Need some profession help!..

[Lax891122]

Well, after a trip to the hospital for a mini-stroke and some speaking to nurses etc etc.. I have began questioning wether or not I am on the right track. Right now Im a 19 year old sophomore at Grand Valley in Michigan.. currently a Health Professions major.. which is essentially their undergrad to get health majors to grad school.

Well.. Im looking to get my Doctor of Phys. Therapy degree.. however after looking at salaries, I am questioning that. I read median salary is around $75K, which, although good, is a little below what I would like to make(not to sound like a spoiled bitch).

I was also talking to a nurse. She mentioned the massive shortage in nursing, not to mention that a nurse anesthetist can make $120K+. Also, through research, I saw a sports med physician is making median $250K... now.. I know the schooling is much more rigorous. However, I have a few questions.

First off.. can a PT specialize beyond just a licensed Doc of PT to increase pay into six figures? I see some PTs walking around that are loaded, however it seems that most therapists are making slightly above average pay. I was also looking at possibly a specialized Physician's assistant in the realm of orthopaedics or sports medicine, if at all possible. I just can't find many pay statistics associated with this specialization.

Anyone here with stories, salary facts, etc about sports med, PT or specialized PT, or maybe specilized PAs?

[bjoh17]

gv represent

[Rob Awesome]

Honestly man... do what you're passionate about.

...money is important.. money is good, but if you're not going to enjoy what you're doing - you're eventually going to burn out and drop it... or kill yourself.

I was pursuing a Doctoral of Physical Therapy, but dropped to pursue my MS/PhD in Kinesiology/Energy Metabolism with a concentration in Exercise Endocrinology... specific to insulin, glucagon, testosterone, estrogen, cortisol, leptin, ghrelin, PPY, etc, etc, etc... I love it to death... and once I have my PhD... average starting salary for me would probably range from 78k-96k/year... but with all the student loans accruing... from my undergrad.. and for my grad/phd - despite my Research Assistant and Teaching Assistant fellowships... oy boy

Physical Therapy is a very in demand profession, especially as baby boomers age... and with Obamayomomma trying to make healthcare under a more socialist infrastructure.. or so I am led to believe (from my POV)... it can only mean the healthcare field can go one of two ways.. up or down. No gray area this time.

The thing about becoming a DPT or Md... there is no glory... there is no benefit (unless you're in it to help mankind.. which is selfish in itself b/c you're only doing it to make yourself feel better )

...I chose academia. I feel I have the potential and ability to get my cake and eat it too. I love it and enjoy the research.

And my CV/Resume looks pimp... why? Because I love what I do... so I take in ALL the experience I can with the support of my department.

Good luck!

[Lax891122]

gv represent

Hell yes. How do you like it so far?

Honestly man... do what you're passionate about.

...money is important.. money is good, but if you're not going to enjoy what you're doing - you're eventually going to burn out and drop it... or kill yourself.

I was pursuing a Doctoral of Physical Therapy, but dropped to pursue my MS/PhD in Kinesiology/Energy Metabolism with a concentration in Exercise Endocrinology... specific to insulin, glucagon, testosterone, estrogen, cortisol, leptin, ghrelin, PPY, etc, etc, etc... I love it to death... and once I have my PhD... average starting salary for me would probably range from 78k-96k/year... but with all the student loans accruing... from my undergrad.. and for my grad/phd - despite my Research Assistant and Teaching Assistant fellowships... oy boy

Physical Therapy is a very in demand profession, especially as baby boomers age... and with Obamayomomma trying to make healthcare under a more socialist infrastructure.. or so I am led to believe (from my POV)... it can only mean the healthcare field can go one of two ways.. up or down. No gray area this time.

The thing about becoming a DPT or Md... there is no glory... there is no benefit (unless you're in it to help mankind.. which is selfish in itself b/c you're only doing it to make yourself feel better )

...I chose academia. I feel I have the potential and ability to get my cake and eat it too. I love it and enjoy the research.

And my CV/Resume looks pimp... why? Because I love what I do... so I take in ALL the experience I can with the support of my department.

Good luck!

I appreciate it.. and that is a pretty ridiculous title. Good stuff! I know that I should do what I am passionate about. With that said, I feel as if at this juncture in my life, I am not overly passionate about too much.. as bad as it sounds. I need to begin growing up and talking to my advisers. Call me vain, but I would like to be making 6 figs throughout my career.

