Alumni Spotlight

Rainey Stoner came to UP as a business major but graduated as a Pre-PT Biology major. During Rainey’s sophomore year, she was an intern at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in the early childhood development department, where she assisted in teaching the Oregon Homeschool Science Club. Finding a passion for science and early childhood development, Rainey officially switched to Biology at the end of her sophomore year. In the summer of 2018, she job shadowed at a Rehabilitation Center in her hometown, Havre, MT which openeed her eyes to the vast field of Physical Therapy. Eager to learn more about PT during junior year, she interned at Innovative Services NW, a pediatric clinic serving children with disabilities or other challenges. Over the summer of 2019, she then started working as a float physical therapy aide for Proactive Physical Therapy Specialists. Rainey stresses that, “working allows me to get hands-on experience, along with learning the business side to PT”.  In the fall of 2019, she applied to physical therapy schools and was accepted to several schools but ultimately chose George Fox where she is currently a second year PT student.

1. Give a short description of your application process / tips for upcoming applicants.

The application process for physical therapy school consists of two parts, the first is the general application through PTCAS (Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service) and the second is an interview if invited. I applied to six schools and started my applications in July 2019 when the new cycle opened on PTCAS, continuing through fall. Throughout the summer, I researched programs that way; I didn’t waste time when the application opened. The first thing I did was complete all the material that needed to be verified, such as observation hours, transcripts, and letters of recommendation because they take time to process. The personal statement and essays were the most critical and time-consuming part of the application process. I also had to take the GRE, which I did in the fall. I got invited to interview in November from two schools.

The advice I would give to upcoming applicants is to get organized and plan. Take the GRE over the summer or during a break because taking it during school and while applying is not ideal. Keep a record of observation hours along with what you learned from the experience, so you have something to refer back to for essays and interviews. Give yourself plenty of time to write essays and have as many people as possible read them. Ask for reference letters in advance and take care of the little parts of the application first. Read all the application processes for each program because they all require different things and will not review your application if anything is missing.

2. How did your time at UP help you with your career choice, application, etc.?

Taking the OT/PT class at UP allowed me to learn more about the process of becoming a physical therapist. The professor brought in a variety of speakers such as specialists, therapists, graduate admission counselors from Pacific University, and a recruiter from OHSU.

I attended events such as the Health Profession fair put on by Dr. Flann & Becca Henley where I met ambassadors from numerous programs, which gave me a better understanding of the program rather than just reading about it online.

I utilized the faculty and departments throughout the years. The career center was excellent in preparing me for interviews. Reaching out to faculty aided in finding internships and assured I was on the right track.

3. What are your favorite memories of UP / any highlights?

My favorite memories at UP was my involvement with the Moreau Center. While doing local and international community service, I developed many lasting friendships and had had eye-opening experiences.  I participated in the Service Plunge freshman year and served as a small group leader for the Service Plunge Sophomore and Junior year.  I also participated in the Nicaragua Immersion and served as co-leader to the Civil Rights Immersion.

4. What general advice would you give aspiring pre-health types?

The advice I would give to aspiring pre-health students would be not to limit yourself and put yourself out there. Take advantage of time in undergrad by gaining diverse experiences in health care and the local community. Don’t just do things for resume builders, do something you are passionate about because it will show in your application.