PhysioUma

 

     As I promised, I am back with a post about my NPTE preparation. I can start with a long list of reference books and other subject material I have studied. I don’t think it will be any different from what anybody else had studied or anybody would suggest. However, I want to start my discussion with “how” I studied, or perhaps, I should take another step back and start my discussion with “why” I started my preparation. 

What is your Why?

    Your “why” has to be very strong. It’s your “why” that helps you get through the rough time. In my case,  I wanted to make the best use of my education. I wanted to add value to society. I have three kids. Preparing for the test while taking care of the family is not easy. Therefore, I didn’t have a choice other than passing the test the first time. 

 How? 

   Firstly, I have noticed that this test is not only a test of your physical therapy knowledge but also tests your focus, your patience, your attitude, and your day to day habits. Consistency matters in this journey. And how soon you can reach the goal depends on how hard you want this to happen. Please accept this first and commit yourself completely.

Secondly, dedication is a  little word to use here, but you need this the most during your preparation. Dedicate yourself a few hours each day completely for studying. During these hours, study whatever you feel like studying that day, but dive deep into it and get most out of it. Whatever you are learning, do it with your whole heart.

     In order to maintain high energy levels, I do meditation for a few minutes every day.  Also, yoga helped me out in the initial stages of my preparation. Physical workout is vital during preparation. It is 100 percent true that exercise boosts your energy levels. Therefore,  a few minutes of workout each day or 4 days a week is really important.

  As I finished schooling a long time ago ( yeah, 13 years is a long time), I began my preparation by just glancing over the topics I was going to study and reminding myself that I was learning something new and  doing something good. Then I slowly increased my study time. I never let the thought come to my mind that I cound’t do it, nor was I overconfident.  I just thought that I wanted to learn everything about the physical therapy profession and wanted to help people. 

     I joined NPTEFF  in the last week of September 2022; attended the full live course for one cohort. I made notes and started the preparation, but I could not spend much time studying during those months. In January 2023 I started studying seriously, but could only spend 3 to 4 hours of study in a day. My friend suggested that I join LSP with Priyam. And I did join as she suggested, I could not attend my classes well because of my busy schedule with kids. But I would make complete notes the next day and study that part. I continued this until April 2023. However, I realized I wasn’t ready for April NPTE and  I needed more time for preparation. I was always texting Priyam about my test results. I made up my mind that I didn’t have another chance. This was the only chance I got and I had to pass the test this time or go do something else. I went ahead and  I scheduled my exam for July 2023.

    I would like to give you a breather and pause this post here. I will continue describing my journey in my next post. Please share this story with your friends. Stories inspire people more than mere suggestions. Don’t forget to subscribe. 

Written By Umaraj.