Help with PT,PTA decision. Thanks.

[Michael4422]

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I'm 38, I have a BA, and in the past year have taken Chemistry and Biology courses (physiology, anatomy, organic bio chem) as well as quite a few others to set me up for a Bachelor's in Nursing. But, I've decided I want to go in another direction.

With my education, do you think DPT makes more sense than PTA? If I was just out of high school and wanted to start working as soon as possible, PT seems like the right choice. I just don't want to "waste" my education, if you know what I mean.

Thanks!

 

[markelmarcel]

Hi Michael, I also struggled between PTA and DPT and what I found was making a pros and cons list of each profession/degree made it clear which I would peruse. Take into consideration your schooling time, cost, salary, job opportunities, job responsibilities, etc. Basically anything and everything you can think of to try to compare the two and see which will be the best fit for you and what you want out of a career. Good luck!

 

[atstudent]

I'll tell you that right now this is definitely something you have to consider strongly. I have read talks of the PTA being diminished if not eliminated in the very near future IF the APTA has any choice in the matter. This would allow PT companies to hire staff without a PTA credential to assist the Physical Therapist to provide healthcare for the patients. With that in mind, I'd say it's a no-doubter to head to PT school and forget the PTA route.

If this does not happen, then I say go the PTA route because the schooling is shorter, the debt is much less, but you still have a great deal of independence depending on the specific setting you were to work in.

I work in a PT clinic alongside PT and PTA co-workers. By insurance companies, Medicare, and the APTA I would be considered a "physical therapy aide." But my co-workers and employer understand my clinical ability is much higher than that and our staff works well together with our athletic trainers, PTs, and PTAs working hand-in-hand to provide care for our patients. If what I have read were to take place, I think you'd see an even greater integration of athletic trainers into the rehab team.

I think PTAs are an important part of the rehab team. They may only have an associates degree, but it's a focused degree and if they have a good working relationship with their supervising PT, it works well.