The term student is defined as someone who is studying. Often times that studying is inferred to be for whichever classes that the student is taking at the time. However, as a student, especially one in a doctor of physical therapy degree program, there is much more to it than that. Not only are you studying to acquire a wealth of knowledge, but you are also studying how to carry yourself and behave like a professional when you make it into the field. I like to think of the time I will spend in graduate school as a sort of rehearsal for my role as a physical therapist. Behaving as a professional can be as simple as going to class in business attire, opposed to showing up in sweatpants or pajamas. Dressing nice is easy though. The difficult part of behaving like a professional includes having the necessary attitudes and behaviors, such as the ability to communicate, be accountable, and be mature.
In my opinion, one of the most important aspects of professionalism is communication. As a student, communication is important when interacting with instructors, peers, and any physical therapists you may work with along the way. As I have been very fortunate to observe during my time volunteering at Florida Hospital Tampa's outpatient clinic, communication is very important in developing a strong patient-therapist relationship. The therapists at Florida Hospital are absolutely amazing at communicating information as well as creating a friendly and motivational environment so that their patients enjoy coming to therapy. This is important because when you sustain an injury that hinders your ability to do certain functions, it can often lead you into a state of depression. I have played soccer for a majority of my life, and I have been very fortunate to only be sidelined once, due to a sprained ankle. Even though this setback was minor, it still gave me a slight sense of angst and disappointment. I can imagine what must go through one's mind when they can't take part in their favorite sport, hobby, or even just playing with their kids due to an injury. This is why strong communication skills are important to create an optimal rehabilitation experience.
The next aspect of professionalism that I feel is important is accountability. As a student, you are responsible for your own education. As was learned throughout undergraduate studies, your professors aren't there to hold your hand along the way. This is even more true within a doctor of physical therapy degree program because the classes are more rigorous and at a faster pace. As students, it is our responsibility to seek extra help when we need it. Another thing I learned from my experience at Florida Hospital is that being a physical therapist is a life long commitment to learning. Even after getting their degrees, I have talked with multiple therapists who continue to read, attend seminars, or go to classes to increase the quality of care they can give their patients.
The final aspect of professionalism that I feel is important is maturity. As stated earlier, a doctor of physical therapy degree program is fast paced and rigorous. During this time in one's life, it can be very stressful, which is why maturity, in the sense of having a high level of self-awareness and confidence, can be very important when trying to push through tough times. Not only do you need to be aware of your own thoughts and emotions, but you need to be empathetic towards others as well. The fact that physical therapy deals with the human body can leave some students or patients in a vulnerable or awkward state. Having the ability to discuss and learn from these instances in a mature manner is crucial as a student.
As an aspiring student in a doctor of physical therapy program, I am well aware of how important professionalism is. Not only once I become a student, but also down the road when I become a certified physical therapist. I have been very fortunate that throughout my experiences I have been exposed to the importance of traits, such as communication, accountability, and maturity. These experiences have laid the foundation for professional behavior, which I aim to build on and exhibit in my daily life.
In my opinion, one of the most important aspects of professionalism is communication. As a student, communication is important when interacting with instructors, peers, and any physical therapists you may work with along the way. As I have been very fortunate to observe during my time volunteering at Florida Hospital Tampa's outpatient clinic, communication is very important in developing a strong patient-therapist relationship. The therapists at Florida Hospital are absolutely amazing at communicating information as well as creating a friendly and motivational environment so that their patients enjoy coming to therapy. This is important because when you sustain an injury that hinders your ability to do certain functions, it can often lead you into a state of depression. I have played soccer for a majority of my life, and I have been very fortunate to only be sidelined once, due to a sprained ankle. Even though this setback was minor, it still gave me a slight sense of angst and disappointment. I can imagine what must go through one's mind when they can't take part in their favorite sport, hobby, or even just playing with their kids due to an injury. This is why strong communication skills are important to create an optimal rehabilitation experience.
The next aspect of professionalism that I feel is important is accountability. As a student, you are responsible for your own education. As was learned throughout undergraduate studies, your professors aren't there to hold your hand along the way. This is even more true within a doctor of physical therapy degree program because the classes are more rigorous and at a faster pace. As students, it is our responsibility to seek extra help when we need it. Another thing I learned from my experience at Florida Hospital is that being a physical therapist is a life long commitment to learning. Even after getting their degrees, I have talked with multiple therapists who continue to read, attend seminars, or go to classes to increase the quality of care they can give their patients.
The final aspect of professionalism that I feel is important is maturity. As stated earlier, a doctor of physical therapy degree program is fast paced and rigorous. During this time in one's life, it can be very stressful, which is why maturity, in the sense of having a high level of self-awareness and confidence, can be very important when trying to push through tough times. Not only do you need to be aware of your own thoughts and emotions, but you need to be empathetic towards others as well. The fact that physical therapy deals with the human body can leave some students or patients in a vulnerable or awkward state. Having the ability to discuss and learn from these instances in a mature manner is crucial as a student.
As an aspiring student in a doctor of physical therapy program, I am well aware of how important professionalism is. Not only once I become a student, but also down the road when I become a certified physical therapist. I have been very fortunate that throughout my experiences I have been exposed to the importance of traits, such as communication, accountability, and maturity. These experiences have laid the foundation for professional behavior, which I aim to build on and exhibit in my daily life.
