My name is Reagan Morrow and I am at a place academically where another decision has to be made and I am not sure which direction is best for my goals.
I am currently working as an Athletic Training Graduate Assistant in Texas at a DI university while working on my Post-Professional Master’s degree in Athletic Training. At this point I have realized that going to practice and games is not for me, I just think my time can be spent much better than watching people dribble up and down the court for hours. I am also currently working at a PT tech in a local clinic. While working here I see a greater problem that no one is addressing, people are coming in with pain to leave 8 weeks later and return to their lifestyle which likely has a role to play in the initial pain… I want to work towards solving this issue. It seems to make sense that I will need to get another degree (ie PT) to accomplish this goal.
Looking forwards, I want to work with more general population rather than only athletes, specifically those that are trying to get out of pain and leave a sedentary lifestyle for a more active one. The route I think would be the best way to attack this problem is through strength training. In addition, I also have a fascination with throwing athletes and the shoulder so that is another niche I would like to get into.
I am at a loss on what the best new course for me to take and any advice on moving forwards would be fantastic.
Sorry, I didn’t even realize how vague the above is. Do you think PT is a good way to pursue that goal or is there another path that could yield the same outcome? I don’t have any issues going to school for three more years but if I don’t need to, what other options are available? My biggest reservation is the accrued debt after almost 8 years of school at this point and one more looking forwards with the Masters, even though my stipend helps.
Another question I have would be is PT even the way to attack this proposed model? I have talked with the PTs I work with at my clinic and they seem to think it is a good idea, but they are the only people I have really discussed this with.
There is no “right” way to address what you’re looking for. Look at the BBM crew. You’ll see individuals with different backgrounds. Some went the route of licensed healthcare professions (MD, RD, PT, DC) and others without (gym owners/personal trainers/strength coaches). One route will require additional schooling, training and yes debt. This route may provide more “security.” You’ll have to weigh those out. The other route won’t require additional schooling or debt but not as much “security.” With your education background it may be difficult to stack on more. That’s for you to determine.
There is no one size fits all. If your goal is to help people improve their quality of life, strength, etc there are many avenues and paths to make a positive impact. You have to find your niche.
A couple more things: take a look at www.bls.gov for salaries of professions you’re interested in. Take a look at the schooling/time/debt etc. That may help too.
As is becoming commonplace in the forum, I agree with Matt. I would also add that there is a WIDE discrepancy between states on what PTs and ATs can do. Working in California ATs are not even licensed but I would with them in physician clinic all the time. I have also worked in PT settings where ATs handle more of the return to sport training (re: fun stuff). The truth is there is a lot of heterogeneity in how healthcare works and we all tend to get “stuck” in the system we started with. If you see people doing things that look like something you would like to do, reach out to them. As much as anything the sports world is a big network. That being said I had no intention of ending up in pediatric sports but it has been a good change and one that has forced me out of my comfort zone and learning about new topics. If you will have a masters in AT that doesn’t relegate you to fieldwork for the rest of your career. There are plenty of clinic positions out there that you want to look for.