Elsie Said:

Job of a Physical Therapist Assistant & how many years of school to become one?

We Answered:

You can get a list of all accredited PTA programs at www.apta.org

It takes about two years to become a PT and most programs are housed at community college.

Eileen Said:

What is a better job, a physical therapist, or a dermatologist?

We Answered:

Well, you have to consider life style, salary and education.

Physical therapy is now a doctorate degree as well, but it's not as lengthy of a process as becoming a dermatologist.

You can be a physical therapist in 6 years in an accelerated program and 7 in a traditional program. Job satisfaction is quite high as well as job availability. Work hours are pretty standard with some weekends, evenings and holidays. You have the option to work for yourself, a hospital or a private practice. However, many people argue that the $75,000 or so as an average salary isn't worth the 6-7 years of education.

Becoming a dermatologist requires medical school. This is 4 years undergraduate work and 4 years of medical school...if you get in right away. After medical school, you begin your residency which is another 3 years. At this point, you are getting paid, but very little and working crazy, crazy hours and studying for boards. It isn't until you become board certified that you really can start earning any money (ie, total of at least 11 years). Most dermatologists are in private practice, so it takes time to build up that practice so many may still work part time for other practitioners while they build their practice. In the end, however, as far as medical professions go, dermatology is probably one of the least stressful. You will have to be on call for patient who have problems after procedures, but not as stressful as say, a cardiothoracic surgeon.

In the end, they are both good careers, but dermatology is more lucrative in the LONG run. It just takes a lot more time and money to get there.

Eddie Said:

what is a traveling physical therapist job duties?

We Answered:

A traveling PT is a PT (same degree) who chooses to work at temporary assisngments somewhere in the country. You work just as a staff PT but are paid more and have free housing. The problem is you are working at a place that is very understaff. It is not recommend for new graduates because there is no mentorship. Often nursing homes are one of the largest places where travelers work. You do the evaluations and then supervise PTAs. PTA can also travel.

Lena Said:

What questions should I ask when I job shadow a Physical Therapist?

We Answered:

What school did you go to.
What type of undergrad class/major did you take
What is you specialty
Are you board certified

What type of continuing education have your take
What types of patients do you like to treat.

Be careful of asking too many questions at once as the PT is busy and with patients. If you are going for several times, ask a couple at a time or during lunch

Jeanne Said:

What is the job setting of a physical therapist?

We Answered:

A job "field" refers to the practice as a whole organization of professionals. The setting refers to the actual place or "setting" of employment. For PTs this can be a hospital, clinic, school, home health, nursing home, private practice, etc.