The 5 Biggest Obstacles to a Successful Career in PT
Top 5 Challenges Students Face When Pursuing a Career in Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a rewarding career that combines a passion for health, movement, and patient care. However, the journey to becoming a licensed physical therapist (PT) or physical therapist assistant (PTA) is not without its challenges. Here are the top five hurdles students often face as they navigate this path:
1. Rigorous Academic Prerequisites
Aspiring physical therapists must complete a rigorous undergraduate curriculum to meet the prerequisites for Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs. These often include advanced courses in anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, and physics. Balancing these demanding subjects with other academic and personal responsibilities can be overwhelming. And while PTA admissions prerequisites are slightly less demanding, they vary only slightly from DPT admissions requirements.
Tips to Overcome:
- Create a detailed academic plan early in your undergraduate studies.
- Seek tutoring or join study groups for challenging courses.
- Leverage online resources to reinforce difficult concepts.
2. Competitive Admission Process
Getting into a DPT/PTA program is highly competitive. Applicants must have a strong GPA, relevant clinical experience, and compelling letters of recommendation. In addition, many programs require a solid GRE score (though this is going away at some schools), which adds another layer of preparation.
Tips to Overcome:
- Gain hands-on experience through internships, shadowing PTs, or volunteering.
- Focus on building relationships with mentors who can write strong recommendation letters.
- Prepare for the GRE with a structured study plan or professional prep course.
3. Financial Burden
The cost of education, from undergraduate degrees to the DPT program itself, can be significant. (A career path towards a PTA degree is MUCH CHEAPER.) According to recent studies, physical therapy students often graduate with substantial student loan debt, which can take years to repay.
Tips to Overcome:
- Research scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities.
- Consider working as a physical therapy aide to offset costs and gain experience.
- Create a financial plan that includes budgeting for both tuition and living expenses.
4. Limited Understanding of the Profession
Many students enter physical therapy programs with limited exposure to the diverse roles PTs play across specialties like pediatrics, sports medicine, geriatrics, and neurorehabilitation, especially in comparison to the role and practice of a PTA. This lack of awareness can make it difficult to determine the best fit within the profession.
Tips to Overcome:
- Shadow PTs in various settings to explore different specialties.
- Attend career fairs and workshops to learn about the field's scope.
- Join professional organizations like the APTA (American Physical Therapy Association) to network and stay informed.
5. Balancing Academic and Personal Life
The DPT curriculum is intensive, often requiring full-time commitment with little room for outside employment or extensive personal activities. Maintaining mental and physical health can become a challenge.
Tips to Overcome:
- Develop time management skills and prioritize self-care.
- Seek support from peers, advisors, and mental health professionals when needed.
- Incorporate stress-reducing practices like exercise, mindfulness, or journaling into your routine.
Pursuing a career in physical therapy requires dedication, resilience, and strategic planning. By recognizing and addressing these challenges early, students can set themselves up for success in this fulfilling profession. With determination and the right resources, overcoming these hurdles is entirely possible—and the rewards of a career in physical therapy make the effort worthwhile.
