Aspen Karns
My Major Goals
Major: Exercise Science
Currently, I am majoring in Exercise Science on the Pre-Physical Therapy Track. I majored in Exercise Science because of its similarities and crossovers to physical therapy and its curriculum. Classes that were offered, for example Biomechanics and Physical Activity and Disease, had great overlap with the concepts and topics I would learn in physical therapy school. I also have a passion for fitness and exercise outside of my career goals, so the major was a great fit. My major goals were to get at least a 3.7 cumulative GPA, get involved in clubs and organizations, get observation hours in many different physical therapy settings, and get everything set up to get accepted into physical therapy school. I am happy to report that I was able to meet all of these goals. I met my 3.7 cumulative GPA by studying almost every day, getting As and Bs consistently, and attending class regularly. I got involved in at least 5 student organizations and 4 types of employment. I was able to get observation hours in outpatient, inpatient, pediatrics, acute care, wound care, neuro, and home health. I was able to fully complete all of my applications and requirements and I was able to get into physical therapy school!
My Career Goals
My main goal is to become a physical therapist. What led to my interest in physical therapy as a career choice were my athletic coaches and trainers throughout middle and high School. I saw my teammates get hurt and wondered how they could recover and get back to "normal". I then observed the athletic trainer at my high school. After that, I was given the opportunity to shadow a physical therapist in an outpatient setting. I was blown away by how much the therapist knew and how she could treat many different types of patients, from joint replacements to TMJ. After that experience, I knew I wanted to be a physical therapist. Additionally, throughout my college career I have been able to shadow outpatient for over 100 hours, work for Athletico as a rehabilitation aide for a year, and shadowed in inpatient, acute care, wound care, neuro, pediatrics, and even home health! These experiences not only reinforced my initial interest in physical therapy but have increased my interest as I've seen physical therapy through many different perspectives and settings. Now that I will be attending physical therapy school at IU Indianapolis, the next steps are to excel through physical therapy school, graduate, pass the National Physical Therapy Examination, and figure out what setting or settings I would like to work in as a physical therapist. To excel in physical therapy school, I want to study for at least an hour every day, participate fully in classes, and make sure I understand every skill and technique I am taught. Alongside completing physical therapy school, I would also like to get involved in physical therapy research and work with a professor to help conduct research.