With that said, I know PT is most likely going to grow(barring the Obama universal HC issue). However I think I need to see where I can go with certain degrees.. and if those different routes could perhaps show different bonuses. It just hit me when I heard this morning that once the baby boomers retire from nursing, there will be nearly a 60% shortage.. and nurses, especially traveling, can make up to $65-70/hour..

[riseboi]

Call me vain, but I would like to be making 6 figs throughout my career.

A career in PT is not the career for you then...

[Outside backer]

man your on the wrong path but thinking typical for a 19 yr old

I too was in your position. after I joined the military I work currently in avionics I used to like electronics but mainly because of money, not really love. I had a grip load of schooling and credit toward my electrical engineering degree. I would force myself through these classes, hating school, hating my job, hating the degree program. But I kept saying Its all about the money. Then last fall it finally hit me. after wanting to yank my truck into the first tree I saw on my way to work I realized what good is being miserable my whole life just to go earn top dollar. SUre other folks have it much worse then me But I truly could not stand my job that Im doing right now, its boring mind numbing work and sure on the outside it pays great but hell when you get to the point that getting out of bed makes you wanna scream, its time to evaluate what really matters in life.

I hate my job school etc but i was going to make the big dough. well I said **** it. My time in the usaf was coming to a opportunity to retrain and start fresh

I just got approved for contracting and changed my Major to Business finance. A passion I have. Ive always been a closet economist stock market freak and although I had to start all over in school, new job etc. Im thrilled excited I pay more attention in class and Im studying something I truly love


if your merely in school looking for the top buck and not doing what you really love when you get older and more mature your gonna hate yourself. when you get family wife kids mortgage etc and your miserable all day long in a job you dont really have a passion for its gonna cause undue stress that you dont need.

ask My spouse she hated when I got home from work I was so miserable I really really was. I leave in september for techschool to start my new career in the military, as well as I just completed a semester where my grades where the best in years because I actually enjoyed class although I hate accounting lol

your still young so you may not heed any of this advice but im 30 yrs old and time flies

[chasinSKURT]

Dude... become a surgeon if you want tons of cash.

I hope to one day do orthopedic surgery, but honestly the pays an added bonus... call me sick, but I think I'll be happy doing performing surgery.

My ex girlfriend has twin brothers, who oddly enough are both orthapedic surgeons. They're finishing fellowships this year, and were turning down jobs for 400k because they know they can get more.

Cliffs-
Stay in school forever, it kicks ass
Get a badass job that you like

[Lax891122]

I appreciate the advice.. I have bounced from nutrition to chemistry(I ****ing hate chem..)to PA to PT. Im still fairly young and, most importantly, in undergrad. With that said.. I think I need to find my actual passion. Right now.. I really dont know. I need to get clinical hours in and more contact. However, as of right now, I do enjoy the area of medical.. especially physical therapy.

.. And just because I am a PT doesnt mean that is my end all be all when it comes to income. I suppose it will all come with time.

[Verloren]

Dude... become a surgeon if you want tons of cash.

I hope to one day do orthopedic surgery, but honestly the pays an added bonus... call me sick, but I think I'll be happy doing performing surgery.

My ex girlfriend has twin brothers, who oddly enough are both orthapedic surgeons. They're finishing fellowships this year, and were turning down jobs for 400k because they know they can get more.

Cliffs-
Stay in school forever, it kicks ass
Get a badass job that you like

It isn't worth it if you aren't happy.

I know a doc who spends half the year in a hospital, and the other half in the Caribbean on a yacht.

Several of my friends are completing their Ph.D this year, and some are really wondering where to go. A few have their mind set on staying in academia, while others are thinking about going into a biotech firm.

[muruku]

What would cause a mini-stroke at 19?

[bjoh17]

Hell yes. How do you like it so far?

Just got back from DD'ing...but its fun man.


mini stroke? wtf?

[Lax891122]

Well.. I had an unfused portion in my atrial septum called a PFO..A common disorder when the two flaps of atrial wall dont fuse around birth time. A clot ran up and probably made its way though but its f-ed up because ive been lifting and playing sports for awhile and never had a problem which is weird. With that said, they fix it wiht a catheter tube.

