Miscellaneous
What ages can a PT treat?
NICU to Hospice: NICU they are helping to maintain ROM, prevent contractures, sensory integration positioning. Hospice assists with pain management through stretching, prevention of pressure ulcers, and sometimes wound care.
True/False: Dry Needling and Acupuncture are the same.
False: Acupuncture is traditional Chinese medicine that focuses on energy flow and stimulating parts of the body. Dry Needling is Western medicine and focuses on removing trigger points to decrease pain, increase ROM, and even improve strength.
What level of schooling do therapists coming out of school have?
PT started as a certificate, but is now a Doctorate program. Involves numerous years of clinical dx, treatment, and clinicals. This certainly doesn’t mean that those with a lower degree know less—they likely have 20-30 years of experience!
What test do you need to take prior to PT school?
GRE- 3 components looking at verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing
How can PTs improve safety for people in their workplace?
Improving ergonomics, lifting form, strength / endurance. This may be something they do in and outpatient clinic or the PT may come to them in the workplace.
When would you refer a patient to PT without complaints of pain?
Balance, vertigo, SCI, posture concerns, work place training, sports
Name 3 settings that PTs work in?
Rehab hospital, outpatient, inpatient, schools, home health, ER, work injury settings, nursing homes, oncology, women's health
When is the general deadline for most schools?
The deadline for early application is mid August. Other schools vary widely, but Oct. 1 is the most common deadline. Students can refer to PTCAS for the deadline for a specific school.
What are some extra things you can do to improve your resume?
Show that you are well rounded- get involved with community outreach, sports, multiple health professions.
Resume boosters: working as a PT tech, working in a healthcare facility, being involved in the community, being unique!
No pain, no gain rarely holds true. When is it necessary?
Total knees, shoulder surgeries, sometimes stretching. The majority of the time, we actually try to avoid painful activities.
When it comes to patient interaction, what is one benefit of being a physical therapist?
We spend a lot of time with them- multiple hours a week. So we know them well and can really listen to their complaints.
What is the difference between a rolling admission and non-rolling admission?
Rolling admission is first come, first serve, so you want to apply early for these ones. Non-rolling admission has a set date for decisions, so you just need to apply before the deadline.
Can a PT treat a patient without a referral from a physician?
Depending on the state, PT’s are trained to diagnose and treat. Our schooling helps us to see red flags that require an immediate referral to a physician.
Should a cane be used on the injured or non-injured side of the body?
Non-injured, putting it on the same side as the injury actually increases the amount of force through that extremity.
How many hours of observation do PT schools require for admission?
Points go to the group with the closest number!
Most schools require approximately 75 hours, but this is a minimum try to shoot for 80-100+ hours of observation and try for a variety of different settings. Recommend starting early as there are only a few clinics in town to split the hours of all the applicants.
When applying to PT programs, what costs should you expect in the application process? Hint: not tuition
What is the difference between an Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy?
There is a lot of overlap! The most basic difference between physical therapy and occupational therapy is that a PT focuses on improving the patient's ability to move their body whereas an OT focuses on improving the patient's ability to perform activities of daily living. In a SNF, PT helps you get where you are going and OT helps you accomplish the task when you get there.
What do physical therapists do?
Physical therapists are movement experts who improve quality of life through prescribed exercise, hands-on care, and patient education.
Physical therapists diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to people at the end of life. Many patients have injuries, disabilities, or other health conditions that need treatment. But PTs also care for people who simply want to become healthier and to prevent future problems.
Physical therapists examine each person and then develop an individual treatment plan to improve their ability to move, reduce or manage pain, restore function, and prevent disability.
What is the difference between a physical therapist and physical therapy assistant?
PTs evaluate and diagnose patients, PTAs help in the treatment of patients and can progress exercises.
What can you expect when offered an interview to PT school?