Jump Start Your Career in 6 Steps

Whether you are about to graduate high school, in your first few years at college or simply looking to change your career, we have some steps for you to take if being a physical therapist interests you. No matter where you are in life, a career in physical therapy can be highly rewarding.

Here at NARA, we not only want to encourage your journey towards becoming a therapist but also offer support along the way! Therapy can entail everything from speech therapy to physical therapy to occupational therapy and more.

However, before you join the world of therapy, make sure you check out these 6 tips:

1)  Shadowing is highly beneficial

Therapists all take on their own unique style. From business practices to preferred styles of therapy, each practice is different. Shadowing multiple people at various places can give you a more well-rounded perspective. Plus, if you’re not sure what type of therapy you want to pursue, it will be good to get a glance at several different kinds to figure out what you want.

2)  Adjust your classes

Once you decide what kind of therapy route you want to take, make sure you know which prerequisites you are going to need for graduate school. Usually, this will include anatomy & physiology, biology, physics and math.

3)  Be mindful of your grades

Just as your parents worried about your grades when you were younger, you need to worry about them now. Therapy involves changing the lives of others, so you want to be at the top of your class. Not to mention, this is something that grad schools will be looking at when you apply.

4)  Don’t be scared of the GRE

Although you may not be close to taking your GRE (Graduate Records Examination), it’s never too early to start preparing for it. Think of this test like the SAT for grad school. They cover math, logical analytical skills and writing skills. If there is an area that you are shaky in, take some extra classes in it as you near graduation.

5)  Research the programs available

Rather than just browsing online and reading reviews, make sure you actually  visit schools you are considering, as well as talk to the professors involved in your specific program. You’ll be working much more closely with them than you did as an undergrad, so it’s important that you have a good working relationship early on. Also, it is important to make sure the graduate school you’re considering has an average pass rate of 85% or higher for the Boards.

6)  Take the Boards

We are sure you are aware, but to become certified you will need to take the Boards. Just like a lawyer has to pass the Bar, you’ll have to study for and pass the Boards. Think of this as the final step to achieving your goal.

Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t! You have already decided that you want to take on a new career path and that is half the battle. Although it may seem like a lot of steps, it will be worth the effort. Once you’ve started practicing, don’t forget to become a member of NARA.