2 Years Down, 1 to Go: Reflecting on My 2nd Year as a DPT Student.

By: Maggie Bates
3rd Year DPT Student at UT Southwestern in Dallas, TX
President of the Texas Student Physical Therapy Association

Wait...I've been doing this non-stop school thing for how long now? That's right, two years of all day classes, patient labs, and endless studying have gone by. Sometimes I think back to my first day of PT school and it seems like yesterday, but at other times I think it feels like such a long time ago. Either way, I can definitely say I've learned more than just how to manual muscle test or write a SOAP note.

#1. It gets easier!

I promise! Yes, the classes get harder and you have more responsibility, but I found as you make it past the one year mark you find your "groove". Time management becomes easier, you know about how much studying it takes to make the grades you want, and you actually start to feel like you could treat a patient without hurting them. 

#2. Professional advocacy is not just for professionals.

On the contrary, STUDENTS are where it's at. As PTA and PT students, we have to take charge of our profession now. We are the future of physical therapy, and while it is easy to sit back and assume someone else is going to ensure that we have Direct Access, fair student loan repayment, or adequate reimbursement for our services, this is not the case. YOUR voice and dedication to the profession now is what counts. 

#3. It's not too early to job hunt.

Graduation will be here sooner than you know it! Even if you don't know what type of setting you want to work in at this point, it's beneficial to start thinking about what your ideal work environment would be like. A great way to do this is by talking with vendors at local conferences; they can give you great insight into what their company values, and the you can decide if that jives with you. Clinical rotations are also  a great way to decide what you like and dislike about certain work environments!

#4. APTA Special Interest Group Memberships are worth the money.

Yes, it's an extra $10 out of your bank account, but for those $10 you get a lot of great resources as a student. If your school is as into research as mine is, you'll definitely benefit from the journal subscriptions you get at a lower price than you would as a professional!

#5. Your classmates are still your best friends.
Sure, you probably see these people more than you get to see your family, but the memories you make with them will last a lifetime. Continue to rely on them for the support and encouragement you need to get through the rest of school!

Do you have any personal words of wisdom or advice you'd like to share about your second year of PT or PTA school? If so, comment below!