Tim Said:

Physical Therapy Assistant?

We Answered:

Ask at the locations that you are interested in about the salary./

Dan Said:

Is being a Physical Therapy Assistant a good career?

We Answered:

I agree with Dr. K's answer.

Most PTAs earn between $40-50,000...very few earned more than this in 2005 (according to the APTA survey).

It is in high demand.

The classes you learn as a PTA do not necessarily apply. You might get out of one semester of foundations of theraputic exercise or anatomy and physiolgy, but you do not get any other prerequisites in a normal PT program. You'll be required to take general bio, chem and physics (most PTAs just have to take BASIC bio and/or physics), they generally do not get any chem or phyisology. You'll be required to take gross human anatomy as a PT. As a PT, most of your coursework is geared towards assessment and clinical decision making...something you will not get as a PTA.

Even the two "bridge" programs for the PTA to PT transition offer no real benefit other than being allowed to take coursework on a part time basis.

If you plan to transition to PT, plan on spending at least 6 years to complete your BS, prerequisites and then the professional phase of the program.

Keith Said:

I have a niece interested in becoming a Physical Therapy Assistant. What is the pay? We are in NC.?

We Answered:

Figure about $20-$25,000 for the first year. She will make more when she get's some experience AND becomes a PT, no longer a PT assistant.

Timothy Said:

Which is better being a physical therapist assistant or occupational therapist assistant?

We Answered:

Both have similar career outlooks and salaries. The American Physical Therapy Association revealed in survery that of 2005, most PTAs were earning between $30-40,000 a year (about 50%)...broadening the range by $10,000, about 75% of PTAs fall in this category...at $25,000-45,000 a year. (October 2005)

The American Occupational Therapy Association didn't get quite as detailed, but puts median salary around $36,000.

The needs will be similar...typcially, where you find a PTA, you will also find an COTA (although usually in smaller numbers) as the utilization of PT is higher than OT...yet, an OTA will have opportunities in a few other settings where PT is not typically found, including mental health, drivers and low vision programs.

You really need to observe both to really make a decision.

Dana Said:

what is the pay range for a physical therapy assistant? I am.....?

We Answered:

In 2005 the APTA did a salary survery, and I am sure that the salary has incresed since then; but most PTAs were earning between $30-45,000 a year which is roughly $14-21 an hour. Very few earned more than $50,000 a year.

Prerequisites for the PTA program are usually just high school level physics and biology. So as long as you've scored a C in these in high school, you should be fine.

The PTA program is a two year degree. Here is a sample of one program's details:
http://www.oakton.edu/acad/dept/pta/prer…

Respiratory therapy and Sonography are two year degrees as well. However, I am not as familiar with the coursework of these programs...

Charlene Said:

are there any related fields to physical therapy that pays well?

We Answered:

The problem is that nothing really serves as a stepping stone to PT. Even the PTA degree which pays fair (tops out around $50,000) is not a stepping stone and in the long run, you'll have to go back to PT school for the same amount of schools as if you pursued PT from the beginning.

Athletic training can be a good stepping stone since alot of the prerequisites are similar, however, finding a job as an ATC is quite competitive.

The only stipulation I will make is if you enter a PTA program that is housed at a four year university (such as Southern Illinois U)...in these cases, you can work on a BS and your PTA degree in the same time. Once you graduate with your BS, you will also have your PTA degree and can start doing some work right away. Once you are ready, you will most likely not have to take any further classes to enter grad school if you've been able to get in all the prerequisites.

Other than that, there are not really any other jobs related to PT that have the same opportunities and payscale that don't already require a graduate degree education. Even SLPs, OTs, audiologists and pharmacists all require graduate level education.