Must-Haves for PT School/Grad School
My physical therapy program runs on the trimester system year round, so the start of the summer term is coming up soon! Because there are a whole new group of students starting PT school, I decided to compile this list of must-haves for PT school or graduate school (online and in-person). This current worldwide situation means that we’re all at home π», so I made sure to include items that would cater to the study-from-home life and could be delivered to you! Whether you’re about to start school or you’re approaching your last didactic term, hope you find this list helpful!
I’ve got lotssss of recommendations π so I broke them up the items into these categories.
β¨ Click on the category below to jump to that section:
*Click on the item name for a direct link to the item page – these are affiliate links so purchasing from them would really help me, but if you’re uncomfortable with it, you can just search for the item title at the store of your choice!
STUDY SUPPLIES
>> The best investment I made during PT school was purchasing my iPad Pro – 11 in. and Apple Pencil 2 (pretty obvious cause my instagram has these two in EVERY post)
- Can have all lectures, textbooks, and notes in one place
- Eliminate the weight of notebooks, textbooks, and other supplies in your backpack
- Can be compatible with online test taking and test taking services (Proctor U, Respondus, etc.)
- Airdrop capabilities make it really easy to share anything with your classmates
- Note: I would definitely recommend the 11 in. cause it’s the perfect size to write notes on – not too big to carry around and not too small to study on. I’ve tried other styluses before, and none have matched the smoothness and ease of the Apple Pencil! Head over to my blog post (My Fav Apps for PT school) to see what app I use to take notes!
Alternative (if you’re team Microsoft instead): Surface Pro 7 + Surface Pen
iPad accessories that I use:
- iPad Pro Matte Screen Protector – the matte ones are great for that “pen and paper” feel π the one linked above is the one I have!
- iPad Pro Late 2018 Case – this is similar to the case I have (can’t find mine anymore), but I got mine when the iPad Pro just came out so there weren’t many options π I’m sure there are a bunch of good ones out now! Just make sure to look for one with an Apple pencil holder!
- iPad Pro Keyboard Case – I finally found a dupe for the Apple Smart Keyboard Folio!! So many cases on Amazon have a detachable keyboard case, but that means it won’t be able to close into one compact piece when the case is closed on the iPad. After searching all over Amazon, I finally found a slim integrated keyboard for my iPad Pro!
>> If you wanna stick with the traditional pen + paper, these are amazing!
- Come in all different (and very aesthetic) colors
- Don’t bleed through paper and ink dries fast
- Very lightweight and thin
- Ball point glides smoothly
- Can purchase in 0.38 or 0.5 thickness
- Pretty cheap
- Note: these are constantly out of stock on the Muji website, but you can easily purchase them on Amazon right now!
Alternative (if you want a retractible pen instead): Pilot G2 Retractible Gel Ball Pens
>> If you’re looking for some pigmented highlighters that’ll enhance your notes, look no further!
- Very pigmented
- Wide variety of unique colors
- Double sided – broad tip and fine tip
- Doesn’t bleed
- Glides very smoothly
- Note: I like to highlight the area first and then write on top of the highlighter to prevent any smudging
Alternative (if you don’t want your highlighters as pigmented): Sharpie Highlighters
>> When I took notes using pen and blank white paper, I LOVED this because it organized all my loose papers in a neat “notebook.”
- 24 pockets where you could separate all your papers for each class
- Tabs and different colored pockets for easy organizing
- Front pocket for blank paper or a cover
- Thin and portable compared to file organizers
- Note: organize your tabs/pockets by your class schedule so the order will be more convenient for you!
Alternative (if you don’t need all 25 pockets): IQ iScholar 15 Pocket Organizer
>> If you don’t have an iPad or tablet, a dry erase board can be super helpful for studying!
- Good for studying for exams and testing yourself
- Small and portable
- Comes with dry erase markers and eraser
- Can prop up with built in stand
- Note: you can also use it to test your classmates too – just write questions on the board and prop it up to quiz them!
Alternative (if you want a bigger one to study at home): Officeline Magnetic Dry Erase Board
Pilot BeGreen Dry Erase Markers
>> The best, most pigmented dry erase markers I’ve ever used, hands down
- VERY pigmented
- Marker tip glides really smoothly over a dry erase board
- Has refillable ink cartridges so you won’t have to buy a new marker when the ink runs out
- Don’t dry out quickly
- Clear capsule allows you to see how much ink is left in the marker
- Note: if your school has white boards on campus, you could just bring these markers to use when you study!
Alternative (if you want a more fine tip marker): Volcanics Black Dry Erase Markers
GRAD SCHOOL ESSENTIALS
>> Whether you’re on campus or at home, there’ll be times when noise-cancelling ear buds will be ESSENTIAL for you to focus on your work
- Wireless and connects via Bluetooth
- Noise-cancelling mode and transparency mode
- Sweat and water resistant
- Includes wireless charging case
- Note: make sure to get a case cause you’ll wanna prevent any scratches!
