Many physical therapy programs require that applicants have volunteer or paid working experiences in physical therapy at hospitals or clinics. These experiences ensure that applicants understand the nature and work of the profession. Students should consider volunteering in a variety of settings including hospitals, nursing homes, doctors' offices and various health clinics. On campus, Brocker Sports Medicine Clinic can sometimes provide opportunities for students to observe physical therapists as they work and to assist in the Sports Medicine program. Students should contact individual schools for specific guidelines.
Students often find it helpful to speak to practicing physical therapists.
These individuals are valuable resources for information about various physical therapy programs. They also can answer questions about the job market and future prospects for physical therapists. Typically included in these documents is information concerning the number of applications received by the school, the number of students accepted into the program, the mean grade point average for the entering class, and the average number of volunteer hours completed by successful applicants. Schools will often send these documents upon request. Students interested in physical therapy have the opportunity to join the Allied Health Club .