Trying to decide on the perfect career combination...

by Rod
(Atlanta, GA)

I am currently working as an athletic trainer, evaluating and doing rehabilitation with injuries mainly in the athletic setting. I look to further my education and trying to decide between physical therapy school and medical school. In the meantime, I have recently become very committed to
maintaining a healthy lifestyle and thought to myself 'why not become a personal trainer?' since I have a very good hands-on understanding of the musculoskeletal system.

Being a personal trainer I could easily schedule my clients around my school schedule and make some decent money to ease the money woes. I love being hands-on and actually spending some time with people, explaining what we are doing, why and providing them motivation to become healthier. I know with being a physical therapist, I would be hands on and have time to still do some personal training, possibly even help out a local high school with their athletics.

However, I do look at wanting to even further my education by going to medical school and staying with orthopedics. I know there's the on-call and long days at times, but realize it's also what you make of the time you have. I still would want on a part-time basis do some personal training to allow for the time to work one-on-one with people.

Decisions, decisions...I don't expect anyone to decide for me, just to introduce where I am and what I'm hoping to accomplish.

Thanks.