But.. I was thinking.. Got a little mind altered tonight..

And I am looking to go to PT school.. without a doubt. But.. At a community college by me, there is a program to become an RN.. something that I learned will be at a 60% shortage when baby-boomers retire. Now.. I would have a slightly advanced medical knowledge.. and as a business/finance minor(required a minor by my major.. did a double) I feel like I could expand to other areas of the work force. Oh and this RN program is only 2 years after the pre reqs(That id have from my General Health Professions undergrad).

Does this make any sense? I am wondering if I would see any benefit at all.

[bjoh17]

Well.. I had an unfused portion in my atrial septum called a PFO..A common disorder when the two flaps of atrial wall dont fuse around birth time. A clot ran up and probably made its way though but its f-ed up because ive been lifting and playing sports for awhile and never had a problem which is weird. With that said, they fix it wiht a catheter tube.

But.. I was thinking.. Got a little mind altered tonight..

And I am looking to go to PT school.. without a doubt. But.. At a community college by me, there is a program to become an RN.. something that I learned will be at a 60% shortage when baby-boomers retire. Now.. I would have a slightly advanced medical knowledge.. and as a business/finance minor(required a minor by my major.. did a double) I feel like I could expand to other areas of the work force. Oh and this RN program is only 2 years after the pre reqs(That id have from my General Health Professions undergrad).

Does this make any sense? I am wondering if I would see any benefit at all.

Im a finance and business economics double major... the only ****ty thing is you'd be behind quite a bit with all the core business classes...RN would be a great choice but getting into nursing school is a task itself and thus why there is such a shortage.

[jeremyleinen]

I like how so many people right out of high school think its as simple as just getting through school and then having a 6 figure salary just handed to them. Good luck with that.

[Lax891122]

I like how so many people right out of high school think its as simple as just getting through school and then having a 6 figure salary just handed to them. Good luck with that.

Did I say that?
No.

I want to make 6 figures at a point in my career. Oh, and Im currently a sophomore so.. Im not right out of high school.. Thanks though.

Im a finance and business economics double major... the only ****ty thing is you'd be behind quite a bit with all the core business classes...RN would be a great choice but getting into nursing school is a task itself and thus why there is such a shortage.

Yeah MCC is offering an RN program that, through talking to a nurse, is pretty decent. What do you mean when you said I'd be behind?
I ask because I plan on being in undergrad for 5 years(undecided major frosh year). I should have most of my core Health classes done, so Ill have a year or so, not including summer, to work on my minor.

Im just trying to figure if Doc of Phys Therapy and RN degrees together would be beneficial or if it would be pointless.

[jeremyleinen]

Did I say that?
No.

How about you re-read and see that I want to make 6 figures at a point in my career. Oh, and Im currently a sophomore so.. Im not right out of high school.. am i?

Well, you basically take on that kind of attitude that whatever you major in is going to 100% dictate your future and if you pick the magic one then you're set for life. And being in your 2nd year of college, you're basically right out of high school- your head is full of a lot of senseless bull**** about college with a completely unrealistic view of how the world really works.

[Lax891122]

Well, you basically take on that kind of attitude that whatever you major in is going to 100% dictate your future and if you pick the magic one then you're set for life. And being in your 2nd year of college, you're basically right out of high school- your head is full of a lot of senseless bull**** about college with a completely unrealistic view of how the world really works.

Well thank you for telling me how I am thinking. I appreciate the advice on how everything works instead of you just telling me I don't know ****. You're a very helpful individual. I am also baffled that you know what my major entitles.. and that you know having a bachelors in Health Professions is an very broad health degree essentially used to get into a graduate school. But right.. Im some know-nothing ignorant kid.

Oh and I asked about adding in other things, such as finance, business, nursing, different training certifications, etc because I have a mind that is closed off to possibilities in the world. I'm getting my DPT degree and that is what I am doing for the REST of my life without a single variation!



.. Yeah.

[bjoh17]

Yeah MCC is offering an RN program that, through talking to a nurse, is pretty decent. What do you mean when you said I'd be behind?
I ask because I plan on being in undergrad for 5 years(undecided major frosh year). I should have most of my core Health classes done, so Ill have a year or so, not including summer, to work on my minor.

