Why I Chose Physical Therapy

Participating in sports has led me to the career of physical therapy. I have been an athlete all of my life. I have played every sport from tackle football to softball and every sport the community of Sitka offered. Being involved in several sports at one time helped me realize how easy it is to get injured and how crucial it is to have a physician that is supportive and understands an athletes injuries. By going to McKendree University I will be able to become a physical therapist and help injured athletes recover.

Colleges with a medical department often have a master’s program for physical therapy. (“Physical Therapists”) Physical therapy students have a required amount of field work in order to complete a program. Each candidate must work in an accredited workplace for the field work assignments. This part of the program is extremely valuable and helpful for a new therapist entering the field. Working one on one can be difficult even with all of the educational tools. (Curtis 37)

Ever since I was young my life goals were to help others when I grew up, however I wasn’t exactly sure how. Throughout the past couple years, with a wonderful support system; I have been able to make the decision about wanting to achieve the goal of becoming a physical therapist. It is my belief that I have a high spiritual calling to be a physical therapist, because I have the intention to be able to guide others. I gather that this can be spiritual, because helping others is what God’s intentions are, and would recommend others to follow in His footsteps. My mindset is indeed compassionate, empathetic, selfless, and strong with a thirst for knowledge. Being a physical therapist has many rewards such as happiness, equality, and a sense of accomplishment which can be very valuable and will affect my life in a positive manner.

I want to pursue a career in the medical field, because I truly have a passion in helping others. At a young age I watched my premature sister and grandpa benefit from Physical Therapy. I saw the positive impact in their strength and mobility. It made such an impression on me I knew this was what I wanted to do with my life by the time I was in the ninth grade.

Sports have always been a part of my life for as long as I can remember but medical treatment has as well. Throughout my life, I have encountered extraordinary people who I know realize would act as gardeners nurturing my plants, my interests. Since middle school, I faced numerous injuries ranging from groin pulls to tendonitis to lower back pains. These abundant and varying injuries lead me to seek medical attention and subsequently, I spent a lot of time with physical therapists and athletic trainers which is where my interest was planted. Junior year of high school, my sprouting interest was further watered by Ms. Kazimer, the honors anatomy teacher.

I am a 28 year old from Killeen, Texas. My goal is to become a Physical Therapist and specialize in sports medicine. My long term goal is to start my own Rehabilitation Center centered on sports medicine physical therapy with services in general Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy as well. This rehabilitation will work as an outpatient and have an intensive outpatient setting if needed. I graduated in 2008 with my Bachelors of Arts in Physical Education from Berea College in Kentucky.

I define myself as a person who helps others no matter what, I have an unbelievable passion for helping others because of the morals my father has taught me. My close relationship with my father has developed greatly since he would be gone for months at a time due to his affiliation with the U.S. Marine Corps. I have made many connections with others due to our parents serving in the military. Unfortunately, this connection revealed that many parents and loved ones became disabled during their career in the military. Personally, I could not imagine what my life would be like if my father lost his ability to do basic things.

I have previously worked with physical therapists while I was a behavioral therapist at an autism clinic. Some of my patients required a multi-dimensional approach with many specialties including PT, OT, and SLP. Prior to this experience I assumed physical therapists had a very limited role in the health care setting. I thought their only focus was on the elderly and post-surgical patients, but then I realized it is a much broader specialty. Physical therapists can also specialize in neurological disorders, special needs children, and many other aspects of the patient’s overall health.

When I was younger, I was playing two sports consistently, soccer and basketball. Both of the sports were year round, and of course I wanted to keep doing both. But when I started growing, I realized I was constantly in pain, especially in my legs and back. At first, I would just take Advil, epsom salt baths, and ice my body from head to toe. However, none of the treatments were working. After going to my primary doctor, he suggested physical therapy and looking to get my feet checked.

Once I made the decision to pursue a doctorate in Physical Therapy, I applied for

I want to help others, in any way I can. My ticket would take me to a physical therapist degree. I gained an interest in becoming a physical therapist when I started to care more about my physical fitness, and wonder all about muscles and the human bodies full potential. I know I would make an excellent physical therapist. My interest in the human body makes it very easy to learn and drives me to learn as much as I possibly can. When it comes to the human body and learning about how different activates and diets affect it, I can never learn enough. I want to be a physical therapist so I can help others feel healthy.

We are what we do. With few exceptions, our contributions to society depend on our ability to move. Therefore, when something impairs our movement and limits those contributions, it affects our identity. Physical therapists recognize this consequence, and by working to mitigate its effects for each of their patients, they ultimately make the world a more optimally functioning place. I want to be a part of this kind of work. As a physical therapist, I will contribute to the profession's goals to transform society by coming alongside each of my patients to challenge and encourage them to see their identity clarified, goals realized, and obstacles minimized as their movement improves.

Once I graduate from a doctorate of physical therapy program, I hope to come back to my town and serve those in need. After reflecting on personal experiences, finding a program that prides itself in promoting physical therapists into rural areas is

Movement is vital in maintaining a healthy life. Physical therapists persevere in restoring motion to those who have lost their ability to function physically. It is important to take a proactive approach before symptoms get worse. In order to maintain a healthy life, movement must be integrated in one's life, for healthcare issues start from sedentary lifestyles. It prevents obesity and other health issues which are tied to prevention.

Since entering college, I definitely “hit the ground running”. I have wanted to be a physical therapist since middle school, and I am anxious to be a part of its community. That being said, I set out on my career path with the goal of obtaining my bachelor’s degree and applying for physical therapy school within three years, while doing my best to hold a 4.0 GPA. This called for taking a heavy load of coursework and choosing to take classes year-round. I scheduled my time so that I would be able to balance the heavy course load, while continuing my normal volunteer work, job shadowing/observing, and being an active member in my organizations. One thing I did not account for was actual ‘paid’ work time. This is partially due to me being fortunate