Alternative (if you’re team Samsung instead): Samsung Galaxy Buds
>> Staying hydrated can slip to the back of your mind, especially when you’re grinding for exams. This large reusable water bottle sitting on your desk will be a good reminder to drink more water throughout the day!
- Many different colors to choose from
- Straw lid makes drinking really convenient, especially when the bottle is full of water
- Very well insulated, keeping your water cold for hours
- Flask mouth is compatible with other lids so you can change it out for a different one if needed
- Note: for a little more flavor and added health benefits, I like to stick a green tea bag in the bottle with iced water!
Alternative (if you’re looking for a cheaper option): Takeya Stainless Steel Water Bottle
>> Especially now that everyone is studying from home, be prepared for the long hours in front of the computer. Having some lumbar support will help prevent future back issues or soreness.
- Supports natural thoracic and lumbar spinal curve
- Very sturdy with memory foam material
- Two straps keep the cushion in place on your chair
- Removable and washable mesh cover
- Note: Sitting at your desk constantly will definitely take a toll on your body, so any preventative measures will be beneficial in the end!
Alternative (if you want a cushion that covers most of your chair): Mkicesky Lumbar Support Back Pillow
>> Another item to help with desk posture!
- Allows for better ergonomics when using your laptop
- Fits laptops of various sizes
- Sturdy and portable
- Allows bottom of laptop to have better ventilation due to elevation
- Note: you could put a separate keyboard on the bottom too so the screen could be eye level while you’re typing at desk level!
Alternative (if you want the height to be adjustable): OMOTON Laptop Stand
>> Having a planner makes these days much more structured and productive
- Weekly and monthly spreads
- Has sections for short term and long term goals
- Weekly to-do lists and quotes
- Monthly reflection pages
- Many blank and dotted pages for anything else you want to write down
- Lots of different cover colors available
- Can choose size (small, medium, large), dates (academic, calendar, undated), and start day (sunday or monday)
- For every planner that is purchased, the company will donate one
- Note: as someone who likes bullet journalling but doesn’t have the time to create entire spreads, I loveee this for organizing my daily schedule and dumping my thoughts/tasks in one place! You can also now use my code “VALENTINE10” for 10% off your purchase!
Alternate (if you just want a simple planner): Moleskine Classic 12 Month 2020 Weekly Calendar
>> I’ve never used my blue light glasses so much until this quarantine – the glasses helped with the eye strain from hours of staring at the computer during class and while studying
- Reduces eye strain from blue light emitted from screens
- Helps you sleep better (the blue light makes sleeping more difficult)
- So many different brands and shapes to choose from now that blue light glasses are more popular
- Note: if you need a prescription on your glasses, you can also get the blue light effect added on when you buy your glasses!
Alternative (if your nose bridge isn’t very high – nose pads on the glasses will help the glasses stay up!): Livho Blue Light Glasses
PHYSICAL THERAPY SCHOOL ESSENTIALS
>> You might not need this now, but it is definitely a necessity on campus!
- Holds your ID and other cards in the card slot
- Kevlar cord – harder to break
- Can hang using the carabiner clip or the clip on the back
- Note: I used this one for a long time, and mine lasted much longer than others that my classmates used!
Alternative (if you want something more related to the medical field): Brain and Heart Badge Reel
>> You probably won’t need it now, but it is very useful (and even required) for in-person exams and practicals!
- Use for writing when you need to move around or when you don’t have a hard surface to write on
- Thin and lightweight
- Small metal clip to secure papers
- Note: if you want one for clinicals, particularly inpatient, there are clipboards on Amazon with helpful PT-related info – dermatomes/myotomes, reflexes, MMT grades, etc.
Alternative (if you want the clipboard I mentioned up there ^^): WhiteCoat Clipboard – Physical Therapy Edition
>> With all the class instruction and exams done remotely, having your own massage table to practice techniques or perform virtual practicals can be a game changer (esp if you live with some classmates)
- Has detachable head and arm rests
- Foldable and portable
- Comes in a couple different colors
- Easy to clean/sanitize
- Note: use your massage table with a bed sheet over it to make it last longer!
Alternative (if you wanna invest in a higher quality table): Master Massage Portable Massage Table
*the rest of the items in this category are part of the required items for USAHS students
- Has all the gonis you would need AND includes a tape measure
- Comes in a pouch to keep everything in
- Note: will need for many courses, mainly AA
- I personally like the cotton one better than the vinyl one, but you’re interested in the vinyl one, here’s a link >> Vinyl Gait Belt
- Note: will need for many courses, mainly PCM
- This one is unisex!
- You’ll need this for practicals so make sure you get one that fits!
- I have this one – Dickies Women’s 29 in. Lab Coat – and I really like it! The fit is flattering for women, and the material isn’t thin like other white coats!
