Taking The Physical Therapy Leap: Is It Worth It?

What prompts those of us with already stable careers to take the leap and apply to PT school later in life? Are we driven by unseen forces and internal fire? Are we simply bored with our current career path and looking for a change? And most of all, is it worth taking the leap?

"I love the independence and freedom I have as a practicing PT."

Applying to PT school as an established professional and well developed adult has its positive selling points. We tend to look more well-rounded on applications because of the additional experiences those years have given us. Perhaps we have travelled, lived in a foreign country, run a business, or raised children. We bring to the table a maturity, and in making this transition to PT school later in life, we show we are serious.

Making this decision as an older candidate also comes with a different variety of challenges. Perhaps we are in the process of raising small children, have mortgage payments to make, or feel inept at using modern technology.

Are we really ready to return to a life of books and study groups after being independent in the world? And the even bigger question, is it all worth it?

While I can’t answer that question for you, I can share my story and present questions that led me to feel the change was worth it.

I had a successful career as a massage therapist and ran a small private practice. I liked my clients and enjoyed my work, but felt deeply driven to broaden my scope of practice and to learn more. At the age of 30, I decided I wanted to become an osteopathic physician. I had no undergraduate experience and enrolled in my local community college. I took a dedicated pre-med track and worked hard, graduating with my associates degree and a 4.0 that granted me several scholarships to four year universities. I kept pushing on, working part time through school and re-learning how to study difficult concepts and hard science. I was surrounded by students at least a decade younger than I was, and did not have much of a social life.

"If you are on the fence about making the leap as an older student, I invite you to talk to as many practicing PTs as you can."

At some point in my university track I realized I wanted to pursue physical therapy rather than medical school. I had worked part time in a rehabilitation clinic for years as an MT, and enjoyed treating patients and helping facilitate recovery from injury. Physical therapy seemed like a natural progression and I immediately began the application process. One year later I was accepted to the program of my choice and felt huge amounts of relief. Little did I know, the real work was just beginning. Getting through PT school was one of the most challenging things I have ever done. The amount of consistent work, drive, and focus required can lead to serious burn out, fatigue, anxiety, and depression.  

Which brings us back to the question: is it worth it? For me, it was. I love the independence and freedom I have as a practicing PT. I can work in a variety of settings, there are plenty of opportunities, and I am constantly challenged to learn more and come up with creative ways to help my patients. If you are on the fence about making the leap as an older student, I invite you to talk to as many practicing PTs as you can. Get a sense as to their daily lives, incomes, debt, satisfaction with their career, and become familiar with current trends in the field of physical therapy. Information and knowledge are powerful tools in making such a big decision that will change the course of your life. And above all, listen to your gut and follow your dreams. If I can do it, so can you!

- Alice Kerby

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