PT By the Sea

So that's what it's like. I've been saying for years that I want to be a physical therapist, though oddly enough I've never actually been to one. What made me want to go into this occupation then? Good question. In high school I took two years of anatomy and absolutely loved it. The human body and all of the dissections intrigued me. I love working with people, seeing them make improvements, and would love to help them make differences in their lives. I want to raise a family one day, and need a job that will allow me to be part of my children's lives. PT allows you to make your own flexible schedule. These interests together made me think--hey, why not--I might as well go into physical therapy.

I just finished my first week of my internship with PT by the Sea. I spent seven hours following around a couple different therapists, observing their sessions and watching them work with each patient's needs in a unique manner. It was really great to be able to see what they do on a daily basis, and how they have to bend around each individual's needs. This experience also made me realize how much I have to learn! Not only do I have three years of PT school ahead of me, but I also need to brush up on the anatomy that I have already been introduced to. One of the therapists was quizzing me during the sessions on different muscles and bones, and I was struggling. It is so easy to forget things when you spend just few weeks memorizing them and then don't use the terminology again.

I've already had the opportunity to talk to multiple patients about their injuries and disabilities. Their stories of recovery are inspiring, and I am really looking forward to continuing my volunteer/job shadowing hours through the rest of the semester. I love the private practice atmosphere at PT by the Sea, but also know that I will need to experience the hospital and at-home settings in the following semesters.