Physical Therapist Assistant- is it a waste of time or a good career?

I am looking into a 2 year community college program, please help.

What is it exactly you're looking for help with. Locating a program, salary, what it's like being a PTA? What are your interests? One may find it a great career, but for you it may not be.

All that you mentioned would be helpful. Thanks

I'm looking for a rewarding career where I can feel good about helping people without having to get into nursing or take the time/money of going back to school to pursue a higher education. I'm concerned that the job may be too physically intensive that I may not be able to keep up it as a permanent career. Do you know how long PTA's normally last in the industry? Do many leave to pursue a higher education or a different career entirely?

You do have to go to school to be a PTA. As far as how long they last each individual is different.

I'm thinking about going into PTA. I'm 43 years old. My questions are:
I read some jobs posted on Monster, a PT has to graduate from an accredited Physical Therapy ( CAPTE). If I go for PTA, do I have to choose the school that is CAPTE.
To become a PTA, I need a certificate or have to obtain an associate's degree?
How long does it take to study to become PTA?
Does any one know an accredited Physical Therapy school in Chicago or near Chicago?
Is it easy to get a job as a PTA (entry level, no experience, not not obtaining a license)? (I'm really concerned about it. I had a certificate in Ultrasound and still can't find a job after 8 months graduation due to lack of experience (no place accept me due to lack of experience!!!!)
PLEASE, I BADLY NEED YOUR INFORMATION

Hey i am also an aspiring pta student. I know a lot about the field. Most programs will yake you two years and it is an assiciate's degree you have to make sure that the school is accredited by the capte. Here is a list of schools in illinois I'm not sure how close they are to chicago but I'm sure you can find it out

Black Hawk College
College of DuPage
Illinois Central College
Kaskaskia College
Lake Land College
Morton College
Oakton Community College
Southern Illinois University
Southwestern Illinois College

You are more than welcome to google and type in CAPTE and it will bring up the apta website click there and it will list every accreddited college in the U.S so if you want to double check. Hope I helped and good luck.

[Thanks a lot for your information. Again, many thanks
Henry

Coder in Pembroke Pines, Florida said: I am looking into a 2 year community college program, please help.

CAPTE Accredited Physical Therapist Assistant Education Programs: www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?section=PT_Programs&template=/aptaapps/accreditedschools/acc_schools_map.cfm&process=3&type=PTA

I'm thinking about going into PTA...I know the 2 year degree is required. I have a bachelors degree and took some of those classes that are reuquired for the degree. I'm wondering if anyone has heard of hospitals/offices that do a work/study type program where you can get hands on experience, earning an income while going to school. I live in the Clearwater, FL area, so if anyone knows of anything, that would be helpful! Thanks!

I'm would like to earn my associates degree as a PT and then become licensed/certified as a PTA.

My question is, would it behoove me to go back to school and get a secondary bachelors in PT rather than pursuing the 2 year PTA associates degree program?

Are the jobs plentiful enough in Austin, TX for both PTA's and/or PT's? I can afford to begin earning my associates degree now but hope to be able to also get hands-on experience (possibly a work/study program) or even tuition reimbursement by an employer for successful completion of my PTA/PT.

Any comments, suggestions, direction from those who have successfully navigated this career path please share with all of us!! Super grateful in advance!! THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!

Dulce in Austin, Texas said: I'm would like to earn my associates degree as a PT and then become licensed/certified as a PTA.

My question is, would it behoove me to go back to school and get a secondary bachelors in PT rather than pursuing the 2 year PTA associates degree program?

Are the jobs plentiful enough in Austin, TX for both PTA's and/or PT's? I can afford to begin earning my associates degree now but hope to be able to also get hands-on experience (possibly a work/study program) or even tuition reimbursement by an employer for successful completion of my PTA/PT.

Any comments, suggestions, direction from those who have successfully navigated this career path please share with all of us!! Super grateful in advance!! THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!

