One of the questions I’m asked most often lately is what to do with your PT school application in light of COVID. And one of the answers I give most often is to try to bolster your resume by taking extra classes.
Doing extra learning will show you are committed to becoming a physical therapist even if you’re unable to shadow in the clinic right now. It can demonstrate you did more with this extra time besides watch Netflix.
Here is a run-down of free or inexpensive coursework you can take while you wait for things to reopen.
- Until tomorrow, the National Academy of Sports Medicine, which offers personal training certification, is having a sale on classes. This includes a FREE course on Speed, Agility, and Quickness training. I just signed up since I can’t turn down free continuing education in a subject that interests me.
- The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is currently hosting a virtual conference called NEXT. You get access to the whole thing for only $20 or $40, which is pretty incredible since most conferences cost hundreds of dollars. If you’re a pre-PT, the courses offered may be a little advanced for you, but it’s a cool way to see what conferences are like. Included are a few live events and also over a dozen courses that count as continuing education for physical therapists on topics including sports, diversity training, business training, pain education, yoga, COVID, etc. Again, I just signed up!
- This course, on Anti-Racism and Allyship, is only $25. I’m already seeing similar courses pop up for over a hundred dollars, so this is a great deal on an important topic. Another class I’m eager to take.
Let me know if you have any other course suggestions!