Any physical therapist out there?

WantFit

WantFit

Cathlete
I was thinking about chaning my career these couple weeks. I saw there is a post asking for NP question. I think I might get some help from you too.

I have MBA in Finance and working in corporate finance area for all my life. I am kind of tired of it. Too many overtime hours and no flexibility. I have two kids and my husband's job is kind of demanding when it is in financial season. I started to see my physical therapist two weeks ago. I like the enviroment and not overwhelm overtime. I am also interest in health field, helping people.

Could any one of you in this field give me some information as how is the therapist working hours? Do you have flexibility? Is it hard to find job after you graduate? Do I really need to get into top 10 school in order to get a good job? The only reason I asked for this is because normally good schools ask for more money. What is starting salary if I go for Dortorate Program? What is career grow path? What is pro and con so far you experience in this field?

Thank you so much in advance


WantFit

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/ddw98/my_photos
 
I'm not a PT but my husband is. There is a PT forum called www.rehabedge.com where you can visit and ask questions if you wish. If you want, I can have him respond to you when he gets home. He has been a PT for about 9 years and is just starting his doctoral program in the fall.
Carolyn
 
It's never too late to change your career! My husband has mentored many aspiring PT's and PTA's and many of them are older than you. He often talks about some of his friends(some doctors, therapists, nurses, and PA's) who started their careers later in life as well. I'm always surprised at how many health care providers he knows who "used to be" something else entirely. I think it may be easier for people over 30 to go back to school because learning is now a priority for them (as opposed to playing and partying).
How 'bout I have him PM you when he gets home?
Carolyn
 
That would be great. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement.

Since I was a little girl, I always liked to give my grandma, my parents massages. After I learnt some stretch technics from my personal trainer (I used to go to gym while I was in NYC), I like to give my husband stretchs. He told me I did pretty well. I give my kids stretchs and massages, too. Now I realized that this might be part of PT job. I am very interested. And over 15 years of corporate career made me realized that as a woman it is very hard to be both a good mother and top business player. Yes, the money I made is enough to hire baby sitter. But my kids need their mom instead of some other ladies, although they are good to them. I felt guilty when my daughter complained that I was not able to be in her school events and not spending enough time with her. Now with my new baby, I hope I can find something I enjoy and same time I can go home on time spending time with my family.


WantFit

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/ddw98/my_photos
 
Not a PT, but my husband is, and the incredible number of hours he has to work per week is a pet peeve of mine, so warning: this borders on a rant. . .

He has been practicing for three years. His first position was at a hospital/outpatient clinic and his current is at a medium sized orthopedic rehab clinic. At both places he is putting in 50 hours per week or more. The paperwork is intense as is the workload. It's hectic, but I think he likes that part. He goes in about 30 minutes to an hour early every day, and stays about an hour overtime every day, though sometimes it can be as much as 3 hours. Because he has to juggle so many patients at once, he is unable to do paperwork during the day. Vacation time is tough to schedule because of the heavy load-- when one person is out, it really impacts the other therapists.

As for a doctorate, I think all PT programs will be switching over to it soon, so you might as well! It's only an extra year at most places compared to a MPT.

The job market is pretty good; my DH didn't have any trouble finding a position when he got out. As for schools. . . um, my husband went to the #2 ranked school in the country. . . and according to him, this doesn't mean squat when it comes to practicing. . . Everybody has to pass the state boards, and everyone has the same credentials to start with. Unless you're interested in a research/university position, I don't know that school name recognition will effect your job prospects that much.

HTH,
L
 
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