The minimum education for PT is now a masters degree. Many are transitioning to doctorate programs. PTA is 2 year associates degree. If you go PTA then PT, you would be starting from scratch in the PT program, just like everyone else. My suggestion - if you want to be a PT, go to PT school. If you want to be a PTA, go to PTA school. I would not recommend going to PTA school first, then PT school. It would take way to long going that route.

I have been a PTA for 30 years and I must say it has been a wonderful and rewarding career. It is definetely not a waste of time - I am making an incredible salary and have never, ever went without work. One day recently I was contacted by 3 different recruiters in the same day! If you love people and want to make a difference in someone's life then go for it.

I am currently a Dental Hygienist and want to go back to school to enter into a new health care field. I was considering either a P.T.A. or an R.N. degree. Any advice as to which field to go into? I like being in healthcare and wish to have other choices other than working in people's mouths. I'm getting into a little bit of a burnout situation.

That's a very inspiring story. I'm leaving the corporate world as an ad executive to become a PTA. I'm so excited to start a career that I actually get satisfaction out of. It's hard to give up my past experiences for something completely new but when I hear stories like that, it inspires me to continue reaching for that goal.

if you thinking bout the money PTAs are paid well i pay my PTAs $50 per home visit... so if they see 8 patients a day thats $400 a day... and lets say they work only weekdays so thats around 20 days a month = $8000
by the way if you know any PTs or PTAs around LA and San bernardino county, CA refer them to me :) i_torpe_i_18@yahoo.com

Suriya PT Services in Los Angeles, California said: if you thinking bout the money PTAs are paid well i pay my PTAs $50 per home visit... so if they see 8 patients a day thats $400 a day... and lets say they work only weekdays so thats around 20 days a month = $8000
by the way if you know any PTs or PTAs around LA and San bernardino county, CA refer them to me :) i_torpe_i_18@yahoo.com

I have a son in High school who is interested in taking the ROP program - introduction to physical therapy assistants. Provided that he does enjoy this class, do you know of any accredited schools in our area that provide this training? We live near Valencia, CA - 30 miles north of LA. Also, my one concern with my son is that his handwriting is very difficult to read - he has always typed everything for school - do you think this would be a problem? Thanks so much for your help!

i_torpe_i_18@yahoo.com in Canyon Country, California said: I have a son in High school who is interested in taking the ROP program - introduction to physical therapy assistants. Provided that he does enjoy this class, do you know of any accredited schools in our area that provide this training? We live near Valencia, CA - 30 miles north of LA. Also, my one concern with my son is that his handwriting is very difficult to read - he has always typed everything for school - do you think this would be a problem? Thanks so much for your help!

Here's all the PTA schools in Calif. This is listed on the apta (dot) org website under "student resources", then go to "PT/PTA programs".

Cerritos College
Norwalk, CA
Status: Accreditation Next Visit: 2016

Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, CA
Status: Accreditation Next Visit: 2011

Ohlone College
Fremont, CA
Status: Accreditation Next Visit: 2015

Sacramento City College
Sacramento, CA
Status: Accreditation Next Visit: 2010

San Diego Mesa College
San Diego, CA
Status: Accreditation Next Visit: 2017

Steph in Apollo Beach, Florida said: I am currently a Dental Hygienist and want to go back to school to enter into a new health care field. I was considering either a P.T.A. or an R.N. degree. Any advice as to which field to go into? I like being in healthcare and wish to have other choices other than working in people's mouths. I'm getting into a little bit of a burnout situation.

Hey, I am also a Dental Hygienist looking to go back to school for P.T.A. I am so glad to see that I'm not the only one burn out and feeling limited. Dental offices seem to be worse than the job itself to me. I feel critiqued and kinda just "watched over" every day. I wish you all the best and let me know what you decide.

hello all, i found some brief notes on job description and salary ranges of PTA's here check this link - www.bls.gov/oco/ocos167.htm

Saipeople
www.saipeople.com

Becky in Largo, Florida said: I'm thinking about going into PTA...I know the 2 year degree is required. I have a bachelors degree and took some of those classes that are reuquired for the degree. I'm wondering if anyone has heard of hospitals/offices that do a work/study type program where you can get hands on experience, earning an income while going to school. I live in the Clearwater, FL area, so if anyone knows of anything, that would be helpful! Thanks!

