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Athletic Trainer to Physical Therapist
Satisfied with your work conditions? Want to become a DPT?
Greg Perry is currently a physical therapist and athletic trainer at Houston Methodist The Woodlands. He received his DPT from UT Southwestern Medical Center in 2017, and his license in Athletic Training from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches,TX in 2013. Greg has worked in athletic training at multiple levels from high school to the NFL, as well as physical therapy primarily in the orthopedic and sports sector.
Daria Oller is a physical therapist at Foundations Physical Therapy in Washington Township, New Jersey. She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Seton Hall University in 2010. Prior to that, she earned her Bachelors of Science degree in athletic training from James Madison University in 2006. She has worked in a variety of clinical athletic training settings from youth sports to collegiate, including New York University. She has also conducted youth sport injury epidemiology research at Penn State University, which has been presented and published. She specializes in dance medicine.
Both join the show podcast to discuss options for Athletic Trainers who desire something different.
I am a huge fan of Physical Therapy. One is not better than the other, as we both have our unique strengths. and weaknesses
It is easy for me to admit that almost all PTs I deal with are going to have a more thorough evaluation and rehab skill set than me.
However most PTs will also admit they do not have the same confidence in immediate eval, wound care, emergency medicine.
Why make the switch?
- You may want more predictable hours
- Or to only be indoors
- You may want more money
- You might just not be happy with your career and looking to change
- The challenge of high school athletes is not enough for you
- A new level of AT opens up with dual credntials
What I love about being an AT
- Sports
- Medical aspect
- Building relationships
- Mentoring students
- allowing my children to come to work with me
- Best seat for the games
- Challenges me constantly
- I get to go workout or shoot hoops as part of my job
What I wish I could change:
- Games over holidays
- Games on weekends
- Communication with coaches
- Improved care for all athletes (junior high)
- Better understanding from Administration
- Increased pay or decreased hours
- More focus on continued learning
Want to go to PT School?
APTA has a list of all the programs here
Got Questions?
Daria is active on Social Media Daria was also on our Dance Medicine podcast
As well as Tough to Treat and Lost in the Shuffle
She also highly recommends Healthy Wealthy and Smart
PTs have to do a lot of documentation
If you are not currently using an EMR check out Dragonfly Max and start documenting.
ATs have to do a lot of hydration
Need Hydration gear: Frio Hydration is your company
Need hydration drinks: Drink HOIST
Both ATs and PTs need CEUs…
So check out MedbridgeEducation for a great way to learn on your time at an affordable price