Common Questions: Ask a Student
Physical Therapy Department : A Healing Mission.
Q) What is an average week like? How many hours are spent studying/going to classes?
A) In general, we are in classes everyday for half of the day. The off time is used to study and prepare for class. There are a lot of readings to do and it is important to stay up and current on them. There are some times when class is suspended and we get to travel to meetings like the American Physical Therapy Association's National Student Conclave or Combined Sections Meeting. There are also the times when classes are suspended for mid-term and final exams which keep us pretty busy.
Q) Can I work while attending PT school?
A) While the official recommendation from the program is that you do not work, many of my classmates have part time jobs to make ends meet and a few have sought out campus based employment including working as a resident assistant or graduate assistant for the sports teams. It all comes down to how much you can handle and still excel in the classroom.
Q) Where can I find scholarships? How do I pay for PT school?
A) Call PT clinics that are hiring where you are planning to work and ask about scholarships and/or tuition reimbursement. I know that the program keeps an updated list of scholarship opportunities, so get in touch with them as soon as you can.
Q) What was your biggest fear regarding PT School?
A) Not being able to have a life and not making good grades
Q) What are clinicals like?
A) Very interesting. You learn a lot and meet all kinds of people. Clinicals really pull together the things you have learned in class.
Q) Why did you pick SBU?
A) The 33 month program and the caring atmosphere
Q) If you could do it over, what would you change?
A) I would have studied more and paid more attention in undergrad.
Q) Would you recommend SBU to others interested in the PT program?
A) Yes!!!
Q) What was the toughest part of PT school?
A) The first 6 months, trying to get used to the small class environment.
Q) What was your favorite part about attending PT school at SBU?
A) The friends you make and the hands on approach of learning. The teachers sincerely want you to succeed and do everything they can to help you.
Q) If you could recommend something to students getting ready to enter the PT program, what would it be?
A) Brush up on Anatomy. Be prepared to spend alot of money on books. Save time to relax, work on stress management.