Go after a Physical Therapist AIde position! They usually use them in Outpatient facilities :)

flossin4u said: Hey, I am also a Dental Hygienist looking to go back to school for P.T.A. I am so glad to see that I'm not the only one burn out and feeling limited. Dental offices seem to be worse than the job itself to me. I feel critiqued and kinda just "watched over" every day. I wish you all the best and let me know what you decide.

If you feel critiqued in Dental Hygiene, I think PTA will be worse. I recommend going to work for someone who respects you and you feel more comfortable with. As a Dental Hygienist you should make $25/hour minimum and many places allow you to work a few days a week. PTAs average $18-19/hour plus benefits and usually work 5 days a week. One of the differences is PTA build relationships with their patients, where as Dental Hygenist keep patients mouth full.

J in Jordan, Montana said: If you feel critiqued in Dental Hygiene, I think PTA will be worse. I recommend going to work for someone who respects you and you feel more comfortable with. As a Dental Hygienist you should make $25/hour minimum and many places allow you to work a few days a week. PTAs average $18-19/hour plus benefits and usually work 5 days a week. One of the differences is PTA build relationships with their patients, where as Dental Hygenist keep patients mouth full.

What PTA are you talking about?

I am a PTA and I started at 30/hr fresh out of school! I am making 35/hr after 1 year on the job.

One more thing, I don't smell the stink that d. hygienist smell most of the time. I'm sure it will make me throw up!

Yes from what I hear PTA's make much more than $19 dollars an hour here in California too! More in the $25-$35 range. I think it really depends on what state you live in.

How hard or easy is it to get a job after being done with school? Do most people get a job right away? Do you thinnk most people can get a job where they do their clinical internships?
I am also looking to go back to school for PTA as I have a B.A. now that I am not using. I do have a vision disorder that could get worse but I get around just fine and have great central vision. Since I choose not to drive I know home health is not for me but the job itself is so "hands on". Any thoughts on this for my situation. By the way I read about a legally blind woman who was a PTA for many years.

meg in Minneapolis, Minnesota said: How hard or easy is it to get a job after being done with school? Do most people get a job right away? Do you thinnk most people can get a job where they do their clinical internships?
I am also looking to go back to school for PTA as I have a B.A. now that I am not using. I do have a vision disorder that could get worse but I get around just fine and have great central vision. Since I choose not to drive I know home health is not for me but the job itself is so "hands on". Any thoughts on this for my situation. By the way I read about a legally blind woman who was a PTA for many years.

I think getting a job depends on where you live. Also, if you're not near a PTA school, things tend to be easier. Down here in the DFW area, it's pretty easy to get a job.

I would think that as long as you can safely do the job, it shouldn't be a problem with your vision disorder.

I am having trouble deciding what to go to school in. The 2 area's I am interested is Occupational Therapy Assistant or Physical Therapy Assistant. Please help me decide. I would like to find a career that's marketable and that I will like very well everyday. Please advise anyone...

PTA Salary and Job Growth Info - Click or Paste the link below.

hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-articles-where_the_jobs_are-658

ron in Apopka, Florida said: What PTA are you talking about?

I am a PTA and I started at 30/hr fresh out of school! I am making 35/hr after 1 year on the job.

One more thing, I don't smell the stink that d. hygienist smell most of the time. I'm sure it will make me throw up!

hey ron, im fixing to start pta school next year. What kind of facility do you work at starting at 30/hr? Traviling, Outpatient,hospital?

Gary in Daytona Beach, Florida said: hey ron, im fixing to start pta school next year. What kind of facility do you work at starting at 30/hr? Traviling, Outpatient,hospital?

It's actually $35/hr now, full time w/ benefits. It's a nursing home facility.

