Mastering Physical Therapy School: A Guide to Success and Balance

Introduction:

Embarking on the journey of physical therapy school is both exhilarating and demanding. As someone who not only excelled in physical therapy school but also managed to maintain a fulfilling life outside of academia, I understand the challenges and rewards this path offers. In this blog, I'll share insights on how to thrive in physical therapy school, emphasizing active learning strategies, time management, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Active Learning: The Key to Success

Passive learning, such as simply listening to lectures or reading textbooks, has its place, but active learning is where true mastery occurs. Embrace active learning strategies such as:

1. Problem-Based Learning (PBL): Engage in case studies, group discussions, and problem-solving activities to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. This fosters critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills essential for success in physical therapy practice.

• For example, you may learn about “anticipatory vs reactive balance control.” Instead of simply making a flash card on the two terms and memorizing them, embark on being a kinesthetic learner and get up and try an example of both. For reactionary balance control, think about if someone were to bump into you when you were not expecting it and how that differs from maintaining your balance compared to if you saw it coming.

2. Hands-On Practice: Take advantage of lab sessions, clinical simulations, and practicum experiences to hone your assessment and intervention skills. Actively participate in hands-on activities to reinforce concepts and build muscle memory.

3. Teach and Explain: One of the most effective ways to solidify your understanding of a topic is to teach it to someone else. Form study groups, explain concepts to classmates, or even mentor junior students. Teaching reinforces your knowledge while helping others learn.

Types of Learner

You'll find that when you start PT school, there are many approaches to learning the material. Some people prefer rote memorization via flashcards. Others may choose to get up and move while they are learning the material. Recognizing that every student has a unique learning style, it's essential to cater to the four types of learners:

1. Visual Learners: Visual learners grasp information best through visual aids such as diagrams, charts, and videos. Utilize visual resources during study sessions, create colorful mind maps to organize information, and seek out educational videos related to physical therapy concepts.

1. Auditory Learners: Auditory learners learn best through listening and verbal explanations. Engage in group discussions, participate in study groups where concepts are discussed aloud, and consider recording lectures to review later. Explaining concepts to a study partner or listening to podcasts related to physical therapy topics can also be beneficial.

1. Kinesthetic Learners: Kinesthetic learners thrive on hands-on experiences and tactile learning. Take advantage of lab sessions and clinical simulations to practice hands-on skills. Incorporate movement into your study routine, such as pacing while reviewing notes or using physical props to demonstrate anatomical concepts.

1. Reading/Writing Learners: Reading/writing learners prefer to process information through written words. Take thorough notes during lectures and rewrite them in your own words to reinforce understanding. Create flashcards, summarize key concepts in written form, and engage in reflective writing exercises to solidify your learning.

Time Management: Balancing School and Life

Physical therapy school demands a significant time commitment, but it's essential to carve out time for personal pursuits and relaxation. Here's how to manage your time effectively:

1. Prioritize Tasks: Use tools like to-do lists or time-blocking techniques to prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. Allocate sufficient time for studying, attending classes, clinical rotations, and self-care activities.

2. Set Boundaries: Learn to say no to commitments that may interfere with your academic or personal goals. Establish boundaries to protect your study time and prevent burnout.

3. Utilize Technology: Leverage technology to streamline your workflow and stay organized. Digital calendars, task management apps, and note-taking software can help you stay on track and manage deadlines efficiently.

4. Never cram right before the exam: I have a strong opinion against cramming right before you walk into the exam. Think about it like this: if you were about to run a marathon, you probably wouldn’t sprint 400 meters just before you start the race for a warm-up. 

Maintaining Balance: Nurturing Your Well-Being

Success in physical therapy school isn't just about academic achievements; it's also about maintaining your physical and mental well-being. Here are some tips for staying balanced:

1. Exercise Regularly: Physical activity not only improves your physical health but also enhances cognitive function and reduces stress. Find time for regular exercise, whether it's hitting the gym, going for a run, or practicing yoga.

2. Practice Self-Care: Make self-care a priority by getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and taking breaks when needed. Incorporate relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises to manage stress.

3. Cultivate Relationships: Foster meaningful connections with classmates, faculty members, and mentors. Surround yourself with a supportive network that understands the challenges of physical therapy school and can provide encouragement and guidance.

Tools I used:

1. Notability for Note-Taking and Lecture Recording: Notability became my go-to app for taking comprehensive notes during lectures. Its versatile features allowed me to create organized, visually appealing notes while recording audio simultaneously. This proved invaluable for capturing every detail of the lecture and reviewing key concepts later.

2. ANKI for Virtual Flashcards: ANKI served as my virtual flashcard companion, offering a convenient way to reinforce learning during downtime. Whether I was waiting in line to get coffee or commuting to school, I could easily access ANKI on my smartphone and engage in spaced repetition learning. This helped me retain information more effectively and maximize study time.

3. Lofi Hip Hop Radio on Spotify: Creating the right study environment is crucial for concentration and productivity. Lofi hip hop radio on Spotify became my soundtrack for focused study sessions. Its soothing beats and calming melodies helped me stay immersed in my studies while maintaining a relaxed state of mind. This ambient background music proved instrumental in reducing distractions and enhancing my cognitive performance.

Conclusion:

Achieving success in physical therapy school requires dedication, resilience, and a commitment to active learning. By embracing strategies that promote engagement, mastering time management techniques, and prioritizing your well-being, you can excel academically while maintaining a fulfilling life outside of school. Remember, success is not just about what you accomplish in the classroom but also how you nurture your personal growth and balance in all aspects of life.