To be a PTA: how long will it take? which school to go to in CHicago?

Jon Marston in Brewster, New York said: I'm really in a tricky spot. I'm finishing up my bachelor's degree in kinesiology, I figured about halfway through(junior year) that I wanted to get into therapy so I thought physical therapy is where I should be. I volunteered a ton in a few different facilities but still needed to take chem 1, chem 2, physics 1 and physics too. I tried squeezing both chem and physics in one semester and bombed chem horribly. hardest class i've ever taken. Now that i failed, if I want to go PT I have to do all the prerequisites which will take about 2yrs then reapply to the grad school. I'll be buried in debt if I get into a PT as well so I thought of plan B: PTA school. It's affordable, I won't be debt but I won't ever be a PT. Is it worth sacrificing the time and money trying again for PT school? Or should I go for PTA instead? Do PTA's make decent cash? I can't see it being easy to live off of 40k a year. What type of lifestyle can you support on that salary and is there any room for growth at all salary wise?
thanks!

Hey , just read your comment and I'm in the EXACT same position...I'm about to finish up my B.A in exercise phys. ...I want to to P.T but dont have my 2 chems and 2 physics completed and my GRE scores weren't that great...So now I'm looking into O.T and P.T.A. From what I hear...PTA'S make anywhere from 20-30/hr and are always in demand. Home health and travel PTA'S make bank.

I am currently in high school. I've started to think about college and what I would like to be in the future. I've volunteered at a Physical Therapy program in a hospital nearby. I think a PTA would be more realistic for me. If i wanted to go to a big school, say a four year school. Could i just take classes there and transfer them somehow to become a PTA instead of just going to a two year local program?

Suze Orman in Denver, Colorado said: Neeters,
Yes, if you get a degree at a four-year school, you should be able to transfer some of your classes (probably about 12 credits of electives) to your PTA degree. However, doing that doesn't make a lot of sense. You will still have two years' worth of PTA classes to take, even if you major in something that is relevant to being a PTA, like kinesiology or anatomy and physiology. I say it doesn't make sense, because if you don't mind the extra years of school, you might as well get your doctorate in PT so you pull in the extra coin that goes with the extra education. You're looking at six years the way you proposed vs. seven years to get the doctorate in PT.
The smart choice, at least in my mind, would be deciding between PTA school (and working on the prereqs right away, which would probably take just a semester) or committing to PT school.
I wish I had thought about being a PT vs. PTA when I was in high school.
Good luck.
Suz.

Neeters,

I'm not sure what your confidence is as a student, but at your age I would get your BS in BIO and go for the DPT.

Another option if you want to get to work more quickly, go for your PTA degree, which will give you some of your pre-req's for your BS degree and the pre-req's to the DPT. Finish up your PTA AA degree and then work part time as a PTA and continue to finish up your BS degree. If you do a BIO degree or a BS business health mgmt degree it will be better than an excercise science degree. While you are knocking out your BS you will also be knocking out your pre-req's for your DPT. And a PTA makes $30/hr, so that's not bad part time while in school.

The only problem with that model would be if you get your PTA deg and never finish the other schooling and you regret not going for the DPT.

Honestly, if you are determined and are absolutely sure this is the field you want to go into, i'd shoot for the DPT. You are so young.

I am a senior this year, I graduate May 13, 2011. I was not sure what I wanted to do with my life until I shadowed a PTA. My only problem now is that I am not sure which colleges in Arkansas offer a PTA program. I wanted to join my boyfriend at the University of Arkansas in Monticello, but I am having problems finding out if they offer this program or if they just have some basics. Please help!

Dalton in Oxford, Mississippi said: my step mom is a physical therapist and my dad is a physical therapist assistant. Somebody on here was wanting to know what a day is like for a physical therapist. Well it requires 4 years of more college but mainly all u do is tell the pta wat to do. my step mom tell my dad wat to do and stuff. she is making about 60 an hour her company pays for her gas to drive to work she sets her own hours and she fills out paper work and thats about it. i mean its pretty simple. my stepmom works 30-40 hrs a week and my dad works 40. well my stepmom makes about 2,000 a week my dad makes about 1,000 so i mean a pta sounds like a good job ha but yea u have to care for the patients and stuff but it really aint that hard i mean ive been to work with them several time and stuff. i am a senior in highschool right now and im gonna start therapy school in the fall of next year

your comment was VERY HELPFUL..

Can your dad work 30-40hrs a week as well? Or did he choose to work 40 hpw?

