Herbert Said:

What is it like being a physical therapy assistant: Pros, Cons, Salary, Responsibilities?

We Answered:

Most PTAs earn between $35,000-55,000 roughly...very few make more than this. It would not be hard to get into this field...it often appeals to people as a second career for it's relatively short education with a stable income even in a rough economy. There are always second career students in any PT or PTA program.

The cons of this field is basically that it is not a stepping stone to being a PT, being that if you ever wanted to become a PT, you'd have to start over like everyone else. Also, there is little opportunity for a PTA to climb a career ladder. Where PTs can go into management, clinic directors, case management, etc, PTAs don't have these opportunities.

Eva Said:

Are you a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant?

We Answered:

Nope...two different licensures.

Juan Said:

Do you have to get a degree in physical therapy assistant to become a physical therapy assistant?

We Answered:

Sorry, unfortunately the prerequisite for taking the exam is that you've completed an accredited PTA program.

Ivan Said:

Can you support yourself comfortably (not stressing about bills) as a physical therapy assistant?

We Answered:

The thing you should realize about entering a PTA program is that it is not a stepping stone to the PT program. So, if your goal is really to be a PT, that's where you need to start working towards. You should begin working on a BS degree that will allow you to take the courses required for the PT graduate program. Entering a PTA program does not get you any of the courses that you need for prerequisites.

However, if you are content with being a PTA, that is fine...it's good, honest, steady work...but you will hit the ceiling early in your career...both on a career and financial level. Most PTAs are earning less than $50,000

Brandy Said:

A few questions about becoming a Physical Therapy Assistant?

We Answered:

Hi Layla,

I searched under "physical therapy assistant curriculum" on yahoo and came up with a few schools. Take a look at the following links to get an idea of what kind of coursework you will need to complete and how you might begin in high school. Certainly many of the schools will probably require a few different courses but the core subjects will be mostly the same. Good luck!

http://www.scc-fl.edu/pta/pta-as.php
http://www.ohlone.edu/instr/pta/ptacurriculum.html
http://www.mcc.commnet.edu/academic/degrees/PTA.php

At this link you can start to look directly at programs in your area and their specific requirements.

http://www.allalliedhealthschools.com/faqs/physical_therapy_assistant.php