OOOOhhhhh doggy. This is a big and important question. The kind heart in me always wants to say yes. I have always wanted to help people, and no matter what role I have undertaken in my career I have always felt like I am contributing to a greater good. This includes staff PT roles, managerial roles, supervisory roles, insurance, and my role now blogging, vlogging, and treating virtually.
Let’s rewind first and explain why I chose the field. When I was in undergrad and choosing a graduate medical career, there were 3 typical choices (and I have found this to be pretty consistent across the spectrum). Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant, and Pharmacy. Why? I don’t know, but all 3 have similar graduate time frames. All but Physician Assistant typically graduate with doctoral degrees as well. I chose Physical Therapy because I have always liked being active and using exercise and treatment sounded good to me. I was also undergoing physical therapy for an ankle injury and looking around the outpatient setting settled well with me. I liked my PTs and really saw myself in the practice.
I have also been able to do the benevolent thing by encouraging high school aged patients considering medical careers, and taking more time to explain things to them to sway their opinions of physical therapy. And, teaching undergraduate students getting their volunteer hours for admission to physical therapy school. I’ve also been a clinical instructor for both Physical Therapy and Physical Therapy Assistant students. And, hired and mentored new graduate PT staff. Which can been both rewarding and exhausting – depending on the student. Most have been grateful for the time, and taken guidance as tokens of wisdom. And then thanked me years later for the time I spent with them. Some have taken the guidance like greedy little Smeagols (Lord of the Rings reference – little gremlin hoarding the ring – “My Precious!”) and then shown complete ungratefulness down the road. Why? Egos? Entitlement? Makes you feel like an underappreciated parent sometimes.
So, in the end, I have done the give back thing to patients and the new, wet-behind-the-ears learners. There is no doubt I BELIEVE in the career and helping people.
Also, there is a HUGE variety of specialties in physical therapy. Pelvic health, lymphedema, wound care, pediatrics, geriatrics, neuro, orthopedics, acute care, rehab facilities, home care, etc etc. So – you can have a proper midlife crisis and not have to leave the field all together. How reassuring!
What is the downside?
That all being said, I had A LOT of debt when I graduated. 6 figures is a lot to carry on your back as a new graduate. I am lucky to have worked for 10 years for non-profits and did have my loans forgiven under the Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness program, but this program is almost impossible to qualify for now with the changes that have occurred.
And, the starting PT salary in the USA on average is now $95,000 as reported on salary.com. This can vary WILDLY depending on the region. The state I live in is South Carolina, with a lower cost of living and the average starting salary is roughly the same. My starting salary out of school? Not 95K in Pittsburgh, PA in 2010. Boy how things (and inflation) have changed.
But, still, student loan payments can vary as low as $25 for income adjusted repayment plans, and well over $1000 for others. That is a huge chunk of change for 25 years or more repayment time frames. And, the new repayment plans are impossible and will put you under water on monthly payments so matter what you do. Sigh.
In the end….
If you are truly looking to help people, yes, the job is worth it. If you want a ride range of specialties, yes, the job is worth it. If you don’t like student loan debt, the job is NOT for you. If you are looking to make a lot of money for the doctorate after your name, this job is NOT for you. So – it is a lot to consider.
So, for me? Has it been worth it? Yes, probably. But I still wonder how a job as a Physician Assistant or Pharmacist might have turned out for me! Not going to lie…!
Heal today, transform tomorrow. Unlock your potential to heal, learn and grow. – Dr. Barb Wally, LLC
Note: These blog articles are not in exchange for a one on one Physical Therapy visit. Please contact me if you are interested in receiving a Physical Therapy visit!
*This content is original and copyright Dr Barb Wally, LLC*
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