Example Of Entrance Essay For The Program For Physical Therapy Assistant Essay

Ralph Waldo Emerson is quoted as saying “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” I was already considering my career path when I read these words and they resonated in my head. I printed out the quote, framed it, and placed it on my wall by my desk.
I had two patella bone dislocations in two different years and was required to go through physical therapy. While it wasn’t the most enjoyable of experiences, I was fascinated by the process and the empathy of the people who helped me to recover the quality of life I had prior to the injuries. The therapists were not just technicians, running me through the exercises and giving me pamphlets for education. Each one gave me the feeling that they were genuinely involved in my improvement and accepted personal responsibility for my outcome. This was completely different form the impression I received from the people in the emergency room or on the surgical floor. While I know these staff members were just as concerned for my recovery as the physical therapists, my continued rehabilitation in their care created a bond with them that stayed with me long after I no longer needed to come to the clinic. In addition, my mother is a nurse and I grew up understanding what it is like to work in the medical field. I graduated as a medical assistant in 2005 and while I thoroughly enjoyed the position, I wanted something more.
I have a dream of helping others in a way that will impact the rest of their lives. I was considering a wide range of therapy professions from the clergy to a psychologist to a social worker. I even thought about becoming a nurse like my mother, but I wanted a profession that allowed me to create a relationship with a patient longer than just to get them well enough to go home. But when I stumbled on the description for the responsibilities of a physical therapist, I knew I had found my calling.
A physical therapist helps those who have disabilities from diseases or injuries. They evaluate the person’s needs and develop plans for treatment. The actions the physical therapist prescribes allow some patients to walk, talk, feed themselves, and realize as normal a life as possible. The physical therapy assistant works with the therapist to help the patient follow the treatment plan. He or she can reduce pain, prevent further injuries, and increase the ability to function independently. While performing under the supervision of a physical therapist, the physical therapy assistant also has the opportunity to work personally with the patient to develop a relationship of helping and caring.
I participated in a group interview for the physical therapy assistant program. A small group of us were given a bag with an object inside and allowed 15 minutes and three guesses to determine the contents. Following that exercise, we were given a list of questions for discussion and opted to have a conversation about our experiences observing in a physical therapy setting. As we went around the table, each member of the group shared their history and what they had learned. In my own observations, I watched a therapist assist a patient with an 8-week treatment plan for a post-surgery patella injury. As this was the surgery I had, I was very interested in comparing my feelings then with the ones I had now that I have more of an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the knee and the process of a care plan. This was not only enjoyable, but very interesting and enlightening.

Finally, we were given three questions referencing the interview process.

What did I like most about the interview process? I like the exercise attempting to decipher what was in the bag. The interaction with the other team members was interesting in the range of critical thinking demonstrated. I immediately considered the shape and size of the object while another person noticed how the bag was sitting on the table relative to what may be inside. A young man made a joke about it containing something completely ridiculous to be funny, and a woman considered whether or not the object had an aroma and if it was soft or hard. This brought home to me the many different references a therapist can draw on to individualize the care plan. Is the patient younger or older? Is the disability long- or short-term? Is there a support group? What is the mindset of the patient?
What was the most challenging part of the interview? I found that the individuals in the group were from a wide range of backgrounds demonstrated by their various thought processes. Some were straightforward and no nonsense. Others were lighthearted and happy. One man was very serious and intense, while another was shy about participating. Working with the different personality types was similar to what I expect working with different types of patients will be. Some will work hard, and some will need motivation. Some will have very serious needs while others just need a little push in the right direction.
What strategies will I use to become a successful student and why do you believe you are the best candidate for the program? The process of graduating from high school is much different than attending a training program as an adult. In the first place, I will be solely responsible for getting to class and completing assignments. No one will prod and bribe me to get the work finished. While my instructors want me to succeed, they will not hold my hand or give me passing grades if I don’t deserve them. I will need to set a strict regimen for study and class attendance. Being with my friends and being entertained will take a back burner to more serious activities. If I want to succeed, I have to determine my priorities and adhere to them, regardless of temptations. I consider myself to be the best candidate because I have a medical background, have experienced first-hand what being a patient means, and I have other experiences in the medical field outside being in the area of physical therapy. I know other areas in which I can advance my training, and I very much prefer physical therapy.
After the interview, I returned home and saw the quotation from Emerson again. I had to smile, because while I want to make my life meaningful by being compassionate and useful, I can also be happy doing it.