Physical therapy school can be scary. You’re in a new chapter of your life, which means there’s plenty of uncertainty that’s pulling you out of our comfort zone. Feelings of nervousness, anxiety, doubt, and worry are completely normal when you begin PT school. However, most of the class tries to put on a brave face, so it could make us feel like we’re the only one who feels that way. If you’re a first-year PT student, have no fear! I’m here to tell you some of the common fears I had in PT school and what you can do to address those fears.
…Health Insurance: What Students Don’t Talk About
Quick Disclaimer: While researching for this post, I realize that the ability to have healthcare coverage is still a privilege. The intent of this post is for educational purposes as well as an additional resource to the reader. I am only speaking from my experiences, which is my upbringing in a middle-class lifestyle. It should also be said that I am very grateful for my hard-working parents who made multiple sacrifices to financially support me.
A few months ago, a follower messaged me on Instagram asking me about my medical insurance plan. I never expected such a question, but they had every right to ask. Both of our institutions, along with 99% of the followers who participated in my poll, require students to have medical insurance on file. This is because of the Affordable Care Act and state laws requiring students at health institutions to be medically insured.
For myself and others who attend grad school straight out of undergrad, they are able to rely on a parent’s health insurance plan. However, because I chose to take a 9-month hiatus, I turned 26 prior to job acquisition, meaning I will no longer be covered by my parents. If you a) decide to take a gap year [or two] or b) never had medical coverage prior to pursuing higher education, you will have to purchase a health coverage plan. As soon as I learned that I was going to be kicked out of my family’s insurance plan, I really wished I had someone to guide me in finding a health coverage plan that works for me [Adulting is hard.], so here are some things to know when it comes to finding the best plan for you.
…20+ Gifts for Student Physical Therapists: 2020 Guide
There’s probably other guides out there, but as an SPT myself, there’s just some things I wish my family + friends would give me instead of clothes that don’t fit me or a gift I won’t use. I’m here to give you the REAL things PT students want. I even included small businesses and sustainable options. I’ll even sort them out by value for those trying to save some coin.
…Advice for Restart Students
Going back to school can be difficult. Restarting school is common, so know you’re not alone. As someone who have been in your shoes, I wish someone had told me these things. Here’s some pointers you should know when you in Round 2 of school:
…How to Prepare for PT School
Whether you’re just starting your first year or heading into your final year of PT school, we have to bring our minds into the right headspace to study. During the break, we make the most of it by spending time with family + friends, travel the world (or in this case locally with face masks on), and catch up on medical appointments. In this post, I’m going to share 5 things you can do before your first day of the semester, so you can set yourself up for success!! I personally use these tips myself, and I thought I would share them with you.
…Reflections from My Second Year of PT School
Now that I have completed the summer semester do-over, there’s things I have learned quite a bit about myself and what it takes to be a successful student (and eventually a better PT).
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