I have already been in school to get my basic and ect.. Does anyone know what all classes u have to take?

I'm not really sure I understand that question. You need Anatomy 1 & 2 or Bio 111. and a few others like a particular psychology class I think the prereqs vary slightly but for each School Anatomy 1 & 2 are a must.

Can someone tell me of any online schools to become a pt assistant. Are online schools credible in this profession.

What are the prereqs before entering the two year PTA program? I need to get those out of the way asap. Also, do you have to sign up for this program ahead of time because of the waiting list? I think being a physical therapist assistant would be an entirely rewarding career; mainly because helping people is what I want to do.
Also, is it wiser to become a PTA-then work as a PTA while going to school for Pysical Therapy?
Is there such a thing as a traveling Physical Therapist Assistant? Thanks! :) Heather (20)

I am changing careers to *something* in the health care field, not sure what. I am now taking classes toward Medical Front Office. That’s about running a business office, but I want more patient contact. I already have a master’s degree in an unrelated field. (Library science, was laid off, the field is changing.) I also want a job that can’t be outsourced. Physical Therapy Assistant sounds good. But apparently that takes another two years of study, and I may not have the time to work part-time while studying. I am already 54 years old, and I don’t know if I have the “strong core strength” that someone mentioned. Then I would have to compete with younger applicants when I’m 56. Any comments on these ideas? I'm not sure now what to study.

GET ON YOUR KNEES AND PRAY. ASKING US WILL NOT HELP U CAUSE HELL WE DONT KNOW. ONLY GOD KNOWS WHAT IN PLAN FOR U AND HE DESERVES FOR U TO COME TO HIM IN NEED. What u ask shall be recieve. so get on YOUR KNEES and pray not laying down cause prayin is a JOB.

Hi, I heard that PTA's dont have to go through schooling in order to take the PTA exam..Since you cant practice even after you finish an accredited program..you still have to pass the Exam to be licensed..You can challenge the boards..Does anyone know about this?

jeremy D in Dallas, Texas said: Hi, I heard that PTA's dont have to go through schooling in order to take the PTA exam..Since you cant practice even after you finish an accredited program..you still have to pass the Exam to be licensed..You can challenge the boards..Does anyone know about this?

At this time you have to have an associate in an Applied Science and sit for a National exam. You can not practice until you graduate and take the exam. Some states will let you practice with a temporary license when you test is pending. I am not sure what you mean by taking the exam with out going to school you can't take the exam until you graduate. Why would you challenge the boards?

Susan Chabot in Enfield, Illinois said: At this time you have to have an associate in an Applied Science and sit for a National exam. You can not practice until you graduate and take the exam. Some states will let you practice with a temporary license when you test is pending. I am not sure what you mean by taking the exam with out going to school you can't take the exam until you graduate. Why would you challenge the boards?

I will clarify.. I was working as a Tech/Aide for a Physical Therapy clinic and the DPT I worked under knew that I wanted to be a PT assistant. He told me..you can bypass school and not obtain an accredited degree and challenge the boards to take the exam to get my license..He said even if you go to school and get a degree you still need to get lisenced before you can work..As long as your eligable in all other aspects. Now for PT's you have to go to school..PTA's work under the PT so im trying to find out if theres anyone who has done that or knows of someone who has.

Hey, i am a graduate from 06 and now my wife has motivated me to get back in school also for the sake of my son. I am now enrolling in school in September and hopefully start my PTA classes soon but i still need to take the college placement test first. I am a fit guy and into fitness since young, i wanted to know if the PTA classes are hard?? What are the classes one must first take?? Please let me know...I hear the science is hard...I was horrible at it in HS :/

Thanks, let me hear from you

Yohan Gil, if you're getting into it for the money/job, don't. You won't be any good at it or you'll hate it. Being physically fit and muscular is not important. Having a high capacity to learn a lot of science fast and apply it to help people(specially elderly) improve their range of motion and quality of life is the most important quality. Don't let anyone tell you that it's easy, it is NOT! Anatomy and Physiology I and II alone are very hard. 33% of my class failed or barely passed. The pre-requisites alone will weed-out anyone who is horrible at science and academics, especially memorization, LOTS AND LOTS of memorization. Most 2-year PTA programs I've seen have a 40%-50% dropout/failure rate, because it's very difficult. Ask your school's PTA program director. There are other 2-year AA degrees that are easier. This is not one of them. When you hear or read someone using the word "challenging but doable", they mean really hard and difficult. So don't underestimate it if you're not really committed to academically difficult course work. If you underestimate it, you'll end up like many of my classmates: spending a ton of time and money only to find out they can't do it, and they finally give up, after wasting precious time and money. I strongly recommend doing observations in a real PT environment, then picking up a copy of the books used at the school you're looking to attend and seeing if you think you would enjoy studying this material. I know a lot of people who struggled through PTA school, hated the course work, made C's and D's, sometimes instructors handed them C's and B's cause they liked them, stuck it out because they were encouraged, and in the end... they are still struggling to pass the national NPTE board exam, years after finishing school, an enormous waste of time and money. If you enjoy learning science and are up to the academic challenge, then go for it, but don't fool yourself. I'm just keeping it real, so you don't waste your time and $$$