You can make $50 per visit if you do home care - per diem, and $35 to $40 an hour if you work full-time with benefits for a home care company. This is for Florida only, I am not sure how much a PTA is paid in other states.

Hi. I am looking at changing careers and I'm 38. I'm looking into being physical therapy assistant. It's a bit over-whelming, since I'm a graphic designer and changing at my age but I want to do something that actually helps people. Is there anyone that went for their associate degree in PTA, a little later in life while working and maintaining a young family? I know this will be very challenging. Can anyone give me some advice or insight?

Also, I'm not the best in math. Is this something that would hinder me from working in this field?

Thanks in advance for any advice or knowledge!!

YOU know I have been a cna for seven years and around 8 months ago I landed a job as a rehab tech in a snf. I am currently a college student undecided about which program to go for, RN or PTA. I am always suprised at how the pt's and pta's seem very content and happy doing their jobs unlike the nurses I have worked around. I know that nursing does give a person a lot of avenues and decent pay, but a lot of them seem constantly stressed out and complaining.I have been reading this forum now for about a week and still undecided about which program to attend. I just want a career that I will enjoy doing for the next 30 or so years and a career that is financially rewarding. Any thoughts?

Tracy, we're in almost the same boat. I am 36 with a 2 year old and a 13 year job with a great company...I just don't love what I do. I have wanted to get in the Sports Medicine or PT field since High School and always felt like there was too much going on in life to go back to school. We are simply not in a position to lose my income, but there are no night/weekend programs for PTA in my state (WA). If I really want to pursue PTA, I must quit my job and sacrifice time with my son and husband. I'll also be sacrificing 5 weeks of vacation, good benefits...the whole 9 yards.

I'm coming to terms with all of that, but we still are working out whether we can actually take on MORE debt, instead of getting rid of it. My husband told me that I picked a really crummy time to want to fulfill my dreams... and I agree to some extent, but I also think in many ways that my timing might be just right. If I can somehow work it out financially, I think I can sacrifice for a couple of years in order to be a happier mom and wife...and have a great set of skills lined up to give me flexibility to work part time later if I chose to stay home with my son or homeschool.

I've visited 3 PT environments in the past week and have gotten great feedback about the salaries and demand in my area. I am certain that I want to do this... but I am still up in the air as to what school I want to go through. One is closer and has an accredited program, but another is a bit further away and is just in the "application" process for certification. That scares me. Of course, that's the school with a less expensive program. I hate to make it about a few thousand dollars, but when you're looking at giving up an entire salary in the first place, it becomes very important!

I am planning to do my pre-reqs in the next year while I am still working. During that time, we are planning to watch the economy, make sure my husband's job stays secure, and work on saving like crazy.

ron in Apopka, Florida said: It's actually $35/hr now, full time w/ benefits. It's a nursing home facility.

You can make $50 per visit if you do home care - per diem, and $35 to $40 an hour if you work full-time with benefits for a home care company. This is for Florida only, I am not sure how much a PTA is paid in other states.

Thanks Ron thats helps alot!

"lovemybulldog", thanks for replying! I totally understand about not loving what you're doing. I used to LOVE my job but since I've had children (7 years ago) something has changed. The grind of coming up with something new and exciting everyday has lost it's spark and I'm longing to do something that makes a difference in this world. I work for GM, and if you haven't heard, they aren't doing so well. There's a good chance that I won't have a job in 6 months. I'm just trying to plan for my future.

My husband isn't totally behind me because we already struggle with work/family balance. He isn't excited about me taking a pay cut to do something else if I don't lose my job. Making more money would be great but I'd rather do something that means something and that I enjoy.

I need to visit some PT environments myself. I have a contact of a PTA that works with the local schools so I plan to go with her and then a few other places. I'm going to give myself a couple weeks to think and research and then if I decide to go for this, I'm going to start the pre-req classes too. I'd love to stay in touch and see how you're doing since it seems like we're starting from the same point.

Thanks again and I'm wishing you the best in your decisions!!

