Single mother of two doubtful of enrolling in PTA program..Please help???

I am a single mother of two. I am currently in school and ready to apply for PTA or MLT. I wanted to know if the pay/salary good in this area (wahsington d.c. metro area) and are their any jobs available. I am really scared

You can do this. Just remember...the program is only 2 years...you will have a job that can't be outsourced, that our society will need more of for the next 20 - 30 years. Of course you are scared! It's normal to be scared...but, as a one time single parent of 2 kids myself (I am now remarried and have 3 kids!) I know you are already doing the hard stuff. Everyday it gets hard, you look at your children and know you are doing it for them and for your future. Don't give up. The money for this job is excellent and so it the job availability. When I would get tired of studying I'd got to monster.com or careerbuilder.com and search physical therapist assistant and look at all the jobs available and daydream about the type of job I'd want and imagine interviewing for it and working at my dream job. I highly encourage you to do that. It will keep you going during the tough times. Good Luck!

FitCTmom in Farmington, Connecticut said: You can do this. Just remember...the program is only 2 years...you will have a job that can't be outsourced, that our society will need more of for the next 20 - 30 years. Of course you are scared! It's normal to be scared...but, as a one time single parent of 2 kids myself (I am now remarried and have 3 kids!) I know you are already doing the hard stuff. Everyday it gets hard, you look at your children and know you are doing it for them and for your future. Don't give up. The money for this job is excellent and so it the job availability. When I would get tired of studying I'd got to monster.com or careerbuilder.com and search physical therapist assistant and look at all the jobs available and daydream about the type of job I'd want and imagine interviewing for it and working at my dream job. I highly encourage you to do that. It will keep you going during the tough times. Good Luck!

Thank you sooo much. Making a choice that will make a difference your childrens'life is so hard. I am glad to hear from someone who is or has walked in my shoes

Stacy in Reston, Virginia said: Thank you sooo much. Making a choice that will make a difference your childrens'life is so hard. I am glad to hear from someone who is or has walked in my shoes

The biggest part of going back to school with children is having the support of those around you; your husband, friends and relatives. If your children a young, you can train them to go to bed early and take on simple responsiblities so you can have time to study until the wee hours of the night. You also must be organized to plan your days, weeks and even months in advance so you can look ahead to plan in and around your family

I am a single mom of 3 young boys...6,9,11 now. I started school in 2005 and was accepted in the PTA program at Kilgore, TX in 07. It is a hard program...I won't lie. But from one single mom to another, I was already facing a struggle just trying to make ends meet and I knew I had to do this. Determination is a must. I already knew what it meant to sacrifice and so did my children just because of the situation we were already in. I sold my furniture and moved w/a travel trailer for my stay there. I have had so much help w/the people in the trailer park around me for the kids when I needed it. You put the kids second to school alot but the boys all know that it will be over soon. I am glad to say that I graduate this May. Things were touch and go sometimes and I was extremely tired ALOT!!! But man am I glad it's almost over. You can do this. Anyone can if I did. I promise it will be over before you know it. This is what I told myself to get started..."the years were coming with or without a degree...I needed to see some light at the end of the tunnel." Good luck.

GOOD FOR YOU GOOD FOR YOU GOOD FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!

mkrewett in Conroe, Texas said: I am a single mom of 3 young boys...6,9,11 now. I started school in 2005 and was accepted in the PTA program at Kilgore, TX in 07. It is a hard program...I won't lie. But from one single mom to another, I was already facing a struggle just trying to make ends meet and I knew I had to do this. Determination is a must. I already knew what it meant to sacrifice and so did my children just because of the situation we were already in. I sold my furniture and moved w/a travel trailer for my stay there. I have had so much help w/the people in the trailer park around me for the kids when I needed it. You put the kids second to school alot but the boys all know that it will be over soon. I am glad to say that I graduate this May. Things were touch and go sometimes and I was extremely tired ALOT!!! But man am I glad it's almost over. You can do this. Anyone can if I did. I promise it will be over before you know it. This is what I told myself to get started..."the years were coming with or without a degree...I needed to see some light at the end of the tunnel." Good luck.

