked for podcasts in which researchers explained papers we had been assigned. Other students created detailed visual notes and illustrations. Because PT also involves many hands-on skills, it is important to find classmates you can practice with and to talk through difficult concepts together.
Just as importantly, be clear about why you want to become a physical therapist. PT school is tough, and the profession itself is demanding, and has a significant risk of burnout. It is probably not the right career for someone who does not genuinely enjoy the field or feel strongly about helping others. However, if you understand what draws you to the profession, it can be incredibly rewarding. You have the opportunity to see your hard work translate into meaningful improvements in your patients’ function, independence, and quality of life.
Finally, learn how to take care of yourself before starting school. Know what brings you joy, helps you recharge, and keeps you grounded—and force yourself to make time for those things even when school becomes crazy busy. PT school can often feel overwhelming, and you may feel pressured at points to devote all of your free time to studying. However, that is not sustainable, and you will burn yourself out. It will be important to have good stress-management strategies, effective study habits, and supportive classmates can help you study more efficiently. It is equally important to establish boundaries, recognize when it is time to stop studying, and make your own well-being a priority. This is not simply important for when you are in PT school, but will be important for when you are working as a PT as well. You really need to know yourself and what makes you happy outside of school (or work), as that will give you the energy and resilience you need to keep pushing through when things get difficult.
Best of luck to you, and I hope this can be helpful!
For me, the most challenging part of PT school was the sheer amount of information we had to learn at once. The coursework is intense—it is not uncommon to spend most of the day in lectures and labs, sometimes from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with minimal breaks, and then go home to study for an upcoming exam. The first year was the hardest for me because that is when you learn many of the foundational concepts and skills that everything else builds upon.
If you want to prepare now, you could consider taking a medical terminology course if it is not already a prerequisite for the programs you are considering. Familiarity with medical language would have made my first year a little easier. I would also encourage you to begin developing efficient study habits and figuring out which strategies help you understand and retain information best. For example, I process information well by listening, whereas I do not retain as much from simply reading a textbook. I sometimes recorded lectures—with permission—to revisit later or looked for podcasts in which researchers explained papers we had been assigned. Other students created detailed visual notes and illustrations. Because PT also involves many hands-on skills, it is important to find classmates you can practice with and to talk through difficult concepts together.
Just as importantly, be clear about why you want to become a physical therapist. PT school is tough, and the profession itself is demanding, and has a significant risk of burnout. It is probably not the right career for someone who does not genuinely enjoy the field or feel strongly about helping others. However, if you understand what draws you to the profession, it can be incredibly rewarding. You have the opportunity to see your hard work translate into meaningful improvements in your patients’ function, independence, and quality of life.
Finally, learn how to take care of yourself before starting school. Know what brings you joy, helps you recharge, and keeps you grounded—and force yourself to make time for those things even when school becomes crazy busy. PT school can often feel overwhelming, and you may feel pressured at points to devote all of your free time to studying. However, that is not sustainable, and you will burn yourself out. It will be important to have good stress-management strategies, effective study habits, and supportive classmates can help you study more efficiently. It is equally important to establish boundaries, recognize when it is time to stop studying, and make your own well-being a priority. This is not simply important for when you are in PT school, but will be important for when you are working as a PT as well. You really need to know yourself and what makes you happy outside of school (or work), as that will give you the energy and resilience you need to keep pushing through when things get difficult.
Best of luck to you, and I hope this can be helpful!
Linda Thunn, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
26
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Linda’s Answer
Hi Alex,
PT school is more than just academics; it's a personal journey. To prepare for this and life's bigger challenges, focus on building resilience through personal growth.
Understand yourself deeply, beyond just the "job interview" version. Know your true strengths and weaknesses and how they influence your actions. Find what balance means to you.
Make space for activities that refresh you. Exercise regularly, and if you can do it in nature, that's even better. Fill your mind with positive and inspiring content, like quotes, books, or newsletters. Practice pausing before reacting, breathing before speaking, and allow yourself to slow down when needed.
These small habits create inner strength, making the journey ahead, including PT school, not just doable but meaningful.
PT school is more than just academics; it's a personal journey. To prepare for this and life's bigger challenges, focus on building resilience through personal growth.
Understand yourself deeply, beyond just the "job interview" version. Know your true strengths and weaknesses and how they influence your actions. Find what balance means to you.
Make space for activities that refresh you. Exercise regularly, and if you can do it in nature, that's even better. Fill your mind with positive and inspiring content, like quotes, books, or newsletters. Practice pausing before reacting, breathing before speaking, and allow yourself to slow down when needed.
These small habits create inner strength, making the journey ahead, including PT school, not just doable but meaningful.