Touro University Nevada Physical Therapy Students Discuss the Significance of PT Month
In honor of National Physical Therapy Month, we asked students from the Touro University Nevada School of Physical Therapy about the importance of the physical therapy profession, why they chose to pursue a career in physical therapy, and why National Physical Therapy Month is pertinent for physical therapists and others.
Christopher “CJ” Dimaano, Class of 2023
Why did you choose to pursue physical therapy as a career?
I chose physical therapy because I experienced physical therapy first-hand after having back-to-back ACL reconstruction surgeries. I developed a strong relationship with my therapist, who was always transparent and helped me stay on top of my goals. It is a relationship I cherish to this day.
Why is Physical Therapy Month so important?
Physical therapy is one of those professions where you only really know about it if you’ve gone through it or know someone who has gone through it. When we were young, no one said, “I want to grow up and become a physical therapist.” A lot of the time, patients don’t even know what to expect in a PT appointment. PT Month is important because it allows us to show the public what we do as physical therapists and how we can help in the health process.
Kelly McCracken, Class of 2022
Why did you choose to pursue physical therapy as a career?
I choose to pursue a physical therapy career because I had a great experience with a physical therapist while recovering from injuries while playing sports growing up. I love the mix of the medical field and expertise in how the body moves and connecting with patients to get them back to what they love to do and their body moving in the best possible pattern for them.
I think physical therapists are an integral part of a healthcare team because we are experts in how the body moves to help restore function and mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities by promoting physical activity at any level.
Why is Physical Therapy Month so important?
PT month is important for the PT profession because it allows us to spread the word about the benefits of physical therapy and how we can help so many people in so many different ways. I think it is essential to spread the word about the benefits of physical therapy to other healthcare professionals and the general public so that people can receive the best possible care for their needs. To learn more about the benefits of physical therapy, you can visit choosept.com.
Jessica Fadgen, Class of 2021
Why did you choose to pursue physical therapy as a career?
Being a proud Las Vegas native, I knew all my life that I wanted to be someone who could give back to the community. Growing up, I loved learning new things and playing soccer and volleyball, so I was sure that I wanted to pursue a career that involved combining knowledge with physical skills. That’s when I found physical therapy. It seemed like the perfect outlet for me to serve the people of this great city in extremely meaningful ways.
Why is Physical Therapy Month so important?
Physical Therapy Month is the perfect opportunity for people of all backgrounds to learn more about how this profession can positively affect their lives and the community. It also gives prospective and practicing physical therapists the chance to bring light to our healthcare realm and celebrate all that we do.
Chad Colby, Class of 2023
Why did you choose to pursue physical therapy as a career?
I always knew that I wanted to have a career that would allow me to help other people reach their goals, but I never knew which field. I have always loved working one-on-one with people and interacting on a personal level. I was interested in the medical field from playing sports and rehabbing from my injuries. I had a great connection with my PT and knew I wanted to have the opportunity to do for others what he did for me. I knew that PT would be a fulfilling career. Throughout my undergraduate courses and working at various clinics, I knew this is what I wanted to be ‘when I grew up.’
Why is Physical Therapy Month so important?
This month is important for our profession because we can show people alternative ways of working with pain rather than through prescription medications. It is a great way to help the public become aware of our profession and how we can help those who come into our clinics. This month allows us to dispel some common misconceptions about our profession and replace those with facts about how PT can be beneficial for every lifestyle and current state of health.
Crizlin Julian, Class of 2022
Why did you choose to pursue physical therapy as a career?
Like many who chose to pursue physical therapy, I developed an interest in the field after being a patient. When I was 15, I tore my ACL and meniscus in my left knee. After surgery, I attended physical therapy to get back to playing soccer. Recovery took months, but the physical therapist I worked with told me to trust the process and kept me motivated when I felt I was losing hope. The bond that physical therapists can form with their patients as they progress through treatment is something that I knew I wanted to have as a clinician.
Why is Physical Therapy Month so important?
I think PT Month is important for the profession because we can educate the community about what we have to offer. Most people know someone who has seen a physical therapist, or they’ve attended physical therapy themselves. Often, PT is associated with rehabilitation from some injury, trauma, or surgery. However, physical therapists can also help patients improve their overall quality of life by teaching them preventative measures to keep their bodies healthy and active. Our approach of providing hands-on care ensures that we can take an active role in our patient’s treatment and guide them through every step in the process.
Learn More About Touro Nevada's PT Program