I'm so happy for you. your story makes me feel like i can achieve my goals. my problem is making up my mind. I'm almost 30 with a 8 month old and and i cant decide what career path i want to take. so may i ask you why did you decide on pta? why not nursing or dental hygiene or radiology tech etc. it just seems as though i go back and fourth. how do you know when you find something that is right for you?

I had worked in the field as a tech and rehab director in different settings for almost 5 years when I got into the program. I had plenty of time to decide if I liked it or not. I think maybe you should try that. I like exercise and love the patients. I don't know. Just find a tech job or volunteer and see what you think. You will be required to do observation hours before you can be accepted into the program anyway. Alot of hours. Just start somewhere. You will see. The point is to get out and do something. I think my youngest was about the same age when I started working as a tech. My mom had just passed away and I had my youngest 2 wks later. I needed to get out and people from my church encouraged me to come there to work as some of them did. It was very rewarding. It's something you feel in your heart when you leave at the end of the day. I know that you will love this...just try and see.

FitCTmom in Farmington, Connecticut said: You can do this. Just remember...the program is only 2 years...you will have a job that can't be outsourced, that our society will need more of for the next 20 - 30 years. Of course you are scared! It's normal to be scared...but, as a one time single parent of 2 kids myself (I am now remarried and have 3 kids!) I know you are already doing the hard stuff. Everyday it gets hard, you look at your children and know you are doing it for them and for your future. Don't give up. The money for this job is excellent and so it the job availability. When I would get tired of studying I'd got to monster.com or careerbuilder.com and search physical therapist assistant and look at all the jobs available and daydream about the type of job I'd want and imagine interviewing for it and working at my dream job. I highly encourage you to do that. It will keep you going during the tough times. Good Luck!

Thank you :)

shavon said: I'm so happy for you. your story makes me feel like i can achieve my goals. my problem is making up my mind. I'm almost 30 with a 8 month old and and i cant decide what career path i want to take. so may i ask you why did you decide on pta? why not nursing or dental hygiene or radiology tech etc. it just seems as though i go back and fourth. how do you know when you find something that is right for you?

Did you work while you were in school??

I worked as a bartender on the weekends.

mkrewett in Houston, Texas said: I had worked in the field as a tech and rehab director in different settings for almost 5 years when I got into the program. I had plenty of time to decide if I liked it or not. I think maybe you should try that. I like exercise and love the patients. I don't know. Just find a tech job or volunteer and see what you think. You will be required to do observation hours before you can be accepted into the program anyway. Alot of hours. Just start somewhere. You will see. The point is to get out and do something. I think my youngest was about the same age when I started working as a tech. My mom had just passed away and I had my youngest 2 wks later. I needed to get out and people from my church encouraged me to come there to work as some of them did. It was very rewarding. It's something you feel in your heart when you leave at the end of the day. I know that you will love this...just try and see.

thank you.

FitCTmom in Farmington, Connecticut said: GOOD FOR YOU GOOD FOR YOU GOOD FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!

You are all are so encouraging and strong. I've recently graduated with a B.A. but have been considering getting into health care for long time. I applied to a PTA program, which I feel is a good start. I have been researching a lot about the program, but I am worried that I will be overwhelmed. Is it possible to have a part-time job while going to school (despite the 8 weeks of full time clinical work at the end of the program)? What is the course work like -- paper-writing, lectures, labs? I know that I am a strong person when it really counts, but I don't want to let my fears of this not being a good fit for me keep me from trying what I really want. If any of you have any suggestions or more stories of your experiences, please share! I need any encouragement or support that I can get. Thank You!