- Note: will need for many courses, mainly PCM and MSK practicals
- There’s a couple different reflex hammers you could choose from, but honestly any will work!
- If you wanna splurge and get a really good quality one, this one is good (also has a built in brush for sensory testing) >> MDF Tromner Reflex Hammer
- Note: will need for many courses
Stethoscope and Blood Pressure Cuff
- This set has 2 items that are essential for PT school
- This one is a cheap one that will get you by (I’ve had it all throughout PT school), but probably not one that you’ll want to use when you’re in the field (a quality stethoscope that’ll last is the 3M Littmann Classic III Monitoring Stethoscope)
- Note: will need for many courses
- The set that I linked is the unisex pair that I used during cadaver lab – really comfy and cheap
- I would recommend the cheaper ones for cadaver lab (the formaldehyde smell lingers so you won’t wanna use them outside of the lab) and the more expensive, quality scrubs for other courses or clinicals that require scrubs
- If you’re looking for better quality scrubs, check out FIGS scrubs! These are such high quality scrubs that are super comfy, and there are so many different styles and colors to choose from.
- The FIGS scrubs that I have: Casma 3-Pocket Scrub Top + Zamora 2.0 Jogger Scrub Pants
- Note: will need for GA – Wet lab and select inpatient courses
- These things can range from $15-70, but I would suggest you get a cheaper one for school purposes!
- There aren’t a lot of cheaper options available currently (probably because of our current healthcare situation – monitoring oxygen saturation for COVID-19 patients is HUGE), but I tried to link one of the cheaper ones for you guys!
- The one I got from Amazon is currently unavailable – the Zacurate Pro Series 500DL Fingertip Pulse Oximeter (super cheap and thousands of good reviews). I’ll try to link it once it comes back to Amazon!
- Note: will need for PCM courses
UPDATE!! – One of the cheaper ones is now in stock!
- ANKOVO Pulse Oximeter – $21.63
- For a solid block of rubber, this is pretty expensive wherever you look for it LOL
- Durable and non-slip
- Note: will need for MSK courses
TREAT YO’SELF
>> Save some $$ cause you’re already paying enough for grad school π
- You might already have Amazon Prime, but put your student status to use!
- The link will send you to a page for a 6 month FREE trial for Prime as a student – you just need to use your school email to verify it
- Once the 6 months is over, you still get 50% off of the Prime price if you decide to keep it
- Note: if you’re already a Prime member, you can still sign up and even get a refund on your Prime renewal date (that’s what I did about 5 months ago)!
Alternative (if you just want the regular 30 day free Prime trial): Amazon Prime
>> Super useful for group studying or if you want a “dual monitor”
- Can stream from your phone, laptop, tablet, etc. to your TV
- Have many apps like Netflix, Hulu, ESPN, etc.
- It plugs right into the HDMI port on your TV
- Also works with Google Home
- Note: I like this cause it is a wireless way to connect your laptop to your TV – no need for an HDMI cable
Alternative (if you don’t need to connect your laptop): Amazon Fire TV Stick
>> I have the Series 1 – very outdated I know LOL but it works! Definitely need to upgrade soon though…
- Helps you keep track of your calories burned, exercise minutes, and standing times
- Keeps you accountable for being active – something we all need in this current at-home situation
- Syncs to your iPhone (if you have one) so you can answer calls, texts, and messages on here
- Note: there’s not much difference between the different versions, in my opinion, so you should pick one based off of the price tag
Alternative (if you want more accuracy for exercise): Fitbit Versa 2
>> One perk of attending class at home = it’s never a bad time to drink wine π
- Engraved on both sides
- One side: PT and caduceus
- Other side: good day, bad day, and don’t even ask
- 10 oz glass
Alternative (if you want a tumbler instead): Physical Therapy Double Wall Insulated Wine Tumbler
>> Your coffee is definitely gonna get cold as you’re sitting at your desk for hours…
- Stainless steel
- Double-walled vacuum insulated
- Dishwasher safe
- Lots of colors to choose from
- Note: really like how this tumbler is the same shape as a mug but has the benefits of a tumbler!
Alternative (if you’re more of a loose-leaf tea person): Sweese Porcelain Tea Mug with Infuser
Hyperice Vyper 2.0 Vibrating Fitness Roller
>> Use this upgraded foam roller to help with the aches and pains of sitting for a prolonged period of time (either because of studying or watching Netflix π)
- Same shape as standard foam roller
- Can help to perform self-myofascial release or stretch
- Has 3 different vibration settings
- Plug in to charge
- Note: 3 different vibration settings, but personally, I think the first setting is already pretty strong!
Alternative (if you’re just looking for a standard foam roller): Multi-density Foam Roller
Hope this list was helpful and that you found something that would make your time in grad school even better! I’m definitely not π π»ββοΈsaying you should buy every single thing on this extensive list, but hopefully you guys got some ideas at the very least! Stay healthy and safe!
