What is Live & Grow Mentorship?

 

Pre-PT: It is an online organization that presents an opportunity to mentor pre-pt students applying to DPT programs, current DPT/PTA students, and new graduates. Pre-pt students starting directly after undergraduate graduation, students in a gap year, and career changers are welcome. This organization will have varying levels of assistance from a collection of supporting documents to 1 on 1 coaching through a PTCAS application cycle.

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NEW**Current PT/New Graduates: Facilitate connections w/ clinicians, faculty, and researchers with common interests to assist in career journey. Assist with NPTE Prep via weekly quizzes and 1 on 1 mentorship. 

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WHO WE SERVE 

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ALL of the above with an intention to support underrepresented groups within our profession to diversify our workforce and meet the needs of the communities we serve.

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ROOTS

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In a field where 3% of physical therapists identify as African American the sense of belonging is always a question. Are you good enough to get into PT school? Are you good enough to succeed in PT school? Will you be a successful clinician?

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LIFE

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As a 2nd generation Nigerian American, I carved a path in my journey with many wins and losses. I often gave so much to the process in my journey to be a physical therapist that I lost myself. I missed family gatherings, missed trips to Nigeria to see family, and missed things I loved. I felt unsettled, alone, and extremely challenged at times. But for 6 years in the midst of these feelings I have been a line of comfort for students applying to PT school.

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GROWTH

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This role of providing a support system for people looking to take a leap in PT means a lot to me. It means a lot to make space in the profession for anyone that wants to belong to the profession I love. Especially people of color, because wherever you are in your journey I BELIEVE you BELONG in our profession and rightfully deserve to be here.

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I present Live & Grow Mentorship as a life line to pre-pt students - there is no blueprint or perfect formula. There is an opportunity for me to meet you wherever you are in your journey, No matter what you go through always know I believe you belong.

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LIVE & GROW | LOVE & LIGHT | TODAY & TOMORROW

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Spring 2024 Update

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 7 Live & Grow: Physiotherapy to USA Inquiries - Guidelines for Nigerian Trained Physiotherapists to transition to a clinician in US

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2023 New Graduate - Passed National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Oct 2023

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2024 New Graduate - Full time NPTE Prep in Progress for Apr 2024

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2024 1 Pre-PT Mentee - Accepted to 4 DPT Programs - Will attend Messiah University on Scholarship for 2024 Cohort

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2025 1 Pre-PT Mentee - Confirmed Day N Night Support for 2025 PTCAS Cycle

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2026 1 Pre-PT Mentee - Currently networking with 4 members of Live & Grow Network and preparing for GRE via LGM support

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Accepted DPT Program List - 18 Programs Nationally

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MEET THE FOUNDER

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Dr. Mike Ukoha PT, DPT

• Mentoring Pre-PT students applying to DPT programs since 2014

• APTA Maryland Director of DEI 2020-23

• 2022 UMB PTRS Alum of the Year

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