Hometown: Winston-Salem, NC

Name of Undergraduate Institution: East Carolina University

Major(s)/Minor(s) in College: Exercise Physiology

Name of DPT School: Methodist University Doctor of Physical Therapy

Favorite Quote: “Give yourself some credit for how far you’ve come.”

Contact Info: jscales114@gmail.com

Additional Links:
Instagram: @ j_scalesss

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Where are you currently at in your career path and why did you decide to pursue this career path?

I am in my last year of pursuing my Doctorate of Physical Therapy. I am currently in my first full-time clinical rotation. After doing a cartwheel in the wet grass I fractured my wrist. I underwent physical therapy and have been amazed at the profession ever since.

If you could go back and have a chat with your naïve college freshman self, what would you tell her?

I wish I would not have stressed about school in undergrad, because graduate school taught me that if you put in the work you will get the desired result.

What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue a similar path as yours?

Maintain a strong GPA, start researching schools/the application process early, and get as many shadowing hours as possible in a variety of settings!

What is a major challenge you have had to overcome and how did you do so?

Managing stress and time management. I took advantage of weekends for studying. Even on stressful days, I always made sure to plan time for myself so I would have something to look forward to.

What is your favorite thing about your PT school?

The amazing learning opportunities and the relationships formed with patients and colleagues!

What advice would you give to someone getting ready to start their application process to PT schools?

Research the application process for each school because the requirements for each school are slightly different! It is important to understand what each school requires so that your application will not be eliminated. Start preparing for entrance exams early. There are a ton of useful resources. I took a class that helped me achieve my desired score on the GRE.

Did you take some time off before PT school? If so, what did you do during that time?

I took an eight month break off during PT school starting in May 2018. I worked and studied. I worked hard to get into PT school since the start of my freshman year at East Carolina and I think I was experiencing burnout. Once I returned to school in January 2019 I was a much stronger student. There is nothing wrong with taking time off, we are human and sometimes we all need a break!

Do you have any passions outside of school? If so, what are they?

I love working out! I have a huge interest in lower extremity resistance training and cardio!

What do you like to do for fun?

Shopping, eating, going on trips, drinking iced coffee each morning

What do you feel is the most challenging part of PT school? The easiest part?

The toughest part is managing stress, the easiest part is knowing that you are not alone!

How have you been able to deal with your romantic relationship and PT school at the same time?

I have been single because I wanted to dedicate all of my time to school. Now that the end of PT school is approaching, I would not mind getting into a relationship if it is meant to be.

In regards to dating, what kind of qualities are you looking for in someone?

Loyal, Honest, Great Communicator, Respectful, Affectionate, Adventurous, Someone I can have fun with!

What did you do during the summer before you started PT school?

I had a graduation party I will never forget, I went on a cruise and spent a lot of time hanging out with family and friends.

What do you do to get through the stressful nature of PT school?

Working out daily, setting realistic goals for myself, treating myself to something every Friday, celebrating accomplishments and making sure to have time for myself each day.

What is it like attending school in your city/town?

My school is located in Fayetteville, NC. Fayetteville is a military base so it is a very diverse town!

What were some of your involvements in college? Have those involvements helped you in any way in PT school?

I was an Anatomy Tutor in undergrad, a part of various honor societies and I conducted and presented research. Getting involved in research in undergrad was helpful because I had to help conduct and present research in physical therapy school. I had the opportunity to present research with my colleague at the 2020 North Carolina Physical Therapy Association Fall Conference. I love research so it was a great experience.

Who are some of your favorite musicians? Favorite books? Shows? Movies?

Lil Baby, Gunna, Roddy Rich, Future and Drake. My favorite movie is Project X!

Thanks a ton for sharing all of this fantastic information with us Jasmine! We really appreciate you taking the time to do so! Best of luck to you as you advance into your career as a Doctor in Physical Therapy!

Health Career Spotlights Home Page

Posted on May 27th, 2021