Victory Club Conversations

Interview with a SPT:

Our host, Rebecca Troulliet, welcomes her first-ever guest speaker, Jaylin Poe, for an honest conversation about the journey to becoming a physical therapist and what life as a student physical therapist truly looks like behind the scenes. From balancing athletics and academics to navigating an accelerated hybrid DPT program, Jaylin shares the discipline, resilience, and adaptability required to pursue a career in healthcare during a time when education and learning environments rapidly shifted during COVID-19.

From Student Athlete to Future Physical Therapist

Jaylin shares her background as a collegiate athlete, originally attending college to play volleyball before eventually transitioning fully into softball. Early morning workouts, competitive team environments, and the discipline required to balance athletics with academics helped build the work ethic that would later prepare her for the demands of physical therapy school.

But, like many college students, Jaylin’s plans were unexpectedly disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic. With seasons abruptly canceled and campus life changing overnight, she found herself reevaluating both her academic and personal goals. Originally on track to pursue athletic training, she eventually discovered a deeper interest in physical therapy after transferring schools and exploring new opportunities closer to home. Her story reflects the uncertainty many students faced during that time while also highlighting how unexpected challenges can often redirect people toward the career paths they were truly meant to pursue.

Inside an Accelerated Hybrid DPT Program

A large part of the conversation centers around Jaylin’s experience in South College’s accelerated hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Unlike traditional three-year in-person programs, South College combines online coursework with intensive in-person lab immersions in Nashville. Jaylin explains how the structure demands an incredible amount of self-discipline, time management, and adaptability. Students are responsible for balancing multiple classes at once, preparing for weekly exams, and staying ahead on coursework while learning independently from home.

Jaylin describes spending long hours studying, adjusting to constant academic pressure, and quickly learning how to manage large amounts of information at once. During lab immersions, students transition from online learning into full days of hands-on practical training where they perform assessments, practice clinical skills, and complete practical examinations under faculty supervision. The experience requires students to think critically, communicate effectively, and constantly adapt.

The Evolving Reality of Physical Therapy Education

The conversation also dives into the financial and professional realities surrounding modern physical therapy education. Rebecca and Jaylin openly discuss the growing concerns around student loans, tuition costs, and the debt-to-income ratio many new graduates face after earning a doctoral degree. They explore how accelerated programs can offer advantages by allowing students to enter the workforce sooner, while also acknowledging the financial pressures that continue to impact the profession as a whole.

Rebecca reflects on her own journey through PT school and the evolution of the profession over the last decade. As healthcare and education continue to change, both agree that adaptability and lifelong learning are becoming increasingly important for clinicians. And overall highlighting how both generations continue learning from one another to improve patient care and professional growth.

Life After Graduation

As graduation approaches, Jaylin opens up about her interest in travel physical therapy and the opportunities and challenges that come with it. The conversation highlights the balance between financial freedom, mentorship, specialization, and long-term career development as new graduates enter the profession.

From sports rehab to pelvic health and travel contracts, the discussion offers a realistic and encouraging look into the next chapter of becoming a physical therapist.

Want the longer version of this conversation? Listen to the full episode on Spotify or Youtube🎙️