Im just trying to figure if Doc of Phys Therapy and RN degrees together would be beneficial or if it would be pointless.

You said you might switch to Business and Seidman has the core business classes that you need to take before beginning your major related classes. I figured if you were already planning on medical then odds are you wouldn't have already taken CS 150, BUS 201, ACC 212 & 213, MGT 268, etc. Therefore you would behind in your courses. This is assuming you did switch to business. But if you planned on taking 5 years, then all is well.

Well, you basically take on that kind of attitude that whatever you major in is going to 100% dictate your future and if you pick the magic one then you're set for life. And being in your 2nd year of college, you're basically right out of high school- your head is full of a lot of senseless bull**** about college with a completely unrealistic view of how the world really works.

Pretty presumptuous man...uncalled for.

[Lax891122]

You said you might switch to Business and Seidman has the core business classes that you need to take before beginning your major related classes. I figured if you were already planning on medical then odds are you wouldn't have already taken CS 150, BUS 201, ACC 212 & 213, MGT 268, etc. Therefore you would behind in your courses. This is assuming you did switch to business. But if you planned on taking 5 years, then all is well.



Pretty presumptuous man...uncalled for.

Good call. Ive taken anatomy and orgo.. however not many major classes like biochem or microbio yet.

But yeah Id love to keep the two disciplines separate. I'd imagine taking all my medical directly prior to DPT school would help. Looks like I'm going to be looking into my classes. But hey how are those core business courses? I hear some are obnoxiously tough.

[bjoh17]

Good call. Ive taken anatomy and orgo.. however not many major classes like biochem or microbio yet.

But yeah Id love to keep the two disciplines separate. I'd imagine taking all my medical directly prior to DPT school would help. Looks like I'm going to be looking into my classes. But hey how are those core business courses? I hear some are obnoxiously tough.

I mean I'm just in my second semester right now, so I've only taken a few classes. CS150 = ridiculously easy. ACC 212= My first accounting class...but is getting easier every day. ECO 210= Professor doesn't teach jack **** but its easy. STA 215= Boring/easy. I'm finishing up these core classes next semester and I'm not really too worried. From the people that I've talked to, they're just a lot of work. Accounting is definitely a handful. But from the stress I've seen my friends go through over basic chem and then orgo... I'm not the least bit concerned. To be honest, I love this stuff and that's why it is rather easy for me...

[Outside backer]

I have my accounting final next week god I hted that class lol so boring

[Kernkraft]

Dude... become a surgeon if you want tons of cash.

I hope to one day do orthopedic surgery, but honestly the pays an added bonus... call me sick, but I think I'll be happy doing performing surgery.

My ex girlfriend has twin brothers, who oddly enough are both orthapedic surgeons. They're finishing fellowships this year, and were turning down jobs for 400k because they know they can get more.

Cliffs-
Stay in school forever, it kicks ass
Get a badass job that you like

Stay in school forever is something I second. I love reading/listening about how people think that the 60-80k salaries are just there for the taking or handed out like biscuits after bachelors degrees... unless you're Ivy or coming from a very well-known top program with close to a 4.0 etc etc... there's a serious reality check headed your way. Luckily I reread that you wanted your "doctorate" at first I read it like a simple bachelor's and my eyes popped up at the 75k because Ivy leaguers barely make that as juniors on wall street (show's you how screwed up things are). Anywho the value of a bachelors now has reached what a high school degree was in the 70's/80's.

It sucks going to school forever in some ways because you end up studying forever and sacrificing your weekends (I work full time also in addition to grad school)... but remember this, there is always someone out there in this rat race who is working harder than you if not just as hard and willing to put in the extra sacrifice/hours.

Personally, I have a dual bachelors with honors, an associates, working on my MSF and CFA, plan on doing a bachelors in applied mathematics and then heading off to either UC Berkeley Haas or Kent State for a MS in Financial Engineering in 3-4 years... people coming out of those programs... median starting salary (and this is just base we are not even talking bonus which can be ridiculously exponential lol) is ... 225k last I checked.... and then maybe a PhD in something or JD for kicks

Either way I've committed to having no life for the next 10 years of my life... lol

/end tangent

2nd edit - props for being 19 y/o and having such a forward-thinking mentality - when I was 19 I couldn't get my mind off of pussy, alcohol, and just ****ing around in general. You've got a good head on your shoulders.

