PTA vs. DPT

[busupshot83]

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Here's my situation guys:

I am going to be 27 this year, and I have been through a ton of career paths, a failed marriage, and high debt. Therefore, it is important for me to start a career soon and begin paying off my debt.

My interest is exercise and wellness, and originally I was going to pursue a M.S. in Exercise Science (I already have my B.A.), but I figured physical therapy would be a safer route due to the demand for the career. At first, I was only looking at DPT programs, but recently I have been researching PTA ones. If I pursue PTA, the money that I save can be used to obtain exercise science-related education. Here's what I am thinking:

PTA
+ Cheaper tuition (I can use the saved money to still get my M.S. in Exercise Science, as well as my NSCA-CSCS or NASM-PES)
+ Faster program (sooner for me to start working)
- Less autonomy (I would have to work under a DPT)

DPT
+ Full autonomy
- More tuition
- Longer program

Does anyone know of PTAs with CSCS or PES certifications that work in sports-related practices?

 

[9433]

Does anyone know of PTAs with CSCS or PES certifications that work in sports-related practices?

At some out-patient ortho, sports type places that I have volunteered at, the PT techs didn't have a PTA, CSCS, PES or anything else. They were mostly former athletes. To me, this seems to be somewhat normal with out-patient orthopedic places... I am not sure how much of an emphasis they (out-ortho) put on the PTA certification. It seems like they tend to hired personal trainer-types and athletes (not necessarily certified in anything)... Just my experience though, not sure if it is like this in other parts of the country.


What specific career do you hope to pursue after you attain your MS in Exercise Science?

 

[DancerFutureDPT]

I work for a large outpatient ortho clinic (50+ clinics under our corporate name) and at 2 of the 3 locations I've worked at there have been PTAs....One PTA had her CSCS, but to my knowledge she didn't really use it other than having it listed on her SOAP notes after her name. She never trained clients, at least not through our facility. The PTA I currently work with has her BA, and then she went back for her PTA. She basically does everything a PT does at our clinic, which is definitely not the case at other clinics. Each practice kinda decides how they want to use the PTAs. Look into the clinics in your area to see how they utilize PTAs, if they're popular or if jobs are hard to find, etc.

 

[busupshot83]

What specific career do you hope to pursue after you attain your MS in Exercise Science?

I would like to own a wellness/fitness/rehab center one day, or be a director of an athletic-related institution.

Would you say the PTA would be as waste of time? Should I go straight for the M.S. in Exercise Science?

 

[9433]

Would you say the PTA would be as waste of time?

Potentially, given your end goal.

I would start researching the PT places you want to work at and see how much of an emphasis they place on having the PTA cert. As stated previously, it may be different than what I have seen in my experience, so, you'll want to look into that.

Should I go straight for the M.S. in Exercise Science?

I would work on getting a Graduate Assistant position as a strength coach at a university, given your career goals. An M.S. is great, but combining it with 2 years of experience as a strength coach would be a hell of a lot better (and you'll get free tuition). You'll likely meet a lot more people in the industry this way as well. Getting a GA spot isn't a walk in the park, so, I would do an internship at somewhere you are interested in, work your butt off, and if they don't offer you a position, ask if they would give you a referral to somewhere that would be willing to give you a shot... or just shotgun it and send letters everywhere.

 

[busupshot83]

Potentially, given your end goal.

I would start researching the PT places you want to work at and see how much of an emphasis they place on having the PTA cert. As stated previously, it may be different than what I have seen in my experience, so, you'll want to look into that.
I would work on getting a Graduate Assistant position as a strength coach at a university, given your career goals. An M.S. is great, but combining it with 2 years of experience as a strength coach would be a hell of a lot better (and you'll get free tuition). You'll likely meet a lot more people in the industry this way as well. Getting a GA spot isn't a walk in the park, so, I would do an internship at somewhere you are interested in, work your butt off, and if they don't offer you a position, ask if they would give you a referral to somewhere that would be willing to give you a shot... or just shotgun it and send letters everywhere.

Thank you, that was very informative.

 

[Hopein2010]

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[rcheeley]

I would go ahead into a PTA career if you feel like you love the field, but can't afford it. There are a lot of programs out there that are very cheap and you could be working in 2 years or less while coming out making a respectable salary.

If you want to get into a management type position make sure you let employers know when you apply for jobs. The company I work for, I'm a director of a clinic, and my direct supervisor (Regional Director over 6 clinics) is a PTA. So there are opportunities out there, you've just got to find them.

I'd also recommend taking some business related courses as well as that might help when you do get to interviewing and talking w/ employers about the management positions.

 

[rcheeley]

To go along with this, you could have your school debt paid from the PTA program within the 1st year if you manage your money properly, and then start on your other debts. You're not going to make a massive salary, however you could make in upwards of $50k (as just a clinician), you're just going to have to work for it.

If you could get in w/ a company that really values their employees, and you work hard your first several years, if you moved into a management position you could easily make over $50k. Get the experience in the management area as you learn the "in/outs" and then eventually be able to know how to run your own facility.

If you really want to be an autonomous practitioner as a PT, then you just need to plan accordingly (career and financially).

 

[busupshot83]

Thanks for the responses ladies and gents. Unfortunately, today I found out that the local PTA program is already filled for 2010, 2011, and 2012! In fact, they are only accepting applications for admission into the 2013 start date. That's nuts! Looks like I'm going the DPT route...

Just wondering: what is the job market for people with a M.S. in Exercise Science or Kinesiology?

 

[Hopein2010]

Just wondering: what is the job market for people with a M.S. in Exercise Science or Kinesiology?

hehehe, hence the PTA degree, and pursuing of DPT...you can probably guess =)

 

[busupshot83]

hehehe, hence the PTA degree, and pursuing of DPT...you can probably guess =)

gotcha bud.