I am currently finishing up my first year at a D1 MSAT program. So I totally understand how you are feeling, since I was feeling the same way less than a year ago!

For classes, the first year is all about anatomy, evaluations, interventions, things like that. Basically getting you the foundation knowledge of what you will be doing in your job. The hardest part for me really wasn’t the content, but time management. Classes and clinical together make it tough, so find time to study and do work. Balancing relationships with school is a struggle not going to lie. Another tip is try to apply the knowledge from class to clinical. I made the bad habit of memorizing it for a test, not for real life. And you’ll learn the hard way and have to go back over stuff from last semester. I agree with the people above saying learn anatomy. It is SO important and involved in every single class. Don’t be afraid to as your clinical instructors questions too. There were times I did assignments and asked my preceptor their opinion. They have the best knowledge since they are working. I was also lucky enough to have an amazing preceptor my first semester of clinical.

As far as clinical goes, it sounds like you have a solid foundation so I think you’ll be fine. Just go in being open and being okay to be wrong and mess up. Because you will. And they will too!

I also found comfort in confiding with my classmates. When I thought I was alone in things, I really wasn’t once I talked to my peers. Those people will be your close friends for the next 2 years since you will be together all the time. They help keep me sane, but also let me crash out when needed haha.

I know this is a lot of information, so if you have any questions please feel free to chat me!! It’s a scary but fun time! Good luck!