Tracy, This is Lovemybulldog... I lost my login somehow and had to start from scratch.

I'm not sure how I can share my info with you on this forum, but I would love to stay in touch with you and FitCTMom. I feel like we're all making our decisions with similar life situations in play. My husband is a little like yours, but I've at least gotten him to understand that my potential for burnout is more detrimental long term than the few years we would have to sacrifice for this. Visiting clinics and talking to other PT's and PTA's helped me greatly. I did read FitCTMom's comments about not loving the program the way she thought she would and I'll take that into account. Like both of you, I can't very well afford (money or time away from my family) to dive into something and then either quit or find out it wasn't what I wanted. My gut tells me that if I see it thru to the end, I will be glad I did and enjoy the job as much as I'm imagining now. I have already told myself that the school work will be hard, but seeing the end of the tunnel is a huge motivator. Getting it all out of the way now **FOR THE SAKE OF MY SON** is also a gigantic motivator.

The reality of it all is that we might not be able to afford for me to do this without making a drastic change in the way we invest, how we spend and maybe even our mortgage. This puts a lot of pressure on my husband and my son to sacrifice and work harder...all so I can better myself. As a mom, I'm sure you understand the guilt I feel. I think lately on a daily basis: why in the heck didn't I make this decision 10 or 15 years ago? What was the hold up then? I had almost nothing to lose and everything to gain: No mortgage, no kids, hardly any bills, and a much smaller salary to sacrifice. I wonder a bit now if I'm going to end up watching the ship sail past me because of the costs and sacrifices associated.

At the risk of inviting the whole board to email me: ssmrzena@comcast.net Would love to keep in touch!

Is this a starting salary w/ experience? how much is the starting salary w/ no experience yet? i`m planning to work in a home health setting or SNF any idea?

thanks.

Tracy in West Bloomfield, Michigan said: Hi. I am looking at changing careers and I'm 38. I'm looking into being physical therapy assistant. It's a bit over-whelming, since I'm a graphic designer and changing at my age but I want to do something that actually helps people. Is there anyone that went for their associate degree in PTA, a little later in life while working and maintaining a young family? I know this will be very challenging. Can anyone give me some advice or insight?

Also, I'm not the best in math. Is this something that would hinder me from working in this field?

Thanks in advance for any advice or knowledge!!

Hi Tracy we are in the same boat!!! I am 37 and completely changing careers...I have 2 children and am being laid off after 11 1/2 in the technology field. I am scare to death, but think the benefit of this career will be well worth the challenges of juggling, school, family and a part time job (hopefully). I just really want to give back. Best of luck to you!

Lisa,

Lisa, I am in a similar situation. Although I haven't been laid off, I am considering leaving IT to do something that will really give back. I too worry about juggling everything and not short changing my family in the meantime. I would love to hear more about the path you take. There seem to be several of us looking to make similar decisions right now, so we should definitely stay in touch. I posted my email address a few posts up. Feel free to contact me if you like.

Best of luck in your decisions. I'm right there with you. It's scary to start from scratch!

Suriya PT Services in Los Angeles, California said: if you thinking bout the money PTAs are paid well i pay my PTAs $50 per home visit... so if they see 8 patients a day thats $400 a day... and lets say they work only weekdays so thats around 20 days a month = $8000
by the way if you know any PTs or PTAs around LA and San bernardino county, CA refer them to me :) i_torpe_i_18@yahoo.com

Hello, I am a PE teacher at a middle school and hating it. I graduated recently at a university with a kinesiology degree and I was planning to go into PT but decedied that it was too long (the schooling) . I have 4 years of PT aide experience and also getting my massage license in July of this year. I needed some advise, I am planning on applying for the equivilance license for PT assistant; what are some advice you can give me? I would like to be a traveling PT assistant and I love working with people. Being a teacher was just too depressing and the school system is terrible (I just kind of fell into it when I decided I didn't want to go for my PT degree; too long:( ).

Please I need some advice before I send my application to the Boards. Thanks.

