Physical Therapist Assistant- is it a waste of time or a good career?

Call clinic directly. It's on Newman St in Dearborn.

Yes, I've called the main clinic and they transferred me to a few others and they do not offer shadowing.

I was wondering if it made a difference, or if people hiring look down on getting a PTA degree online? I live in South Dakota and have decided that financially pursuing a PTA degree is definitely the route I would like to take rather than going to PT school. There aren't any schools that offer the PTA program anywhere around me, the closest is 6 hours away. Back to my original question would it be a bad idea to take the courses online?

Hunter in Rapid City, South Dakota said:

More than anything Hunter is the importance of being allowed to sit for your states licensing board examination. Every state has particular requirements to be eligible to sit for state licensure; one of those requirements is having attained AAS from an accredited school.www.fsbpt.org/ForConsumers/PhysicalTherapy/index.asp
What does the title “Physical Therapist Assistant” or “PTA” after someone’s name mean?

Graduated from an accredited physical therapist assistant education program, which is generally a two-year, post-high school degree.

So in essence, you would technically be wasting time (although you might learn a great deal) obtaining the license is the only way for you to practice as a PTA in your state and to my knowledge there a very few if any accredited (strictly) online colleges for PTA.

i was wondering what classes i should be taking in college to get me ready for a pta major

also what kinds of personality traits should someone pursuing a degree in pta have

Misty Karr in West columbia, Texas said: I have an interview for the PTA program at HCC Coleman College in houston. I was wondering if anyone could fill me in what to expect at this interview? I am very nervous and want this so bad..if anyone has ever done an interview for acceptance in this program please let me know!!

How did it go? I'm applying to the program for Fall 2012.

I applied for Fall 2012, as well, at a local community college. I'm 25 and have been practicing massage therapy for about 6 years (mostly in physical therapy offices), with a background in polysomnography and assistant teaching (for special-needs kids). If they only look at my high school transcript, I'm screwed. But if they focus on the essay I had to write, then I have a good chance at being accepted into the program. Do they really read the essay and take the applicant's work history into consideration?

Coder in Pembroke Pines, Florida said: I am looking into a 2 year community college program, please help.

check out Indian hills community college.iowa

Some of you have me a little worried about this new legislation, but I'm going for it anyway. Ivy Tech here in NW Indiana has a great program and it's something I'd like to do; even if the pay becomes not so great in the future. I just hope it doesn't affect job security.

Hold the phone. Isn't RC 3 coming from APTA, a professional association, NOT the government? Each state will have to amend their current PT laws to allow non-PT/PTA program grads to sit for licensure. In NJ, PT law already allows licensed professionals (ie., massage therapists, athletic trainers) to practice within their scope of expertise. Unless there is GOVERNMENT LEGISLATION, I think the PTA profession is safe. Check your state PT laws, people.

I just have a general question for anyone that would like to respond. I am currently going to school for my biology degree but this isn't something that I really want to pursue. I actually wanted to become a PT as I have already taken the prereqs required for the program, but the cost is just way to expensive. Would it be a logical move to just continue my bachelor's degree (1 year to go) and then apply to the PTA program or just apply now?

How old are you? If your in your early 20's I'd say that it is by far the best plan to finish your degree and apply directly to a PT program. You've already got a year knocked off of the degree with the prereqs, so if your young the money you make will pay for the extra school time.

If your a bit older, than maybe the PTA degree makes more sense, but with only a year to go you should probably finish out your degree at this point.

I am 23 but I really cant afford the cost of the PT program nor the amount of additional loans i'd have to take out. I have lots of other debts than just school. But yeah, thanks for the advice. I think im more leaning towards finishing up my degree then maybe applying to a DPT program and working something out and if I can't will apply for a PTA program.

J in Jordan, Montana said: If you feel critiqued in Dental Hygiene, I think PTA will be worse. I recommend going to work for someone who respects you and you feel more comfortable with. As a Dental Hygienist you should make $25/hour minimum and many places allow you to work a few days a week. PTAs average $18-19/hour plus benefits and usually work 5 days a week. One of the differences is PTA build relationships with their patients, where as Dental Hygenist keep patients mouth full.

