Nick Lepore, a second-year student in the Master of Science in Physical Therapy program, will be graduating in a few short months. Nick shares highlights from the past two years and what his plans are after graduation.
What motivated you to pursue a career in physical therapy?
I know a lot of people say this but for me, it was having a good experience with a physical therapist. In high school, I injured my knee and went through the whole rehab process. I realized that physical therapists have such an enduring impact on people. I still remember the physical therapist I worked with.
From a young age, I always wanted a job where I could work with patients, and I chose physical therapy in hopes I could have the same impact for others. I want to provide my patients with that same level of care I received and help them get back to doing the things they enjoy and improve their quality of life.
What has been a highlight for you in your nearly two years in the program?
There have been so many! For me, internships have been a highlight. They have helped me realize how much I’ve learned in the program. The internships gave me that first taste of professional experience and responsibility, and it has been rewarding to see how, even as a student, I can have a long-lasting impact on a patient.
Aside from the internships, I have met so many great friends in the program. We spend so much time together throughout the program so I’ve made some of the best friends I’ve ever had, and I know I can call them at any time.
Is there anything you have been surprised to learn about yourself throughout the program?
I was surprised by how much information I was able to learn and the confidence I gained throughout the program.
There have been times when I have gone into a test not feeling very confident in my knowledge and skills but once I started my internships and started putting the knowledge and skills I’ve learned into practice, I realized just how much I have learned.
It can feel overwhelming starting out in a new profession. The internships have given me the chance to use the tools I’ve learned, and I have been able to build up my confidence as a physical therapist.
What do you wish more people knew about physical therapy?
Coming into the program, I wasn’t aware of the different roles that physical therapists can take on. I grew up in Thunder Bay where there aren’t as many specialized physical therapists, but I have learned that physical therapists have lots of knowledge beyond prescribing exercises.
I want more people to know that physical therapists can take on so many different areas of health – they can work in neuro rehab, acute care, intensive care and oncology. Physical therapy is really individualized for each patient – it's not a one-size-fits-all approach.
We also play a role in our patients’ emotional health. We offer a lot of emotional support when we encourage our patients to get up and start moving around. We make sure they feel safe and are prepared to be discharged.
You will be graduating in a few months. Do you have plans for after graduation?
Growing up, I played a lot of sports so I would love to find myself working in sports rehab. However, I want to explore my options. I hope to find a role where I can treat patients that coincide with my internship experiences.
Eventually, I hope to return home to Thunder Bay because there is a real need for physical therapists there. I always wanted to gain as much experience as I could working in Toronto and then bring that experience back to Thunder Bay. It’s a way I can give back to my community – one that really needs more health care providers.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I want to add that my time here has been the best two years of my life. I would encourage those considering applying to the program to go for it! The professors have been so supportive. They want to see you succeed and be great practitioners.
I would also like to thank all of the physical therapists who I have met along the way and have helped me to become the practitioner I will be in a few months!
