Physical Therapy vs. Personal Training

[busupshot83]

I currently hold a bachelor's degree, and am in the process of applying to physical therapy schools to attain a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. However, my passion is fitness, not necessarily rehab. I am trying to decide on whether to complete the DPT degree, or obtain a personal trainer certification (NSCA, NASM, etc.) and begin working as a trainer.

Here is what I've assessed thus far:

PHYSICAL THERAPY
Pros:
+ Job stability (due to aging population)
+ High salary ($70,000 median)

Cons:
- Expensive tuition (typically $90,000 in debt)
- Long schooling (3 years)

PERSONAL TRAINING
Pros:
+ Cheaper than DPT school
+ Shorter schooling (6-9 months)

Cons:
- Job stability (There are so many trainers out there... I've read that many trainers work part-time and have trouble retaining clients.)

Both careers deal with fitness, but physical therapy seems more stable when you first start out. Is it possible to do physical therapy and personal training? Or should I just focus on one? Any input from practicing professionals would be appreciated. Thank you.

 

[SpyWizard]

physical therapy.. why?? because you will be doing this a long time.. and then be a trainer, NFPT is functional and quick..

then nothing can hold you back..

 

[busupshot83]

Thanks for the quick reponse. Is it common for DPTs to hold leadership positions in the fitness industry?

 

[InGreatShape]

I agree with SpyWizard, Physical Therapy is better. You can be both once you're a registered PT. And you will be doing this for a very long time.

 

[ponyfitness]

Thanks for the quick reponse. Is it common for DPTs to hold leadership positions in the fitness industry?

No because they make more money running their own practice. You can develop your own physical methods, etc and market them to the fitness industry but you certainly don't need to spend the money getting a DPT.

Many gurus in the fitness industry never went to university at all, they just have years and years of practical experience and strong research skills.

 

[Academy780]

It depends on what type of client you want to work with. Physical Therapy is dealing with 80 percent old people who fart on you. Personal Training is dealing with the girls you'd like to take on a date at your gym.

So it's old people vs. hot chicks.

Any other questions?

 

[Pure Pilates]

I know a few Physical Therapists that also do personal training. Two guys in particular have built their reputation as elite Physical Therapists. As such they get referrals from the best doctors in town. Usually the people who seek out the best doctors in town are the wealthy or elite athletes. Those are your target market for personal training. These 2 physical therapist train (personal training) about 5 Miami Dolphins, about 8 major league baseball players and 2 Florida Panther hockey players during their off-seasons. Who knows the body much better than a physical therapist? Go that route first and good luck.


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[Pure Pilates]

Oh yes... not to forget. They also train one particular MMA fighter.


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[lweaver]

DPT and a personal training certificate are really durastically different goals...I'm a PTA, now going to school for my Bachelors in order to advance to DPT school, and I've considered going for a personal training certificate, but certainly not instead of my DPT.

Being a physical therapist means you have the clinical abilities and full legal responsibility to evaluate, treat, and progress your patient through a scientifically and clinically sound plan of treatment until rehab goals can be met. You would have training in a wide variety of physical modalities (TENS, ultrasound, diathermy, fluidotherapy, low level laser therapy, NMES, superficial heating and cooling modalities, intermittent compression, traction, etc) in addition to soft tissue manipulation as well as bone manipulations, wound care, sports medicine, acute rehabilitation (cardiac, neurological, musculoskeletal, trauma, burn, wound, etc.), suba-acute care (geriatric), prenatal care, outpatient rehab...the list can go on and on. As a PT you would be a clinician with a well versed knowledge of the human body and its ailments, and would have the problem solving skills to determine what is clinically appropriate for your customer, the patient.

What I'm trying to say with the rant is...as a therapist you are a medical professional, a clinician. As a personal trainer, you are a specialist in one small aspect of what you would be applying as a DPT. Not that there's anything wrong with that, its still a great field...but you would just be applying your knowledge in a much narrower scope of practice.

Also, becoming a DPT would not hinder your passion for fitness. You could easily find a job in sports rehab...and as a LPT you will have learned exponentially more about the functions of the human body in relation to function than you will have in a 6 month course.

Good luck!

 

[Jennsfitness]

It depends on what type of client you want to work with. Physical Therapy is dealing with 80 percent old people who fart on you. Personal Training is dealing with the girls you'd like to take on a date at your gym.

So it's old people vs. hot chicks.

Any other questions?

lol!

As a physical therapist, you do have to deal with a wider range of clientelle (patients) and it can get a bit frustrating. Unless you have a ton of patience.