Because you have a BA that gives you an advantage in that you know how to study and some of your prereqs should help you get started sooner than those who do not. But lately, they are making those with BA start over with the prereqs and take an general knowledge exam before getting accepted into a PTA program. Even though I had a BA, I took A&P and Micro over anyway and I am glad I did.
When it comes to the full time clinicals,I planned WELL in advance. I got 98% of the prereqs done first while working and when I got into the program I worked only part time to save money for the the clinicals. So by the time clinical time rolled around I had enough money saved, all the basic neccessties stored up (i.e. soap, tissue paper etc), used organic herbs for medicinal and nutritional purposes and ate a lot of homemade soups and salads. So my advise is "work your plan and plan your work." It can be done if you stay focused and determined.

Thank you for the advise. I know that is one of the things I am guilty of is not planning well.
:)

no problem but get started....soon, pronto, ASAP, ahora

Courtney in Alba, Italy said: You are all are so encouraging and strong. I've recently graduated with a B.A. but have been considering getting into health care for long time. I applied to a PTA program, which I feel is a good start. I have been researching a lot about the program, but I am worried that I will be overwhelmed. Is it possible to have a part-time job while going to school (despite the 8 weeks of full time clinical work at the end of the program)? What is the course work like -- paper-writing, lectures, labs? I know that I am a strong person when it really counts, but I don't want to let my fears of this not being a good fit for me keep me from trying what I really want. If any of you have any suggestions or more stories of your experiences, please share! I need any encouragement or support that I can get. Thank You!

If you already have BA, why dont you just go for PT? its the same amount of schooling (2years) and the pay jump is ridiculous.

It depends on what your BA is in...I have a BA and I couldn't become a PT in 2 years. It take close to 6. Most programs are a DPT now (6 years) and unless you have a BS in exercise science or some other health degree, you have a lot repeat LOTS of pre-reqs to take to even apply. Also, the cost of the degree itself has to be considered. It would take me years to recoup the cost of a DPT and since I only expect to work Part Time, it would take even longer than normal. Courtney, where are you considering going? Italy? It's nice you only have to do 8 weeks of clinicals. Our program is 14 weeks the last semester, not including the one week summer clinical after our first semester and the part time (during the whole semester) clinical in our 3rd semester.

FitCTmom in Farmington, Connecticut said: You can do this. Just remember...the program is only 2 years...you will have a job that can't be outsourced, that our society will need more of for the next 20 - 30 years. Of course you are scared! It's normal to be scared...but, as a one time single parent of 2 kids myself (I am now remarried and have 3 kids!) I know you are already doing the hard stuff. Everyday it gets hard, you look at your children and know you are doing it for them and for your future. Don't give up. The money for this job is excellent and so it the job availability. When I would get tired of studying I'd got to monster.com or careerbuilder.com and search physical therapist assistant and look at all the jobs available and daydream about the type of job I'd want and imagine interviewing for it and working at my dream job. I highly encourage you to do that. It will keep you going during the tough times. Good Luck!

I have been doing a lot of reading for all of us entering a new career. I have already done the medical coding etc, no luck, now I am gong to do the cna (which is a prerequist) for a renal dialysis technician certification. does anyone have any feed back on this field? I have not found anyone within this career scope. and will the salary be rewarding. thanks

FitCTmom in Farmington, Connecticut said: You can do this. Just remember...the program is only 2 years...you will have a job that can't be outsourced, that our society will need more of for the next 20 - 30 years. Of course you are scared! It's normal to be scared...but, as a one time single parent of 2 kids myself (I am now remarried and have 3 kids!) I know you are already doing the hard stuff. Everyday it gets hard, you look at your children and know you are doing it for them and for your future. Don't give up. The money for this job is excellent and so it the job availability. When I would get tired of studying I'd got to monster.com or careerbuilder.com and search physical therapist assistant and look at all the jobs available and daydream about the type of job I'd want and imagine interviewing for it and working at my dream job. I highly encourage you to do that. It will keep you going during the tough times. Good Luck!

