Emily Said:

Do Physical Therapy Assistants out there enjoy their jobs?

We Answered:

Top Gun has a PTA confused with a physical therapy "aide" or "technician." PTAs are usually licensed in most states and treat patients independently once the PT has determined the course of treatment. Most PTAs earn between $35-45,000 a year, so it's certainly not a job one does to "save money." However, you would certainly earn more as a travelling PTA (ie, working for an agency). Yet, this is not an ideal position for a new graduate PTA. In my experience in working with agency PTAs, those who entered the agency or travelling setting right after graduating made some of the poorest practictioners I've ever seen...they were nothing more than a warm body and we kicked them out the door almost instantly. However, we've had some great ones who had many years of experience, and were able to be mentored by their collegues and develop an advanced skill set. It's difficult to develop a mentoring relationship when you may only be at a particular clinic for a few weeks at a time. If you want to be a good PTA, I would recommend having stable employement with at least 2-5 years experience in whichever setting you hope to practice before becoming a travelling PTA.

Gary Said:

TRAVELING PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT?

We Answered:

I agree with jannsondy that experience in the field is recommended before you become a traveling PTA. Agency staff are expected to be fully adaptable and "hit the ground running"...when they enter a clinic, the people who are hiring the agency are going to scrutinize your every move and they need a PTA now, not a new grad that they have to mentor.

That's what being a new graduate is really all about, developing a relationship with a stable work environment where you can have a mentor who will guide you through your first couple years as a PTA.

I would try to work in a hospital setting that has a couple different levels of care: med/surg, rehab or SNF unit and outpatient...spend a couple years there, then travel.

Naomi Said:

Is traveling Physical Therapy a good job?

We Answered:

You can be placed anywhere, but you can usually specify areas where you are willing to travel or not travel.

I would not recommend this type of job for a new graduate. New graduates should establish some roots somewhere for a good year or two and have a good mentor from which to continue to grow and learn.

Nicholas Said:

Give me the scoop on the Physical Therapy Assistant profession...?

We Answered:

If you have a degree already and most of the requirements, I would go for the PT if possible.

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

Joe Said:

Which of these jobs would you prefer?

We Answered:

director, politician, lawyer, consultant

Margie Said:

I really need help in these algebra two questions please?!?

We Answered:

1) If you take the mph times the number of hours traveled, you get how many miles traveled.
35h + 40h = 7.5
75h = 7.7
h = .1
Then convert this into minutes; .1 times 60 = 6 minutes
3:46 PM

2) There are 52 weeks in a year. So, Plan B will cost 120 + (6 * 52)
120 + 312 = 432 so Plan B is cheaper.

3) Number of physical therapy jobs = 115000 + 8100y
Where y = the number of years since 1996.
115000 + (8100 * 14)
228,400 jobs in 2010