Sorry, Dear but you are completely wrong about PTA's Just for your records I'm a PTA and I make 32$ per hour....

tpham320 in Sterling Heights, Michigan said: Hi, I am interested in becoming a PTA. Currently, I am going for Ophthalmic Tech at my school, but I hear that field does not make decent money at all. Plus, it may be hard to find a job and/or it may become boring. So I am planning to change fields before its too late.

How intense is the program? Is working in that field fast-paced? I am only 5'3" and 95 lbs. Would it be difficult for me to do the work as a PTA?

Thank you!

Hi, I think you would be fine working as a PTA. I'm not much bigger (5'3 and 110lbs) and I have worked as a LMT and I'm now is school for PTA. It depends on where you plan to work, SNF, OP, etc.

As far as the PTA intensity, it can be pretty intense, but it's only a 2 year program. Also, it depends, again, on where you decide to work, SNF or OP. When I worked in OP, it was very fast paced. Not so much with SNF.

If you're in Sterling Heights, I would assume you're planning on going to Macomb CC? From what I've heard, it is a very hard program to get into. I live far away from there, so they weren't an option for me, but I hear that you pretty much have to have a 4.0 gpa, whereas Henry Ford Community College just has a waiting list which is about 3 years now. By the way, HFCC is probably the best PTA program around!

Hope that helps!

I am looking for some realistic information concerning the hourly payrate of PTA's immediately after graduation from an accredited PTA program in the Metro Detroit area. I have just recently started at HFCC and I am currently on the waiting list for the PTA program. More than likely I will still continue to pursue my dreams of becoming a PTA after many many years in retail, but I am just hoping that the ends will justify the means(cost). Any information regarding this topic will be greatly appreciated.

kwmathis in detroit, Michigan said: I am looking for some realistic information concerning the hourly payrate of PTA's immediately after graduation from an accredited PTA program in the Metro Detroit area. I have just recently started at HFCC and I am currently on the waiting list for the PTA program. More than likely I will still continue to pursue my dreams of becoming a PTA after many many years in retail, but I am just hoping that the ends will justify the means(cost). Any information regarding this topic will be greatly appreciated.

It depends on where you plan to work. If you work in a SNF, you will probably make more money. I know there is a pta that I work with who makes $35 an hour, and that's the low end. She doesn't have as much experience as the other pta's and they have been there longer, so they make more. How much more? I can't say, but I'd be happy to make $35 an hour right about now! LOL:)

Outpatient pays less.

HannahOHannah in Royal Oak, Michigan said: It depends on where you plan to work. If you work in a SNF, you will probably make more money. I know there is a pta that I work with who makes $35 an hour, and that's the low end. She doesn't have as much experience as the other pta's and they have been there longer, so they make more. How much more? I can't say, but I'd be happy to make $35 an hour right about now! LOL:)

Outpatient pays less.

Do you have an approx. idea on how much outpatient pays?

^Probably around slightly more than half of what a SNF is paying in any given area. For example, in Arizona it seemed like people were making around $30 an hour in a SNF, and around $18 per hour in outpatient.

kwmathis in detroit, Michigan said: Do you have an approx. idea on how much outpatient pays?

I'm thinking in the $20-$30 range.

I am Cuban and I have about 6 years in Florida, two years ago I graduated from massage therapy and although I like what I do, I think I can study a little more and to obtain a better career. my question is how hard are the studies, whether it would be good to start studying at 32 yrs old and how good PTA. I know I have to do something and soon. please help.

Crystal (located in Denton, Texas) in Houston, Texas said: I just have a general question for anyone that would like to respond. I am currently going to school for my biology degree but this isn't something that I really want to pursue. I actually wanted to become a PT as I have already taken the prereqs required for the program, but the cost is just way to expensive. Would it be a logical move to just continue my bachelor's degree (1 year to go) and then apply to the PTA program or just apply now?

I recently talked to a PTA director about the same problem. She told me that it would be best if i could find a way to make the PT program work. The PT and PTA field are two totally diffrent carrers and none of your credits will transfer to the PT program if you choose to go that direction. The Army has a great program if you are willing.

blest hands in Miami, Florida said: Sorry, Dear but you are completely wrong about PTA's Just for your records I'm a PTA and I make 32$ per hour....

OOOuuuuuch! Now that's a mouthful!!

Thank you everyone. I found this forum extremly useful. Looking forward to studying physiology and anatomy since being out of school for over 15 years. It will take some time but willing to go for it!
Thank You all!!

