As time passes, and COVID-19 rages on, it’s looking less and less likely that things will return to “normal” for a while. This may even alter the start to PT school for those of you entering school in the summer or fall of 2021.
While I certainly hope things progress, there’s a chance the country won’t be ready for people sitting close to each other in confined spaces … a prerequisite for normal classroom life.
If you’re in the process of interviewing at physical therapy schools, you certainly need to be prepared to answer questions about how COVID has impacted you, but you ALSO should ask schools how they are adapting to the coronavirus.
How are things going for those already in the program, and what plans is the school making for the future? What is going well for them, and what needs to be changed?
How will your future cohort, likely the DPT class of 2025, be impacted?
What changes have they made to lectures and learning? Are classes online or in person? If they’re in person, what could make them switch back to virtual learning? If they’re online, when will they decide it’s safe enough to return in person?
Are online classes synchronous or asynchronous? How can students get extra help from professors virtually? How will you be able to get to know your new classmates? How are labs being affected? Has the academic calendar or curriculum undergone any major changes?
What about clinicals?
It is looking more and more important that you get answers to these questions. Not only will it help you stand out as an applicant, but more importantly, these questions impact your future. While this is an uncertain time, you want to try to get a picture of how your safety and education are being handled.
And if you need extra preparation, consider taking a look at my PT school interview preparation course.