Physical therapy to SLP...

[Jamgibson]

Hi everyone!

This is very long winded, and I apologize but...

I am a physical therapy student, and lately I've been having second thoughts about my decision to pursue PT.

I took the AIMS (Aptitude Inventory measurement Service) aptitude test a few years ago, and speech pathology was a strong suggestion for me. I shadowed both SLPs and PTs and just couldnt decide between the two. I got my bachelors in biology and applied to both post bacc/Masters SLP programs and PT programs. I only got into PT school, so I took it as a sign and just went for it.

My problem now is that I'm not loving what we are learning, I love people, but I don't like touching them as much as a PT is required to. I also find stretching and working on ROM boring and ineffective. Im doing really well in my classes but don't know if this is for me.

So basically, my questions are:

1. Should I continue with PT even though I'm uncomfortable and don't have a peace about it?

2. How would my previous enrollment in a professional program effect my chances of getting into SLP?

[TalkItOut_9]

Hi everyone!

This is very long winded, and I apologize but...

I am a physical therapy student, and lately I've been having second thoughts about my decision to pursue PT.

I took the AIMS (Aptitude Inventory measurement Service) aptitude test a few years ago, and speech pathology was a strong suggestion for me. I shadowed both SLPs and PTs and just couldnt decide between the two. I got my bachelors in biology and applied to both post bacc/Masters SLP programs and PT programs. I only got into PT school, so I took it as a sign and just went for it.

My problem now is that I'm not loving what we are learning, I love people, but I don't like touching them as much as a PT is required to. I also find stretching and working on ROM boring and ineffective. Im doing really well in my classes but don't know if this is for me.

So basically, my questions are:

1. Should I continue with PT even though I'm uncomfortable and don't have a peace about it?

2. How would my previous enrollment in a professional program effect my chances of getting into SLP?

Clearly you're not excited about your current career choice and would like to become an SLP. This field is full of out-of-field applicants, so you're not far off. I think if you chose to apply to SLP programs, your work with PT will help you more than hurt you, especially if you are honest about why you didn't want to become a PT and why you want to become an SLP.

I'm not sure what the next step is, but follow your heart. You don't want to regret your decision for the rest of your life.

[SLPjmar]

I agree with talkitout, but I also feel you should do a lot more research. Make sure that a career in SLP is something you would be happier with. There's no use in switching if you will ultimately be unhappy with that career as well. 

[queenleblanc]

It's okay to let the dream change.  I'm a career changer.  Did the master's in teaching.  Did six years teaching.  My dream changed, and I'm now in pre-reqs and applying to SLP programs.  I also had an aptitude test a long time ago that suggest speech (etc) and I just thought, "well, I'll be teaching some speech with my music teaching career, so there ya go."  I wish I had looked into it sooner so that I could have taken the pre-req's for FREE during my time in undergrad at UNC Chapel Hill.  I don't regret the TIME I have spent helping students through my six years teaching ... just need a change that the rest of my life will be different.  It's OKAY to change.  Even if that means quitting one thing and pursuing another.  

 

Preaching over.  And yes, SLP field is full of originally out-of-field applicants, so you won't be alone.  Your experience in PT could be helpful.  

 

I will end my statement with the following; don't change your career /school just for the sake of change.  Make sure it's what you really want to do.  Check into the research on ASHA's website about what SLP's do, check into audiology (a related field), and really expand your research into ALL of the field of SLP.  If you don't like touching people, there is an element of that which you cannot escape as an SLP (although I would guess it is significantly less than the PT would do).  Be strong in your conviction to change to be in SLP school ... and find the schools that fit you when you eventually start applying.  BIG - check into the pre-requisites for SLP.  Schools vary widely on what you have to have prior to entry, or can take concurrent with the grad program, etc. 

[Jamgibson]

Thank you all so much for the quick and wonderful responses! I will be researching and praying!