Being a staunch believer of physical activity, I practiced Taekwondo Martial Arts for six years and eventually became a First Degree Black Belt. This extra-curricular activity during teen years shaped the person I am in terms of discipline, dedication, and perseverance. It also reinforced my desire and joy of physical activities, along with the health benefits it gives the human body.
I am finishing the last course requirement to earn a B.S. degree in Exercise Science and Sports Medicine with an emphasis in Pre-Physical Therapy and Human Performance from the California Lutheran University (CLU). During the years of study at CLU, I was on the Dean’s Honor List each year and earned Departmental Honors in 2009. In addition to maintaining academic excellence, I was actively involved in several campus organizations (e.g., Latin American Student Organization, Student Support Services, Multicultural Program, Real Women Have Curves). To be as knowledgeable as possible in my field of study, additional courses such as Medical Terminology were successfully completed outside of CLU. I have always had an interest and passion for the field of Physical Therapy (PT). Though I served as a teacher’s aide during the first year of college, immediately after graduation, I obtained employment as a PT Assistant at Westlake Physical Therapy, Inc.
I provided volunteer service at Los Robles Hospital’s inpatient program. This experience allowed me to gain new insight, skills, and treatment options in a setting that’s quite different than outpatient programs. Though considered a “risky” work environment where staff is expected to be challenged and problem-solve, patient interaction and lessons learned there were invaluable. Los Robles’ staff also enabled me to realize the value of “team work” – collaborating with each health-care provider to ensure the best therapy for each patient.
Having a love for physical activity and desiring to obtain a career in the health-care field, when considering career options, I explored the top ten occupations. Careers that despite the economic status worldwide, would continue to be in-demand. Internet searches, magazine articles, health reports and other reliable literature consistently identified Physical Therapist as one of the top occupations. Nursing, medical/dental assistants, pharmacy, paramedics, and other health-care occupations were not as attractive. Nor did they provide the physical factor desired such as helping a paralytic regain mobility or assisting a cancer survivor renew body strength. I considered the unique and varied work settings available in PT, as well as being able to facilitate disabled or injured clients transition into stronger, able-bodied individuals.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, PT is a growing occupation projected to increase by 39 percent in 2020 (US News, 2013; Forbes Report, 2012). PT allows for an advanced medical degree, even when there’s no desire to be a physician. Consequently, it was through diligent research, the process of elimination, and current work experience that PT became my career of choice.
When considering which academic institution to apply, due diligence was put forth as I researched accredited physical therapist educational programs in California. According to the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) and the Department of Consumer Affairs – Physical Therapy Board of California, of 211 academics institutions in the state, only 14 qualified. Therefore, your university is among those at the top of my list because it is not only known as one of California’s best for PT studies, but also provides a rich academic environment that boosts an excellent track record. This is another reason for pursuing a graduate degree at one of the selected universities – yours included. I have successfully achieved every academic and athletic goal envisioned, grown from my employment and volunteering experience, and now ready for another educational adventure. I am determined, dedicated, and driven to realize my career dream as a PT. And provided the opportunity, I will rise to meet all academic challenges at the selected university and become a graduate that you can be proud of.
[Word Count 653]
Extra Note:
As done in DRAFT-2A, here are websites to verify university ratings in PT programs. This is for you only – NOT to include in the document, viz:
(http://www.apta.org/apta/directories/accreditedschools.aspx?navID=10737423273
http://www.ptbc.ca.gov/applicants/pt_schools.shtml
