Investing in Physical Therapy Aide Certificate?

[Jessica_D]

Hello,

The local community college is offering a Physical Therapy Aide Certificate. The details are: $499, 4 sessions - June 14 - June 23 - T, TH, 6-10PM

I am interested in signing up for this to land a steady job. From what I found, their yearly salary is around $33,000. I am planning on going to Graduate school within the next year, and I need a job where I feel stable in my position and support myself. I also prefer to be on my feet keeping busy, and in a field I enjoy.

My concern is that perhaps this particular course isn't worth it, or maybe it just is not worth it in general. I have found a few jobs in the area, but the salary is never posted. Sometimes I will see something along the lines of $10 an hour, which completely contradicts the other information. I would appreciate any advice from those who earned a Physical Therapy Aide Certificate (it doesn't say certification - I don't know if there is much of a difference when it comes to this job).

If anyone has any advice on the topic I'd appreciate the feedback. It's between this and Phlebotomy, which earns less and usually requires travel throughout the day. I would rather avoid doing that on a daily basis, for example driving to and from nursing homes.

Thanks for the advice.

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[jblil]

I've never heard of a PT Aide making $33K/yr. PT Assistants, yes (if they work part-time) - but not PT Aides, which is basically an unskilled position. If one could take a class for $500 and then qualify for a $30K/yr job, you would see a line around the block.

Caveat: the above is for the US. If you are in Canada, it may be completely different.

 

[Azimuthal]

I train our new, inexperienced aides...no incoming certs. necessary.

 

[starrsgirl]

You can be an aide without a certificate. Some places call them "techs" too. Saying you are a pre-PT student, in my mind, says just as much for your interest in the field and willingness to work.

 

[noyceguy]

PT Aide jobs are more like $16,000 a year, DOE.

 

[PTX2]

PT Aides in the Bay Area make between $10 and $18 per hour. I've not seen a PT Aide cert listed as a desired qualification so i don't believe it will help you. However, many list experience as a personal trainer or athletic trainer as a plus.

Unless you're considering physical therapy as a career I'm not sure why you would want to work as an aide. This position is usually used by potential PT students to observe and gain exposure to the field.

Have you decided what your studies in grad school will be? I suggest finding work related to your future studies so you can build experience and your resume.