Nicholas Perales
Gilbert
Summary
Doctor of Physical Therapy student with a keen interest in sports physical therapy, driven by a personal background in athletics and a commitment to continuous professional growth. While I have foundational training in biomechanics and therapeutic exercise, I recognize that I am still in the early stages of building my expertise. My primary goal is to gain hands-on experience, receive constructive feedback, and develop into a clinician who can effectively contribute to sports rehabilitation. I approach this opportunity with humility, a strong work ethic, and a genuine readiness to learn and grow within a specialized sports physical therapy environment.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Physical Therapy Aide
Foothill Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy
Mesa
02.2025 - 07.2025
- In this role, I gained valuable experience working in a high-volume outpatient "mill" environment, which required me to quickly adapt to a fast-paced clinical setting.
- I supported physical therapists by assisting with exercise supervision, patient flow management, and ensuring that each patient had the equipment and guidance they needed.
- This experience also allowed me to work with a range of patients, including athletes, and to develop a deeper understanding of how to navigate a busy clinical environment while maintaining quality patient care.
PHYSICAL THERAPY AIDE
Desert Hand Therapy
Mesa
03.2023 - 02.2025
- At Desert Hand Physical Therapy, I had my first hands-on experience working directly with patients in a more specialized setting.
- This clinic focused primarily on occupational and physical therapy for upper extremity cases, allowing me to develop a foundational understanding of hand and arm rehabilitation.
- While it was also a relatively fast-paced outpatient environment, it was less taxing than my later experiences and provided me with the essential workflow knowledge and patient interaction skills that formed the basis of my clinical understanding.
BASKETBALL COACH
Gilbert Hoops Club
Gilbert
07.2022 - 07.2023
- In my role as a basketball coach, I operated as an assistant coach during practices, where I was responsible for setting up drills, providing individual guidance to players, and teaching foundational basketball skills such as the jab step and triple threat positioning.
- On game days, I took on the role of head coach for my own team, where I managed game strategy, drew up plays, and focused on helping young athletes develop both their skills and their understanding of the game.
- This experience allowed me to cultivate strong leadership, communication, and instructional skills that are directly transferable to a clinical and educational setting.
Education
Doctor of Physical Therapy -
A.T Still University
Mesa, AZ05-2028
Bachelor of Science -
Arizona State University
Gilbert, Arizona, United StatesSkills
- Communication Skills
- Time management
- Adaptability
- Patient-Centered Care
- Foundational Clinical Knowledge
- Team Collaboration
Activities
- Basketball Player, 08/01/08, 05/31/21
- Basketball Coach, 07/01/22, 07/31/23
- Special interest in Martial Arts particularly Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Certification
American Heart Association - CPD/AED
Timeline
Physical Therapy Aide
Foothill Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy
02.2025 - 07.2025
PHYSICAL THERAPY AIDE
Desert Hand Therapy
03.2023 - 02.2025
BASKETBALL COACH
Gilbert Hoops Club
07.2022 - 07.2023
Doctor of Physical Therapy -
A.T Still University
Bachelor of Science -
Arizona State University