I have been doing a lot of reading for all of us entering a new career. I have already done the medical coding etc, no luck, now I am gong to do the cna (which is a prerequist) for a renal dialysis technician certification. does anyone have any feed back on this field? I have not found anyone within this career scope. and will the salary be rewarding. thanks joy

JOYFED in SEEKONK, Massachusetts said: I have been doing a lot of reading for all of us entering a new career. I have already done the medical coding etc, no luck, now I am gong to do the cna (which is a prerequist) for a renal dialysis technician certification. does anyone have any feed back on this field? I have not found anyone within this career scope. and will the salary be rewarding. thanks

I work as a secretary for a dialysis center in SW Pa Right now. I have to tell you that Dialysis tech's at our facility only make about $12.50 to $13.00 tops. They work 5am -5:30pm Mon, Wed, & Fri. I don't consider this good money especially for what is required of them as far as the scope of work and medical knowledge that they must acquire during on the job training. The only prerequisite my company requires is that you have a Phlebotomy degree, which only helps you with dealing in blood. As far as the scope of job requirements you complete on a daily basis it is no where near compared to what a Phlebotomist performs. Our dialysis techs are more on the level of an LPN, just with a lower title and less money! It's a shame! As for any dialysis tech programs, such as kaplan and such, don't waist your money! The cost of these schools are ridiculous for what you make when you graduate, you will be upside down with your educational costs vs. your employment wage! If you are really interested in dialysis go get your Associates as an RN. Dialysis nurses make good money, same hrs as the techs and with an RN you can go into many more disciplines, if you choose to leave dialysis. As a dialysis tech, you better like your job because that is the only opportunities available to you!

In Jethro Healthcare School , I only paid $ 1,800 for my tuition fee for 3 months training but it is worth it because I landed a job in a matter of 15 days from the time I graduate last Dec 30th.

If I will go to LPN School, it will take me 2 years to study and $17,000 to land a job as an LPN.

Now that I am a Dialysis Tech, I will probably pursue my degree as an RN - so that I could work and pay my tuition fee at the same time. I hope that Jethro will also have an LPN / RN program because it is really a good school.

wow thanks so much for all the encouraging posts. I too am a single mom. Just had my little girl 3 months ago and she is the highlight of my life. I know I need to get in school asap, but when i go to school i definitly want it to be for something i can make a good living on for me and my daughter. Being a PTA sounds amazing. I am worried about not being able to spend enough time with my daughter. But i know this is something im going to have to do for our future. Again thanks so much for all the encouragment!

deeswpa in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania said: I work as a secretary for a dialysis center in SW Pa Right now. I have to tell you that Dialysis tech's at our facility only make about $12.50 to $13.00 tops. They work 5am -5:30pm Mon, Wed, & Fri. I don't consider this good money especially for what is required of them as far as the scope of work and medical knowledge that they must acquire during on the job training. The only prerequisite my company requires is that you have a Phlebotomy degree, which only helps you with dealing in blood. As far as the scope of job requirements you complete on a daily basis it is no where near compared to what a Phlebotomist performs. Our dialysis techs are more on the level of an LPN, just with a lower title and less money! It's a shame! As for any dialysis tech programs, such as kaplan and such, don't waist your money! The cost of these schools are ridiculous for what you make when you graduate, you will be upside down with your educational costs vs. your employment wage! If you are really interested in dialysis go get your Associates as an RN. Dialysis nurses make good money, same hrs as the techs and with an RN you can go into many more disciplines, if you choose to leave dialysis. As a dialysis tech, you better like your job because that is the only opportunities available to you!

Hi, I am currently seeking an experienced Dialysis Facility Administrator for a facility in Pennsylvania. If anyone knows of anyone, please reply. Excellent salary and benefits. Thanks!

This has been so helpful for me ! Im 23 and married I have a 4yr old son and a 11 month old baby girl. They are my motivation and for them i want to become a pta and I'm starting school soon and believe in God that i will do this and graduate! I'm super excited
!