Finally, I'm starting my PTA school this Fall!

I'v been waiting for a long time to start my PTA school at NVCC in Springfield, VA and I'm so excited it's starting soon "this Fall". I can't wait to start my new career as a PTA. All I heard about this profession is great so far. I shadowed PTAs and PTs and they all have no complaints about the job. It's so rewarding not only financially, but also every time you make a difference in somebody's life. Every time you help somebody walk again is a priceless moment. To help people recover is very rewarding. This is the kind of job I've been looking for.

I wanted to be a PT, and before anybody says " Go for PT school if you wanna be a PT, don't waste your time becoming a PTA", I would like to say that I don't have the money, the resources, or the patience to go to PT school. I'm 24 years old and I did alot of schooling in my country before I came to America, and I'm tired of schooling.

I wanted a career that is rewarding, doesn't take alot of schooling, and one that makes me on demand and financally stable; in 2 years, not in 8. And after alot of research, I decided that PTA is the way to go.

I had a horrible experience working as a CNA. And I quit that job on the first day. Nurses that I met were never happy with their career choice..

However, I feel that being a PTA is going to limit me. What other future career options am I going to have as a PTA? Also, and other than management positions,is there any advancement opportunities for PTAs?

I know that most of the PTA corriculum will not transfer to any 4 years degree. And this depresses me sometimes.

One last question, what is the maximum salary a highly experienced PTA can make in heir lifetime? I heard that the PTA salary max out very fast, unlike nurses that could make $50+/hr.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated

I have no comments about income ceiling, but wanted to say congratulations! I am also very anxious to start PTA, but need to wait a couple of years before we can afford to lose my income for 2 years to go to school. I don't know how I'm going to be able to wait so long! Like you, I have no interest in the expense and time involved in PT school over PTA. That might be a better path for some people, but the PTA role appeals to me more anyway. I also feel like I will earn back my schooling expense much quicker than if I went PT. I'm 36 and now won't be a working PTA until I am 40 or older, so I am definitely interested in getting out there as quickly as I can helping people.

Stephani in Snoqualmie, Washington said: I have no comments about income ceiling, but wanted to say congratulations! I am also very anxious to start PTA, but need to wait a couple of years before we can afford to lose my income for 2 years to go to school. I don't know how I'm going to be able to wait so long! Like you, I have no interest in the expense and time involved in PT school over PTA. That might be a better path for some people, but the PTA role appeals to me more anyway. I also feel like I will earn back my schooling expense much quicker than if I went PT. I'm 36 and now won't be a working PTA until I am 40 or older, so I am definitely interested in getting out there as quickly as I can helping people.

Thank you Stephani,
I know how you are feeling, and I wish you the best in your PTA career.
But to be honest, the PT role fits me more than the PTA's. And I'm getting this Associate degree only because I don't know what to do. I need to have a nice job, FAST!!!! As fast as possible. I'm tired of working so hard in these back-breaking jobs for so little, and being treated with no respect or appreciation to what I do. I've had so many jobs since I came to the USA, and in every single one, I felt I'm so damn replaceable. I need to be in demand, again,FAST! And since I went to medical school in my country "but I didn't get a degree", I thought my medical background will definitely help me in becoming a successful PTA.

I got tired of working so hard for Pennies.

Anybody that can answer my questions, please reply.

Thank you,
~Ashraf

Are there any PTAs out there who can answer my questions?

I feel as if this PTA forum is dead; there has not been any new posts for the last 4 days.