PT aide-- a viable long-term career or just stepping stone?

Because of my learning disability, I do not think I can pass the PTA certification. I am looking at becoming a PT aide--I enjoy working with people; did a stint as a personal trainer, loved the physical work but hated the half-commited clientele. My question for the forum is, is a being a PT aide a viable long-term career option? It seems most people use it as a way to gain experience while they are in school to become a PTA. Would I be better off pursuing a skilled trade instead (which I don't think I'd enjoy as well as working with people)?

Depends on what you would call a career. From what I understand aides top out fairly quickly as far as pay is concerned and opportunities for promotion are fairly non existent. This is what bls.gov has for salary info for aides.

Median annual earnings of physical therapist aides were $22,060 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $18,550 and $26,860. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $15,850, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $32,600. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of physical therapist aides in May 2006 were:

Nursing care facilities $24,170
Offices of physicians 22,680
General medical and surgical hospitals 22,680
Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists 21,230

If you think you will enjoy it, I say go for it. It will give you an idea of whether or not you can/should make the jump to pta.