PT to Med: Is it feasible?

Note: I am aware that this subreddit is tailored towards the career of physical therapy and not PT school. However, I do feel that input from you all would also be very constructive and helpful as well.

Hey everyone,

I recently graduated with a degree in Kinesiology and was on the Pre-PT track throughout undergrad. I’m currently in the admissions process for PT school—waitlisted at my top choice but accepted into another solid, affordable program close to home.

That said, I’ve been having serious doubts about moving forward with PT. The more I look at the financial investment, salary, and long-term career trajectory, the more I worry about burnout and whether I’ll still want to do this in 15-20 years. I love healthcare and helping others, but I’m starting to feel like I chose PT because it seemed like a safer option. Even my parents have pointed that out.

I’m 22, and if I’m going to grind for something, I want to make sure it’s the right thing. I’ve always been interested in orthopaedics and sports medicine, but my only clinical experience is from an outpatient PT internship and shadowing. I know switching to medicine would mean starting over in many ways—taking extra classes, gaining clinical experience outside of PT, taking the MCAT, and tackling an even longer, more demanding road. But I’m willing to put in the work if it means a career I’ll be happy with long-term.

For those of you who have been practicing PT for a while, have you ever had similar doubts? Do you know anyone who transitioned from PT to medicine, or even just wished they had? I’d really appreciate any insight—whether it’s encouragement, a reality check, or just a different perspective.

Thanks in advance!