Calvin Said:

Can physical therapy assistants work overseas, or just inthe US?

We Answered:

The PTA degree and position doesn't exist in most countries outside the US...you are either a therapist or not. For those countries that do (I'm not sure of any specifically), you would need to meet the requirements of that country's licensing standards where they exist. This may include a review of your educational records if you were educated in the US and may require a licensing examination if the PTA is required to do so in that country.

Jacob Said:

Occupational Therapy Assistant and Physical Therapy Assistants- is this a good career?

We Answered:

I am an OT, not an assistant. But... yes - I like my job(s). I have worked primarily in nursing homes and home health since those are the most flexible (plus they pay well - I make $45/hour in the nursing homes and $65 - $75 per home health visit). In my opinion, home health is more enjoyable than nursing homes because you don't have to worry so much about efficiency (how much billable time you have versus non billable) plus the environment can be stressful, especially after working there a while. I know several COTAs (assistants) and some are content with their job, others wish they had become OTs. When I was in school, there was a couple people who were COTAs and wanted to become an OT. There is a bit more paperwork involved with being an OT, since you have to do the evaluations, recertifications, supervisory notes, write orders, and discharges, but keep in mind there is a difference in pay. Some COTAs like not being responsible for developing the treatment plan and just being responsible for treatment implementation. I agree with the PT- if you think you may want to be a PT or OT, just go ahead and work straight through for that.
Good luck!

Megan Said:

What programs are there for Physical Therapy assistants in Michigan?

We Answered:

Michigan PTA programs

Baker College of Allen Park (PR)
Baker College of Flint (D2, F1, PR)
Baker College of Muskegon (A1, D2, F1, F4, PR)
Delta College (D2, F1, PU)
Finlandia University (D2, F1, PR)
Henry Ford Community College (D2, F1, PU)
Kellogg Community College (D2, F1, PU)
Macomb Community College (D2, F1, PU)
Mott Community College (A1, D2, F1, F4, PU)

http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?sect…

There are only 2 PTA to PT programs in the country but most colleges will accept a PTA in a PT program with the same pre req as typical students. I work with a PTA who got her PTA in 2 years. Took a 3rd year to get some pre req still at the CC. Then she transferred to local PT program while working as a PT finishing her pre req and BS. She will start in the PT program in the fall. I think she had the 3 PT seminars waived. Not to many but she is ahead of typical students. She will do really well. She knows the treatment and will learn the assessment piece. Of course she is learning on the job. We try and teach her what we can.

Best wishes

Monica Said:

Do Physical Therapy Assistants have to work with cadavers in school?

We Answered:

At the PTA level, its unusual for you to have to take gross human anatomy. You are more likely to work with plastinated models. At the very worst, you might have to see a human cadaver lab, but PTAs typically don't have to do the dissection.

If this isn't something you can handle, just be sure to check out the course list for the program you hope to attend. As long as it doesn't say "gross human anatomy," you should be safe.

As a PTA, however, you might occasionally have to deal with or witness blood and wounds...catheter bags, adult diapers, etc...

Tommy Said:

How much do physical therapy assistants make?

We Answered:

PTA or Physical Therapist Assistant is 2 years of schooling and you'll get your associates degree. You can do it at an accredited community college. Salary for PTA"s ranges from $20-30/hr. DPT or Doctorate of Physical Therapy is 7 years of schooling( 4 undergraduate + 3 PT School). DPT salary is about $45-65/ per hour where in my area. Average salary in my state(NJ) for DPT's in 2009 was $83,780. DPT's can own and operate their own private practice and can earn salaries well over $100,000. PTA's earn a salary of about $40,000-45,000 per year.