hey thank you for your bluntness. Ofcourse, i am not doing it for the money though. I have been into fitness since young and a couple years ago i wanted to major in personal training. After my wife adviced me to really think bout it because i'd have to rely on some clients to get paid, i changed my mind about personal training. I wanted then to do something that has to do with helping others anyway i can, the closes profession to training i can think of was PT/PTA. I do care about others and trying to help them feel better about their situation, i just wish i really had a motivation for school back in high school like i do now. I was real lazy and had my ways because i was an athelete, so i had favor with teachers even though i didnt do much work. I do know that my knowledge has increased lately. My wife is taking her Nursing 1 classes and i help out on her study sometimes and she does we'll...with my help ofcourse lol jk. I am aware of the A&P 1 and 2 and how hard they are, i am hoping my wife can help me as i study it myself, she has taken them both and passed, so maybe she will return the favor back to me :) Before i read your message i actually called some clinics in my area about doing some volunteer work as a pta and most of them told me to come in person, hopefully i will do that this coming monday. Lord willing everything goes good and i can start doing some hands on or watch, either way it'll be good to experience it first hand. Thanks again for your advice. greatly appreciated. :)

Yohan

Is anyone waiting for acceptance/rejection letter from Elgin Community College? Decisions are supposed to made this month.

I am going back and forth between going to school for PTA or Radiologist Tech. Any thoughts? Does anyone know the starting salary for PTA's in the Nashville area?

Hi twenclewicz,

I would go with PTA, there aren't any rad tech jobs out there. The schools keep churning out rad techs and have saturated the market with canidates. I looked at that and ultrasound when i first decided to change careers, but ultimately, I chose PTA because of the high demand for PTAs. In Chicago, PTA's start out around 50K a year, not a big money-maker, but you won't starve either.I'm not sure about Nashville though. Good luck in whatever career you choose!!

Laura in Rolling Meadows, Illinois said: Hi twenclewicz,

I would go with PTA, there aren't any rad tech jobs out there. The schools keep churning out rad techs and have saturated the market with canidates. I looked at that and ultrasound when i first decided to change careers, but ultimately, I chose PTA because of the high demand for PTAs. In Chicago, PTA's start out around 50K a year, not a big money-maker, but you won't starve either.I'm not sure about Nashville though. Good luck in whatever career you choose!!

thank you laura!! the more i research the more i have been findind exactly what you're saying. in the nashville area there are 5 programs for rad techs and only 1 for pta's so i know that this area isn't going to be filled with a bunch of graduates graduating at the same time. also found that a lot of rad tech jobs want you to have experience as well. not with pta jobs. the 6 pages i went through last night for this area all welcome new grads. my sister is going to graduate in may as a pta.. so i'm really starting to change my mind about this (at first i wanted to go for rad tech). thanks for your help!!

twenclewicz in SPRING HILL, Tennessee said: thank you laura!! the more i research the more i have been findind exactly what you're saying. in the nashville area there are 5 programs for rad techs and only 1 for pta's so i know that this area isn't going to be filled with a bunch of graduates graduating at the same time. also found that a lot of rad tech jobs want you to have experience as well. not with pta jobs. the 6 pages i went through last night for this area all welcome new grads. my sister is going to graduate in may as a pta.. so i'm really starting to change my mind about this (at first i wanted to go for rad tech). thanks for your help!!

SORRY I MEANT **FOUND** NOT FINDIND : )

how much a PTA make per hour? I live in NC, and i will send my application today.

Does it make a differnece if you get a physical therpasit asstant certificate at a University or a Community College?

Joe in La Mesa, California said: well maybe the person wants to be a PTA. it is not always about the money. I would rather deal with helping lift a person then have to touch some prego's stomach. not to mention the fact she will most likely be mexican.

Do us all a favor and stay out of the medical field.