Thanks fot the information folks!!!! I really think I would prefer outpatient but due to the huge swing in pay, I think I will atleast look into an SNF.

HannahOHannah in Royal Oak, Michigan said: I'm thinking in the $20-$30 range.

Hi Hannah - are you in the 2nd year of the program at HFCC? I start this August. Wanted to hear how your first year was, what your studying hours were like, how are the clinical rotations picked, etc. Thank you in advance! You always provide good info on this forum.

Here is a very specific question for all of the PTA's and aspiring PTA's. Does anyone know how much PTA earn per hour in Michigan working for a Henry Ford or Oakwood facility?

I was wondering if anyone approached the Physical Therapy Assistant program by doing their pre-reqs or as much as they can online,then applying to the PTA program for the balance classes?

I'm also wandering what Laguadia Community College will accept from online pre-req courses (eng, psy,medical terminology, etc)

Does anyone know or have any suggestions. I'm looking to apply to PTA in 2013.

Thanks

Why not just call the school and ask them? Never rely on the internet for accurate information regarding what academic programs will and won't accept, unless it the program's website (and even then, I would still call them to verify).

Future PTA in Seattle, Washington said: Why not just call the school and ask them? Never rely on the internet for accurate information regarding what academic programs will and won't accept, unless it the program's website (and even then, I would still call them to verify).

Thank You, Yes your right and will do! I don't want to waste the time or money!

ACSCLS123 in Harrisburg, North Carolina said: What is the job market like for PT or OT? Is it as bad as an RN? I am 30....am I too old.

www.healthcaresource.com/craven/index.cfm?fuseaction=search.jobDetails&template=dsp_job_details.cfm&cJobId=785411&source=Indeed.com

blest hands in Miami, Florida said: Sorry, Dear but you are completely wrong about PTA's Just for your records I'm a PTA and I make 32$ per hour....

www.healthcaresource.com/craven/index.cfm?fuseaction=search.jobDetails&template=dsp_job_details.cfm&cJobId=785411&source=Indeed.com

Future PTA in Seattle, Washington said: Why not just call the school and ask them? Never rely on the internet for accurate information regarding what academic programs will and won't accept, unless it the program's website (and even then, I would still call them to verify).

www.healthcaresource.com/craven/index.cfm?fuseaction=search.jobDetails&template=dsp_job_details.cfm&cJobId=785411&source=Indeed.com

kwmathis in detroit, Michigan said: Do you have an approx. idea on how much outpatient pays?

www.healthcaresource.com/craven/index.cfm?fuseaction=search.jobDetails&template=dsp_job_details.cfm&cJobId=785411&source=Indeed.com

Stephani in Snoqualmie, Washington said: Hi there... I fell off the map for a while, but have been watching the PTA conversations. My apologies to the ladies here that I promised to email but haven't. You know how it is, I know!

I have another question/dilemma in line with this thread. I am getting very close to starting prereq's. Hubby is "almost" on board with me quitting my job to enter a PTA program, but the deal is that I juggle it all up to that point, meaning I work, maintain mommy excellence, and handle prereq's....Then, if the economy and income status are stable enough, I can quit and give this my all. Here's the dilemma:

Of the two schools I'm considering, one is accredited and has a PTA program that has been around since the 80's. I haven't talked to current or graduating students there, but their enrollment vs. graduating stats look good. I'm comparing it against a school that is slightly cheaper (by about 2.5k) and closer (by about 20-30 minutes round trip), but isn't accredited yet. PTA is a new program for them and the pending enrolled class will be their first graduating class, THEN they'll get their accredidation status. I met with a counselor there yesterday and she indicated that they are still building their teaching staff for the program. I want to do my prereq's with the school that I ultimately enroll for PTA, but can't determine which is a bigger challenge: The accredidation and staffing issues at one school, or the distance and higher tuition at the other school.

Any thoughts or gut feel from those who have BTDT or in a similar boat of comparing schools? Ultimately, I have to treat this just like I'm taking a position with a company. Giving up a large chunk of income and time with my family is extremely significant. If I do this, it will be all or nothing. I definitely don't want to make a rash decision (school choice) and then regret it later.

