Now that I have completed my didactic portion of PT school, the only thing standing between me and getting my DPT are two clinical rotations. With the semester coming to an end, I thought about what I love about my school and just being in a Traditional DPT program in general. In no particular order, here’s the list of my favorite things about PT school:
- Cadavers
My first semester as a DPT student included anatomy + physiology, where we were able to dissect the human body with our hands and tools. I actually enjoyed the dissection process so much, my lab partners thought I would make a great surgeon. [Too bad I’m grossed out by bodily fluids, which isn’t the same as formaldehyde used to preserve the body.] A great question to ask PT programs is if the cadavers are pre-dissected (meaning do they have other people making the cuts and incisions as opposed to the students). I think I appreciated using the scalpel more than the application of what I was seeing to human movement and function
2. Hands-on learning
Within a week of starting PT school, I had a goniometer in my hands and measuring the angle of my classmate’s elbow joint. There are different modes of learning (visual, auditory, reading/writing, kinesthetic), and I learn best using all methods. PT school really takes the kinesthetic form of learning really seriously, as it should be. Physical therapy is a hands-on job. I always looked forward to when we would have a skills lab because I felt like I was a PT in the clinic [even though I didn’t know what I was doing or if it was correct].
3. The Faculty
No matter you feel about a professor, each one of them will always support their students. After meeting with them one-on-one to discuss my progress in a course, the meeting always starts with strategies to ensure my success. I’m personally grateful that the faculty in my program believed in me and allowed me to return to school. Also, I admire the fact that most of my professors are still practicing in the clinic. This gives us the opportunity to problem solve through cases based on real-life patients.
4. The constant learning
There’s so much to learn about our profession. Though some content is harder to understand and makes me unmotivated to study, there is something for everyone. Learning the basics led me to dive deeper into certain topics and discover resources that will help other students learn. The curiosity that extends from learning leads to new research studies.
5. The memories
Though I haven’t really created many memories with the people in my new cohort outside of school, there are many interactions with them that I will remember for life. There are also memories I’ve made with other PTs from other programs. Lastly, there are the memories I cherish with my friends from the Class of 2020.
6. My classmates
There’s a cliche that your classmates are supportive and not competitive, and I hold that to be true. We have a shared Google Drive, where my peers are willing to share their lecture notes and charts to make studying a little easier. We provide each other with feedback on manual skills and functional training. Groups are formed and the “family feeling” is created. Just being surrounded by other SPTs who are just as passionate as you is really motivating and empowering.
7. Asynchronous lectures
I really should have looked into hybrid programs when I was in the Pre-PT phase because I love pre-recorded lectures!! I would replay recorded lectures one or two times after hearing it in person, so I can get every bit of information. I consider myself to be a slow learner as I love having the ability to pause in between slides so I can finish writing my notes, digest the info, and maybe take a power nap. I also feel like I understand the topics more when I’m learning at my own pace.
8. Interprofessionalism
Going to a health institution for graduate school was really important to me in terms of having access to connections with big hospitals and medical centers for clinical rotations. Another perk about attending a health institution is the opportunity to work with other future healthcare professionals (HCPs). I had A+P with PA students. Our school hosted a collaborative event in which students from each healthcare program worked together to create a plan of care for the same patient. The school is a safe place for HCPs to discuss concerns about our current system and our struggles with school in general. Interprofessionalism is so important as PTs will be working alongside other healthcare workers in the real world.
9. Clinical Rotations
Even though I have only been on one clinical rotation, I’m so happy I got to go out in the healthcare field during my second year of PT school. It provided me with affirmation that I was in the right career. I had the opportunity to interact with real patients (and not just my peers/professors acting as one). I got to wear scrubs and use EMR. It was nice being away from the classroom for ten weeks.
10. Serving People
I’m taking the time to brag on my school for having a pro bono clinic near campus, where we can treat patients who truly need the same healthcare as patients with insurance. It gave me the opportunity to think as a PT and be under the guidance of my professors. My program also really emphasizes serving others not only at the local pro bono clinic, but around the world. During my time living on campus, I got to volunteer with an adaptive sailing organization and a family support group for those who have a child with Down Syndrome. I know God blessed me with the spiritual gift to serve other people, and I intend to do so as a physical therapist.
That’s a little bit about me. For those reading this and have not applied to physical therapy schools yet, consider some of these qualities when choosing programs. If you’re a PT student, what do you love about PT school? Leave a reply in the comments!