Stephani Mrzena in Snoqualmie, Washington said: Lisa,

Lisa, I am in a similar situation. Although I haven't been laid off, I am considering leaving IT to do something that will really give back. I too worry about juggling everything and not short changing my family in the meantime. I would love to hear more about the path you take. There seem to be several of us looking to make similar decisions right now, so we should definitely stay in touch. I posted my email address a few posts up. Feel free to contact me if you like.

Best of luck in your decisions. I'm right there with you. It's scary to start from scratch!

Hi Stephanie good to hear from you! I am also looking into Occupational Therapy as well. Since I will be laid I am thinking of doing some observations with each kind of team and that way if I go with OTA I will have 25 hours of required observation time in. I have many pre-reqs to get out of the way so I am thinking of starting over the summer. I've worked in IT\Telecomm for so long it all seems so foreign but sometimes you just gotta say "what the heck" and go with your gut and faith! my email is lmsamuel@comporium.net feel free to email anytime. Keep me posted on your path as well.

Lisa

Hi I am a chiropractor and I wanted to take the pta equivalency, but I dont know where to start, can anyone point me in the right direction, or tell me the procedure. I have visited the board website, but am still confused a bit. Any info would help. Thank in advance... cheers!

Dr. Sal

Dr. Sal d.c. in San Diego, California said: Hi I am a chiropractor and I wanted to take the pta equivalency, but I dont know where to start, can anyone point me in the right direction, or tell me the procedure. I have visited the board website, but am still confused a bit. Any info would help. Thank in advance... cheers!

Dr. Sal

My first question is why? You have a lot more autonomy & $$$ staying in your current profession.

You need to go to your state's licensing agency and ask them -
Physical Therapy Board of California.
Go to ptb (dot) ca (dot) gov

There is a link "how to apply for a license". I believe you would be classified as "Equivalency PTA applicant". They also have their contact info on the website.

I want to supplement my practice with physical therapy, and to be honest, the chiropractic side of the reimbursement pie is getting smaller and smaller... this will hopefully help supplement my practices billing income...

There is a link "how to apply for a license". I believe you would be classified as "Equivalency PTA applicant". They also have their contact info on the website.

I went there and it says that I need 18months of direct pt (supervised) experience... how would I do this? As an aide?? if so how much do physical therpay aides make per hour?

I have been laid off since May of 2008. I am 45 years old and I am wondering if I'm too old to go to school for PTA. With all of the prereq. required I will be 49 or 50 by the time I'm done...you can only start in the Fall...if you are accepted in January and have all of your prereq's done. I am not in excellent shape, but it would give me an incentive to work a bit harder at it! I am also only 5ft 2in tall.

The way I look at it, your gonna be 49 or 50 anyways so if this is something you've always wanted to do I say go for it! I am 37 and starting school as well I am now leaning more towards OTA and thought the same thing...but you only go this way once and I really want to accomplish this.

Good luck!

Lisa in Fort Mill, South Carolina said: The way I look at it, your gonna be 49 or 50 anyways so if this is something you've always wanted to do I say go for it! I am 37 and starting school as well I am now leaning more towards OTA and thought the same thing...but you only go this way once and I really want to accomplish this.

Good luck!

Thanks for the encouragement. I still have a lot of things to get in order. I have done a couple informational interviews (on my own) that I found very helpful and I am going to job shadow for 4-hours soon (2 4-hour sessions are needed as a prereq. at the school in MN). They want to be sure that it is what you REALLY want to do...so I guess that is a good thing too. I could change my mind after all the prereq. requirements.

how do I post a discussion?

Dr. Sal d.c. in San Diego, California said: I want to supplement my practice with physical therapy, and to be honest, the chiropractic side of the reimbursement pie is getting smaller and smaller... this will hopefully help supplement my practices billing income...

Keep in mind that a PTA has to work under the supervision of a licensed PT. Each state is a little different. In Texas, it can be indirect supervision, they have to be a phone call away, etc.