From PTA to DPT school

Hi, my name is Briana Lievanos, I wanted to share my story of how I got accepted into PT school because it is not a traditional path. During this journey, I have learned so much about myself and about the physical therapy career and in retrospect, I realized my adventure was right for me. I also wanted to do this blog because now being part of the accepted system family; I know that I am not the only one overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, and balancing life while applying to different PT schools.

So my journey start back in 2015 when I had applied to two PT schools, I had graduated with my undergrad from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio and moved back home to El Paso, Texas to finish up some prerequisites classes and also get a job as a PT technician at an outpatient clinic.  To my great devastation, I did not get accepted into PT school at this time. This led me to do some reflection on myself and my PT career. What was my next step? What do I need to change to get accepted this next time? I talked to my family and coworkers who all gave me different advice. One of my coworkers who had just started Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) school talked to me about this program. He mentioned what an amazing experience it was and told me to look into applying to this program. This coworker had also mentioned to me that there are bridge programs available once you are a PTA. He told me these DPT bridge programs value hands-on work experiences. I researched the PTA program and started my application.

I was accepted into the PTA program which is for two years. And just like my coworker said it was an amazing experience from my instructors to my clinical experiences, I learned so much about patient care in different settings and treating various injuries. I also learned about myself in this program. This program was very demanding not only because of the classes but the program was set up in an accelerated way where the classes were around 14 to 24 days long. So just when you got used to the class and the instructor, BAM you were onto another course. So my study habits were constantly changing to meet the needs of each class. I also gain self-confidence in this program because I was successfully learning. My self-confidence helped me to graduate Magnum Cum Laude in my PTA program.  Once I graduated and passed the NPTE exam, I received a call from my boss where I was a PT tech, offering me a job as a PTA. I accepted and gained more hands-on experience and confidence in this field. Five months later I moved to McAllen, Texas where I have been working as a pediatric therapist for about two years now.

While I love my career as a PTA, I was still longing to continue my dream as a DPT. I was able to find the Accepted System and received guidance and advice. It was so helpful to have coaches that understood the application process. With the help of Joses, Casey, and Robyn, I began applying to DPT schools. On October 7th, I got a call from Tufts University, which was my number 1 choice for DPT school. The call was to tell me I had been accepted into their program.

While looking back on my journey, I would have never thought I would first become a PTA and then go back to school to become a DPT.  But the PTA program made me become a better student and a better therapist for this next step to becoming a DPT. So my advice is to try not to worry if your journey is not a traditional one, trust your process and your journey because I feel truly blessed for all my experiences and struggles. The extra work I have faced has made me who I am now.

Thank You For Your Attention!

As always, please feel free to Contact Us at contactpreptgrind.com and ask us any questions! We are here to serve YOU!

How We Serve You!

Did you know you are losing $75k-$100k in lost PT income every year you do not get accepted into PT School?

The Accepted System is the #1 way for to save that time and money! The Accepted System helps passionate Pre-PTs gain clarity, direction, and confidence when applying to PT school without wasting time or money.

This system includes over 75+ lessons, a private FB group of winning colleagues, scripts & downloads, 12+ hours of personal coaching and much more. We help you EVERY step of the way on your journey.

A proven system to get you into PT school without wasting time or money. We have everything you need to know in order to SET YOURSELF APART as a winning Pre-PT Student! Click here to learn our Accepted System Method! 

Not ready for the Accepted System yet? Let's Kickstart your application!

What's Inside the Kickstarter Mini Course?

15 video lessons to kickstart your application process! Cover the basic essentials to set yourself apart and make yourself stand out! Kickstart your application & Get Accepted!

Interview Secrets! 

You shoot and you score! You got the interview! Now can you win the game and seal the deal of your acceptance?

The good news is that they already like you. All you have to do now is not screw it up.

How do you not screw up the most important interview of your life thus far? Practice, practice, practice practice practice....

But how do you practice could be the difference between your acceptance or denial.

We currently are editing PTCAS and supplemental essays for this application cycle! If you are interested in having your essay read and edited, email us at [email protected] and we will give you more information on this process!

Free Content!

Put your anxiety at EASE. Understand your next moves in your Pre-PT Grind and DOMINATE this application cycle! Check your worries at the door with this checklist and GET INTO PT SCHOOL this cycle! Click here to get your FREE checklist!

Are you interested in learning the Top 10 Things that will help you WIN as a Pre-PT and set yourself apart from other DPT school applicants? Click here for a FREE Cheat Sheet!

We also have a FREE E-book of the Top 10 Tips to get into Physical Therapy School! Click here for the FREE 10 tips!

Pre-PT Grind Podcast: Experience is the best teacher, preferably the experiences of others. A weekly audio experience to serve you on the go. Listen to the Pre-PT Grind Podcast on iTunes & Libsyn.

Pre-PT Grind Store!

Ready to ROCK OUT some awesome Pre-PT Grind Merch to all of your friends? Head over to the Pre-PT Grind store to pick up t-shirts, crewnecks, and sweatshirts! Click here to get access to the store!