Andrew Said:

sports medicine class help?

We Answered:

ATC: BS degree at the entry level, average income about $35,000...not sure of the difference between high school and college, but I can almost guarantee that most colleges require a master's degree in ATC.

PT: minimum master's degree, but nearly all programs are now DPT (doctorate). Average salary nationwide is about $66,000. Those working in nursing homes and home health tend to make more than this, hosptial based (IP or OP) is probably right around the average (less for a new grad)

PT AIDE: no formal training required. Average salary is about $17,000 .

PT ASSISTANT: Associate's degree, average salary about $44,000

Tammy Said:

How much would a physical therapy aide make a month in the city of Shreveport, LA or the surrounding area?

We Answered:

First, be sure to realize, you will not be a PTA, you will be a physical therapy aide or rehab technician. A PTA is a physical therapist assistant which is a (usually) licensed technician/professional with at least a two year degree from an accredited PTA program. (Just trying to save you some embarrassment from applying for "PTA" jobs....). Penn Foster is not a PTA program, it's an aide program. Technically, you don't need any formal training to be an aide....just a high school graduate.

While I cannot comment on the Shreveport area specifically, national average rate is about $8.20/hr.

Jon Said:

Questions for a physical therapy assistant or aide?

We Answered:

Well, I am a PT as oppsed to a PTA or aide. But I can tell you about the differences between them.

An assistant (PTA) is usually a licensed profession (not all states require licensure), but you are required to graduate from an accredited PTA program of which is available at many community colleges. PTAs are primarily responsible for direct treatment of patients for physical therapy once they have been evaluated and recommended treatment has been set forth by the physical therapist. For a two year degree, it's a decent living...but you will hit your career ceiling early. At this time, most PTAs are earning around $40,000 a year. Demand for the career is great.

As an aide, there is no formal training required. Although a handful of "certificate" programs do exist, I hardly think it's worth it. Most aides are earning a little bit above minimum wage. If you can find full time employment, most aides are earning around $17-20,000 a year...unless you have some significant experience. Job responsbilities vary between states and the physical therapy practice act. Most aides spend the majority of their time doing clerical and light housekeeping. They might get involved in patient care...following with a wheel chair, assisting to lift a patient, help holding up a patient, tossing a ball, maybe even running someone through their exercises as long as the PT has direct superviation of you. There are limited job opportunities available for aides/techs, but it's good experience if you want to become a PTA or a PT.

If you are interested in becoming a PTA, I'd suggest going to the APTA website at www.apta.org and go to the tab on PTA education programs.