Cashmere High School

Job Description: Physical therapists (PTs) help patients reduce pain, as well as improve their mobility and function. Physical therapists can teach patients how to prevent or manage their condition so that they will achieve long-term health benefits and improve their quality of life. I personally work in an outpatient setting and treat patients one on one for 45-minute sessions. I use various manual therapy techniques, as well as instruct patients on how to perform individualized exercise programs.

Physical therapists can provide care for people in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes.

Education: University of Washington - Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish (4 years). University of Washington - Doctorate of Physical Therapy (3 years).

Jobs: I volunteered at 2 different Physical Therapy clinics prior to applying to Graduate School. I also worked as an aide/exercise staff at a PT clinic, where I assisted patients in learning exercise programs.

Proudest moment(s) since high school: earning Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree and giving birth to my 10 month old daughter last spring

Advice to HS students: Don’t worry about choosing a specific career path in undergraduate school. I knew I was interested in the medical field, so I ended up taking general science prerequisites, allowing me to apply to graduate school. My other love was Spanish, so I chose this as my Major. I am able to use Spanish in my current career, which has been extremely valuable, and allows me to connect with all of my patients on a more personal level.