Is Physical Therapist Assistant Right For Me?

I am currently going into school for Medical Assisting. I changed it from Ophthalmic Technician. This is how undecided I am. I know that PTA's has a higher pay and more in demand. I am not the type of person that likes to deal with blood, vomit, etc and I feel like I will be comfortable being a PTA, except one thing.

I am only 5'3" and 95lbs with no strength, whatsoever. Will I still be okay in this field?

Hi tpham320 :-)
I've been browsing this forum for information and there are a lot of posts where people ask this same question. Browse a bit and check it out, most of the responses say that you can still be a PTA and it will be alright despite your size. It may take some extra focus on proper body mechanics, but there are ways. I have no upper body strength whatsoever and I still go rock climbing because I was taught proper technique. I'm sure if you're mindful of technique and body mechanics, you should be fine. I also just observed at a skilled nursing facility as part of my admissions requirement, and one of the PTAs was extremely petite but got along just fine. She said she loves her job. Good luck! :-)

I've done more research and feel like I belong more as an ophthalmic tech although jobs aren't as high in demand as a PTA and pay sure isn't as well. I've been back and forth with these two programs but am so unsure. Can you give me some insight on how I can pick. I don't have much time left to decide :(

They're both very different careers, with very different pay. Which one is better suited for your personality and lifestyle? I think what matters most is which one makes you happy. If I were you, I would observe a few different PTA's and a few different Ophthalmic Techs. See what their every day tasks include, what kinds of places they have opportunities to work in, their schedule, evaluate what kind of salary you need to pay your bills and still do things you enjoy, etc.

I applied to PTA school and really hope I get accepted. I observed at a skilled nursing facility, and while it was a nice place, I really couldn't see myself working there every single day. I'm glad I gained that insight, and know now that working in outpatient or in a school district would be ideal for me, even if the pay is slightly lower (which after reviewing my finances, I can handle). If you haven't already observed people in the field, check it out!

Do you know the average starting wage?

From browsing this forum, I've read that it depends on the area, the type of facility you work in, and your experience level. SNF (skilled nursing facilities) pay the most, while outpatient practices pay a bit lower, but still well. I've read posts from people saying that they started anywhere from $20 to $32 per hour right out of school, and some even got sign-on bonuses. I know a few PTA's in my area (upstate New York) who make about $50,000 a year salary. Per diem positions usually pay more, as well as home health. I hear the state of Texas pays extremely well for some reason. There are also travel companies that pay well and send you all over the country for temporary assignments, and they cover housing and transportation (some home health agencies do this, as well). So, like I said, it depends on the area, facility, and experience (someone in the business longer or with a medical background in something else may get paid a bit more).

One good thread is this one, here's a link. You can also do a search for more threads related to Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (search box in upper right hand corner): www.indeed.com/forum/job/physical-therapy-assistant/PTA-salaries-nationwide/t173768/p4

I've read a few and I see that some people are saying that PTA can become over saturated in the future due to so many schools pumping out new grads. This is what happened to rad techs and that was one of the professions I really wanted to go into.

Currently, there is a 3 year waitlist for my PTA program and I've wasted 2 years already being undecided. Being unemployed, I really just want to graduate and get a job.

The question I have been asking myself now is if it's worth waiting that long to do something that wasn't really my first, nor second choice. I know I'm still young, 21, but there's not much I can do knowing myself. I want to be in health care, without having to see blood and etc.

I see myself more in eye care as an opt tech, but I feel like it become boring for me on top of that the pay is too low. So lost and confused :(