| Many students have problems determining what they | | | | therapist is really like. Try to find volunteer positions. |
| need to do in order to get into a physical therapy | | | | There are often positions available at places like |
| program. There is one thing that is certain, admissions | | | | massage clinics and medial outreach programs. A |
| committees are now looking for much more than a | | | | great way to find these is to go to local hospitals and |
| good academic record. In fact, in many cases, the | | | | rehabilitation centers and ask about any volunteer |
| academic record is becoming less important than | | | | opportunities that they are involved with. |
| ever. There are more opportunities to improve a | | | | 2. Resource Centers |
| students resume beyond just academics than ever. | | | | At many colleges and universities there are free |
| This has led to an increased focus on activities that | | | | career counseling and career resource centers |
| can be taken advantage of outside of the classroom | | | | available to students. These centers not only give |
| by admissions committees | | | | excellent academic guidance but can also have the |
| Physical therapy schools are now heavily favoring | | | | inside track on upcoming volunteer opportunities that |
| people that have had an in-depth introduction to the | | | | would be helpful. If you do not have access to this |
| field of physical therapy and the actual work that | | | | type of facility, there are also a number of websites |
| physical therapists do on a daily basis. In order for a | | | | that may be able to help as well. |
| potential student to gain this experience, volunteering | | | | 3. Have a Plan |
| is a great option. It doesn't matter if the position is | | | | When building up your experience, whether |
| paid or volunteer, it will be viewed in a similar light. It | | | | volunteered or paid, it is important to have a plan. If |
| is also important that a potential physical therapy | | | | your goal is to get into physical therapy school, you |
| student to try to get experience in a variety of | | | | need to make sure that the experience you are |
| settings. This will help them demonstrate that they | | | | gaining is somehow applicable to your future in |
| have a clear understanding of the work that they will | | | | physical therapy. Even if it is something basic like |
| be doing as a licensed physical therapist. | | | | management experience or volunteering at a nursing |
| Here is a quick look at some ways to boost your | | | | home. |
| credentials and put you ahead of the competition. | | | | Regardless what you do, the most important thing to |
| 1. Create hands-on situations | | | | remember is that you will almost always need more |
| It is a great idea for prospective students to have a | | | | than academics to get the attention of the |
| real-world idea of what the work of the physical | | | | admissions committee. |