"Do us all a favor and stay out of the medical field"

Good one!!lmao

Yohan Gil in Bayonne, New Jersey said: Hey, i am a graduate from 06 and now my wife has motivated me to get back in school also for the sake of my son. I am now enrolling in school in September and hopefully start my PTA classes soon but i still need to take the college placement test first. I am a fit guy and into fitness since young, i wanted to know if the PTA classes are hard?? What are the classes one must first take?? Please let me know...I hear the science is hard...I was horrible at it in HS :/

Thanks, let me hear from you

Yohan,I graduated HS in '87 went back and got and AA in general studies in 94. Applied to PTA school at a 4 yr University.It was difficult getting back into college and studying later in life,Most of my credits from FL degree transferred to OK except I had to take Anatomy with Lab and Physiology with Lab as well as Speech to be able to apply to program.It was at this time my wife found out she was pregnant with twins.Already had two kids that weren't in school yet.One of the twins was born with Spina bifida and Hydrocephalus and was in PICU for over a month.The head of the science dept.told me I had no chance to get picked for the 12 spots available out of 400 applicants,since several of the applicants had BS's already.I applied anyway,and made it.It was the hardest thing I've been through.I had one year of PTA coursework only and it was a bear.My wife helped me study.Muscles,knowing insertion points and inervation of what nerve of every muscle in the body was very difficult. My starting salary about 19.30hr in '97 now it's 36.05 hr in home health. It was worth the difficulty. It is hard on the body. I'm 41 and was a powerlifter. I have to say the large/strong guys always get put with the 300+lb's.I have torn my rotator cuff several x's and hurt back, because in Home heath you work alone. If it's what you want don't let anyone tell you you can't.If I can,you can

lola in Fayetteville, North Carolina said: how much a PTA make per hour? I live in NC, and i will send my application today.

Started at 19.30 hr out of PTA school in '97 now at 36.05 hr base salary with company car.

Jacket in Fairview, Oklahoma said: Started at 19.30 hr out of PTA school in '97 now at 36.05 hr base salary with company car.

Hey thanks for the encouraging message and letting me know about your difficult journey. Also, i am soooooo sorry about your twin's birth defect. I hope he/she is doing well. I just recented got a job offer as an aid/tech for Kessler's Rehab. It's the most well known facilities in Jersey and they also have many facilities around the country. Do you think working for such a big name would give me some kind of advantage on getting into the PTA program? Just curious. Ill be starting school in Sept this year and by the time its time for the program, ill have about a years and half working as a tech/aid. Hopefully this really help me out. I'm looking foward to school already, want to start a career to support my family ofcourse plus i have a one year old son. I get different opnions from people on where to work but i think i'd like to start at a out- patient facility 1st. From your experiences ill make sure i stay in my 160 weight range incase i go to a SNF and be placed with people at a higher weight than me lol. Im atleast looking to start out around 20-25 p/h since im also going to be getting my NASM certification as a trainer. Lets see how everything works out. Im still 23 years old and might just go for PT instead.

David T. in Chicago, Illinois said: Before going into the schooling for it. you should ask yourself if you're physically fit enough to do the work once you graduate in 2yrs time. It is pretty physical and if you're not in good shape at 45+ years old... it might be pretty tough.Also if you're
mentally ready to get back into studying and exams.

There are different areas you cuold go into that is not as physically demanding as the nursing home or acute care, I worked in an outpatient clinic and it was not bad at all. I am 43 as well. Don't be discouraged or let anyone discourage you because fortunately you can still be hired at our age as long as you can perform.

Cthompson in Atlanta, Georgia said: There are different areas you cuold go into that is not as physically demanding as the nursing home or acute care, I worked in an outpatient clinic and it was not bad at all. I am 43 as well. Don't be discouraged or let anyone discourage you because fortunately you can still be hired at our age as long as you can perform.

Cthompson,

Where do you work at now? At your age, what is it like to work where you are now, compared to working in outpatient? Any insights to working as an older PTA would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Rece said: Hi !

I am currently a OT studet and I was a PTA student last semester. I would not advise you to any PTA OTA PT OT program online. If you can take night or weekend classes. This way you can talke to teachers that have worked in the field one on one. Also soem programs that are online can be rushed and not get deep in to certain things. I changed from PTA ot OT becasue in the city I am in don't hire many PTA's. Keep doing more research and you will have a better idea what you want to do.