Hi,
Don't quit just yet. Try to do your pre-req's on line with accred

Norma in New York, New York said: Thank You, Yes your right and will do! I don't want to waste the time or money!

After a few weeks of intense web searching, was able to find "instate" online accredited school to do pre-reqs. Much cheaper and I will start this fall. Thank you everyone for such a great forum!!!

FYI concerning PTA hourly pay rates; I'm a PTA just 1.5 years out of school, so I've learned a few things. SNF's do pay more than other settings but you will not be guaranteed 40 hrs / wk. I now work at a hospital making 25 / hr but I have 40 hours guaranteed plus overtime. My bi-weekly take home is the same or more than when I was earning 28 / hr at a SNF.

So, you are working more hours for about the same money. You must like the Hospital atmosphere better, then?

Whether you are guaranteed hours or not likely depends on the SNF that you get a job at. This just goes to show that guaranteed hours have got to be a part of any PTA's salary negotiations.

Norma in New York, New York said: After a few weeks of intense web searching, was able to find "instate" online accredited school to do pre-reqs. Much cheaper and I will start this fall. Thank you everyone for such a great forum!!!

If you don't mind me asking what's the name of the "instate" school that you are referring to? I am wanting my husband to get into a programa and I am having a tough time finding a good place to begin the pre reqs.

Broome Community College. You just ave to get a instate ( proff of residency) certificate; notorized, send it to them and you will get in state tution!

PTAstudent6 in Provo, Utah said: Hello Sohopeful.. Are you a PTA? I am currently in my 1st semester of a PTA program and It's extremely tough for me. I thought I had done my research on this occupation pretty well and accurately decided to join this field but I have a few questions now that I'm IN the program and I need to ask them to someone outside of my school for honest answers. First of all, I, in no way, intended for this schooling or job to be a cake walk..BUT.. I must admit that the curriculum thus far seems much harder than the actual job itself. Am I right? I need someone to be honest with me..ha. They are throwing ALOT of information at us at an extremely fast pace and I'm feeling overwhelmed to say the least. But I want to know if this program is one of those..'I'm going to push through the schooling and then once I graduate life will be better' kinda things?... Or is it kind of 'what you see is what you get'? Because if the daily job is as hard as these daily classes I think I might not be cut out for this.. :/ Any advice?

Hello i am thinking of going into the pt program. I am very nervous because i have never been to college and everything i have been reading seems like it is a really hard program. was wondering if you made it through and graduated im looking for any advice or feedback thank you.

Hi Lynn,

I remember the courses being extremely difficult as well, I studied day and night and felt like you do. But hang in there.....Once you are out on the field it will all come together and make sense, and over time your knowlege will become second nature and it will become easy yet slightly challenging at times.

Overall the schooling is much tougher than the day to day as a PTA. BTW, I am a PTA for 15 years. Good luck and hang in there.

NJ student of PTA said: Hold the phone. Isn't RC 3 coming from APTA, a professional association, NOT the government ? Each state will have to amend their current PT laws to allow non-PT/PTA program grads to sit for licensure. In NJ, PT law already allows licensed professionals (ie., massage therapists, athletic trainers) to practice within their scope of expertise. Unless there is GOVERNMENT LEGISLATION, I think the PTA profession is safe. Check your state PT laws, people.

Medicare reimbursement is the issue as to the long term trickle down change. You need to look at the big picture and subsequent outcome in modifications such as this. . I'm not a pessimist by nature, but the change is going to effect the PTA profession in a negative way. This isn't brain surgery folks.

Jack L in Enterprise, Alabama said: Medicare reimbursement is the issue as to the long term trickle down change. You need to look at the big picture and subsequent outcome in modifications such as this. . I'm not a pessimist by nature, but the change is going to effect the PTA profession in a negative way. This isn't brain surgery folks.

There is no way someone who hasn't gone through PTA or PT school would be able to pass the national exam. That, and... how many PTAs do much massage and get paid for it?

This is rather simple. If it's more profitable to hire PTs and an ........XYZ adjunct then it won't matter, national exam or not. Bottom line is bottom line and reimbursement is key. Moreover the additional resources of man power from these alternate adjuncts WILL impact the PTA market, as the demand as supply shifts. Schools are pumping out far too many PTAs and sooner than later the market will become flooded,. This has already happened in the radiology, respiratory, and to an extent the nursing field.