Any Physical Therapists here in Cathe Land?

[Lynn M.]

Hi there-

I think I'm going through a mid life crisis in regard to my job. Currently, I do national sales for a food company. Before my son was born ( he's almost 6 now) , I used to travel a ton, now I am only on the road for 1-4 days a month. I work at home when not travelling, and have an extremely flexible schedule, pretty decent bosses, and make fair money for the work that I do. I've been doing it for over 15 years. I realize how lucky I am, it truly is a great job in so many aspects.

However, for the last 6 months, I'm getting kind of bored doing it, and am asking myself if the grass is greener in a different pasture.

I have an interest in medical things, and becoming a PT is piquing my interest. Is anybody here a PT? If so, can you share w/ me what your experience is? Is it decent money? Likes/dislikes?

Thanks in advance, Lynn M.

 

[kariev]

Not a PT yet but i'm in my second year of school for my doctorate degree. I absolutely love it!!! Yes it is stressful and yes it takes up my time but when i'm actually with patients and applying the knowledge i learned it is so rewarding and its just where i want to be. I am so into fitness, health, and the human body that this career fits my personality. I volunteered and shadowed in a few places just to get a feel for it before making my decision and I never regreted it. I think you should do the same but being such a health nut that you are I think you are going to love it.

 

[kariev]

one more thing, PT's are in demand especially here in FLA with the older populations so its not uncommon for them to start at 80,000 a year just out of school. the only downside i can think of is trying not to form so many personal relationships with your patients. its very easy to get attached but even thats not a bad thing

 

[laura35]

I am a physical therapist assistant. I have been for 10 yrs now. It is a rewarding job but there is alot of crap that comes along with it. insurance dictating how long you see your patients etc... families can be really hard to deal with also. but over all it has been rewarding.

 

[Lynn M.]

Thanks ladies for your replies! I'm glad to hear that for the most part you like what you do and find it rewarding.

I don't think that it will be anytime soon that I'll do anything, but its nice what I might be getting into should I decide to.

Take care, Lynn M.

 

[pixie9]

Lynn, just to let you know that physical therapy is quickly becoming a doctoring profession - meaning that many new grads are graduating with a doctorate or phD. Not sure if that's a selling point for you or not.

Carolyn

 

[Lynn M.]

Thanks Carolyn for that piece of info, I would have not have ever guessed that. I am not sure I would want to go back to school for THAT long.

Take care, Lynn M.