I really want to know where to begin. I just finished my FAFSA and will know something in the next week or so. My next issue is finding out what degree program I can take at this point. I want to begin in the next couple months or maybe by the end of this month. Kaplan has a program online right now for the Bachelors of Health Science and Bachelor of Health Care Administartion. I don't know which one I can take to get my core classes out of the way. Or maybe I should just do my core studies at the Community College here and then transfer. WHAT SHOULD I DO??

Hi, I just stumbled upon this site through google, I'm trying to research college stuff because it's my senior year so I should get my bum in gear. I have a few questions... Ok, a lot of questions.
Im graduating in may, and I'm pretty sure that I want to go to Arizona state for school, but I they won't send me information until after I graduate HS. I checked out their website, but it keeps saying that they don't have info available for me yet.
I want to be a PTA because I have experience in taking care of my disabled grandma, and I'm good at it. I'm pretty good with science courses, I aced biology freshman year, chemistry junior year was kinda hard, but anatomy this year seems alright. Anyway....
I keep reading that there are Pre-requisites to getting my bachelors to be a PTA, what are they?
Do I have to do volunteer hours or something like that? If so where?
When I go to college do I have to take other classes, then start my degree program?
I'm trying to get a really good idea of what to do and what will happen in my degree program, because ASU is 1,890 miles away from Mom and Dad, so I can't really run home to them if I mess something up and don't get my degree started, financial stuff taken care of, and all that jazz.
Please help, if you can, thank you

Emma in Las Vegas, Nevada said: it's worth getting the 4yr bachelors degree; salary is very very good, especially in big cities, but here is an ad I saw;

Physical Therapist - Entry Level! Job Id: W158019 Posted on: 7/21/2009
Location: Yakima, WA; Job Type: Full Time
Salary: $34.00 to $40.00/hr , $70000.00 to $80000.00/year
Degree: Bachelor of Science

www.therapistscentral.com/jobseeker/Profile.aspx?JobAdID=158019&sitefromid=2&siteid=648

The PT program anywhere you go is a graduate program which means you have at least 3 years after you get your bachelors. However, some colleges are getting students in their senior year of their bachelor making the total time 7 years. GThere is no longer any bachelor level PT program

alberto in Rancho Santa Margarita, California said: If i go to school for the associate degree will i have to be in school full time, or can i get the degree while working full time???????? please help.

its not recommened but i would advice that you go to school full time for that because the class work will be hard and you will need alot of time to study its says that only 10% actually pass the course and only 5% actually become physical therapist

Jess in Albion, Indiana said: Hi, I just stumbled upon this site through google, I'm trying to research college stuff because it's my senior year so I should get my bum in gear. I have a few questions... Ok, a lot of questions.
Im graduating in may, and I'm pretty sure that I want to go to Arizona state for school, but I they won't send me information until after I graduate HS. I checked out their website, but it keeps saying that they don't have info available for me yet.
I want to be a PTA because I have experience in taking care of my disabled grandma, and I'm good at it. I'm pretty good with science courses, I aced biology freshman year, chemistry junior year was kinda hard, but anatomy this year seems alright. Anyway....
I keep reading that there are Pre-requisites to getting my bachelors to be a PTA, what are they?
Do I have to do volunteer hours or something like that? If so where?
When I go to college do I have to take other classes, then start my degree program?
I'm trying to get a really good idea of what to do and what will happen in my degree program, because ASU is 1,890 miles away from Mom and Dad, so I can't really run home to them if I mess something up and don't get my degree started, financial stuff taken care of, and all that jazz.
Please help, if you can, thank you

i recommend you go to a state school at first and do your undergrad there before you go to the school in Arizona. if you do this you will save money and have money when you go into the program. also before you transfer ask them if they will take all your credits and see all there pre-requisites on what you need in the undergrad program to get into there program because every school is different

loren woodward in Toledo, Ohio said: I am 16 years old i attend scott high school in toledo ohio. I am a junior i graduate june 4 2011. I want to go to college to be a pta but i am having trouble in decideing weather witch college i should attend. I also want to no how many years it would take me to get my license. If you would please email me back iwould greatly appreciate it.
Email address is lorenwoodward@yahoo.com
thank you for you who helps me out

I currently in toledo ohioand I am going to profeesional skills institute for pta it is a great school and fairly easy to get into. I was goint to go to Owens but I work with people who have been going to Owens for five years for a two year degree I didn't want that PSI is a great school. I have to do observation hours to get into the progarm which I did at Vt. Vincent hospital they were so help. also you have to take a test called hobet to get in good luck physical therapy is a great career choice