[Outside backer]

im 30 married and career and still cant keep my mind off pussy lol

[Ace28]

Do what makes you happy, but with that said if you do what makes you happy and the pay is crap and your struggling though life then you won't be happy either. Go for the money as long as it is something you have some interest in. Alot of people don't exactly love your job, but as long as you don't hate it you'll be fine.

[bjoh17]

I have my accounting final next week god I hted that class lol so boring

I hate that class. So tedious and annoying.

Personally, I have a dual bachelors with honors, an associates, working on my MSF and CFA, plan on doing a bachelors in applied mathematics and then heading off to either UC Berkeley Haas or Kent State for a MS in Financial Engineering in 3-4 years... people coming out of those programs... median starting salary (and this is just base we are not even talking bonus which can be ridiculously exponential lol) is ... 225k last I checked.... and then maybe a PhD in something or JD for kicks

Financial Engineering?? Please explain... I've seen you all over the stock analysis threads and am an avid listener to you.

[Kernkraft]

I hate that class. So tedious and annoying.



Financial Engineering?? Please explain... I've seen you all over the stock analysis threads and am an avid listener to you.

Basically becoming a quantitative financial expert... develop financial models (through applied mathematics, programming, statistics) to measure and hedge risk scenarios/profiles for trading, portfolio management, etc. Just takes my interest and desire for derivative securities and implementation of them in terms of risk management to the next level. Essentially becoming a quote on quote "quant"... end goal is to become the a hell of a professional trader.

Thanks for the kind words btw, I'm flattered (no homo).

[bjoh17]

Basically becoming a quantitative financial expert... develop financial models (through applied mathematics, programming, statistics) to measure and hedge risk scenarios/profiles for trading, portfolio management, etc. Just takes my interest and desire for derivative securities and implementation of them in terms of risk management to the next level. Essentially becoming a quote on quote "quant"... end goal is to become the a hell of a professional trader.

Thanks for the kind words btw, I'm flattered (no homo).

Wow, that sounds pretty damn cool. That sounds like the path that I want to follow. Eventually becoming a hedge/mutual fund manager.

Where do you go to school that offers this?

[Kernkraft]

Wow, that sounds pretty damn cool. That sounds like the path that I want to follow. Eventually becoming a hedge/mutual fund manager.

Where do you go to school that offers this?

http://www.global-derivatives.com/in...ask=view&id=55

Edit - another great program and one of a kind if you're looking to be a fund manager... the MS Investment Management program at Boston University is a one of a kind and definitely worth looking into.

[RippedFibers]

I know this has probably been said, but.....

you've got to do what makes you happy, regardless of how much you are going to be making. I would much rather be happy and making little then miserable and making a lot.

I've been down, and still am, that path were I've tried to balance pay with pleasure. I ultimately went with pleasure, and currently, my intended major is Nutrition as Pre-Med. Even with my master's my salary will only be 25-50k a year. And yes, thats with experience. I do plan on pursuing Sports Nutrition and possibly try to work for a sports team or individuals, so it has the potential to all work out.

In the end money should not be the deciding factor when it comes to a career.

Besides, I plan on getting married to a wealthy women (), and currently have do desire for children. So lets say I make 50k, she makes 70k or so (I was joking on the wealthy part). Thats 120k a year, and with no kids, thats actually not too bad.

[Kernkraft]

I know this has probably been said, but.....

you've got to do what makes you happy, regardless of how much you are going to be making. I would much rather be happy and making little then miserable and making a lot.

I've been down, and still am, that path were I've tried to balance pay with pleasure. I ultimately went with pleasure, and currently, my intended major is Nutrition as Pre-Med. Even with my master's my salary will only be 25-50k a year. And yes, thats with experience. I do plan on pursuing Sports Nutrition and possibly try to work for a sports team or individuals, so it has the potential to all work out.

In the end money should not be the deciding factor when it comes to a career.

Besides, I plan on getting married to a wealthy women (), and currently have do desire for children. So lets say I make 50k, she makes 70k or so (I was joking on the wealthy part). Thats 120k a year, and with no kids, thats actually not too bad.

Oh hai I'm here for your taxes good sir