What age do people retire from being a PTA?

I'm looking to go back to school to be a PTA, but I am already in my early 30's so will be in my mid 30's when I graduate. I am very physically fit so I feel like I could safely be a PTA till I get in my mid 50's, but what then??? I'd be way to young to retire but too old to keep doing such a physcially demeanding job.

Tammy in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin said: I'm looking to go back to school to be a PTA, but I am already in my early 30's so will be in my mid 30's when I graduate. I am very physically fit so I feel like I could safely be a PTA till I get in my mid 50's, but what then??? I'd be way to young to retire but too old to keep doing such a physcially demeanding job.

I'm 55 and will start PTA school this Fall. I have done a lot of research because of my age. Schools say they have many successful students in their lare 40's to 50's who continue to work into their 60's. Staying physically and mentally fit, taking care of your back, etc. is important. There are many different settings you can work in with varying degrees of physical demand. Also, there are many part time and contract positions that would allow you to reduce your work as you get older. PTA, COTA, nursing, and other fields will keep you working in some capacity as long as you have the capability and license. Nursing will take it's toll on you mentally and physically, COTA may be less strenuous. I live in Texas, and haven't interviewed any PTA who isn't happy with their work, and all get calls weekly from head hunters offering contracts and permanent positions. I hope to work into my mid to late 60's, then part time or contract to stay active.

thanks so much

Old Man in Wichita Falls, Texas said: I'm 55 and will start PTA school this Fall. I have done a lot of research because of my age. Schools say they have many successful students in their lare 40's to 50's who continue to work into their 60's. Staying physically and mentally fit, taking care of your back, etc. is important. There are many different settings you can work in with varying degrees of physical demand. Also, there are many part time and contract positions that would allow you to reduce your work as you get older. PTA, COTA, nursing, and other fields will keep you working in some capacity as long as you have the capability and license. Nursing will take it's toll on you mentally and physically, COTA may be less strenuous. I live in Texas, and haven't interviewed any PTA who isn't happy with their work, and all get calls weekly from head hunters offering contracts and permanent positions. I hope to work into my mid to late 60's, then part time or contract to stay active.

Thank you for your positive message...I am in my late 40's going into a PTA program (from a teaching background and stay at home mom)...I am feeling being in the PT field encourages me to stay fit and active! I would like to be a good role model for my patients too!

I am doing observation hours, start PTA training in August. I was encouraged to find out about a PTA in this area who retired from a teaching career, and then completed PTA training several years ago. He is a respected PTA who is now 67, and apparently still going strong. (Maybe we still have a few good years left, huh?) -We are training for this profession because we WANT to be here. We could make a good living in another field without all the expense, time, and training effort. Just from my observation time, I enjoy watching people feel better & improve their quality of life. To be a part of that is more satisfaction than I ever saw in 27+ years of corporate B.S.. Good luck to you.

I too am in my early 30's and looking into going back to school to be a PTA. When I was 25, I worked as a receptionist at a PT clinic. On occasion I was given the opportunity to help out with minor things in the clinic. This made me very interested in becoming a PT. That's when some of the therapists told me about PTA training. However, my son was younger then and I knew going back to school was not an option at that time.

So here I am 32, I have a great paying job but it's not something that I want to do for the rest of my life. I love helping people, and I know being a PTA would be very fulfilling. However, I too am thinking I have waited too long.

I was in Nursing program back to 2007. I drop it due to some family reason. I want to go apply for PTA program. I am 40 and my first language is not English. But I have been in American for nine years and been working always. DO you think all of this will be ok for me? Thanks in advance.

I am 50 yrs now a massage therapist that is not really into all the energy metaphisical aspect of the massage mainstream. Also with the economy being bad massage is a luxury thats one of the first things to go. so I was wondering what to do now? PTA seems like a rewarding field. Are there any 50+ new students out there that has started PTA or are a PTA to give me some insight into work longevity, employers view point on being older in this field. thx MC

Maryann,

You will be able to work as long as you are able to work! As a massage therapist, you know the importance of taking care of your body. The rigors of PTA clinical rotations will only remind you of that!

From personal experience, I can tell you that as a very recent PTA graduate of 56, you will gain much from being in an environment/classroom with younger people. Be open to what they have to teach you.

More than a few eyebrows were raised when I appeared as a "student intern", especially at a SNF, where some of the patients there were my age! But again, you will learn, as will your teachers, that age is just a number and the life experiences that you bring to the *table* will be respected and valued.

I have had numerous job offers, and as an older therapist,employers know I can be counted on. My work ethic is strong and employers can see that.

Best of luck!

Well, I am 61 years old and hopefully will be entering PTA program in September. I will be 63 when I graduate. Those are my actual years. I am fit and know that I will be working into my late 60's. In my heart I'm 35. We can do whatever we want to do. Age is not a factor if you are healthy, active and fit.

Older yet in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina said: Well, I am 61 years old and hopefully will be entering PTA program in September. I will be 63 when I graduate. Those are my actual years. I am fit and know that I will be working into my late 60's. In my heart I'm 35. We can do whatever we want to do. Age is not a factor if you are healthy, active and fit.

Wow! I'm so glad I came across this forum. I'm 50 and in the best shape of my life. I teach a weight lifting class 2-3 times a week that keeps me fit. I want to enter a PTA program in the Spring of the new year and was wondering if employers would think of hiring someone older. Sounds like it's not a problem as long as you're in shape and have good work athics. Thanks for the great info.

Blessings to all!

I'm 50 and wanting to enter a PTA program this coming Spring. I've been a caregiver for several years and take great interest in the PTA's line of work. I'm in great shape. I teach a weight lifting class 2-3 times a week that keeps me fit. I wanted to know if employers would want to hire someone older but it seems that age is not a big factor. Thanks for the info.

Blessings to all!

Hi everyone, for all the questions from "mature students", I jsut passed the Boards here in Florida, and lots of positions open for those of us doing this as older grads. The program (and the test) is difficult, but worth it

Kathleen Jeremiah says Hello and isn't it ironic (doesn't surprise me) to see you on here. I say again, congrats!

D.R. Therapy Services is looking to hire Full Time PTA's with Benefits for Orlando, FL. and surrounding areas. Please visit our website www.drtherapyservices.com

Thanks for this forum. I will be starting a PTA course for summer semester and hope to complete the Associates program by January 2013. I'm 46 years old and I was hoping I was not too old to start this new career path, this board has given me the hope that this career change is possible. Thanks for the encouragement, I'm ready to do this!!

What a refreshing thread! I just turned 54yo and plan to graduate in 2013 with my PTA. I've recently volunteered some hours in the PT clinic at a VA hospital (and realized this IS what I want to do!) and yesterday interviewed for a position as a PT Tech (aide) at an outpatient clinic. Seems my previous nursing background as an LPN (license expired & haven't worked in the field for 20 yr), a short stint working at Curves, AND this volunteer experience have put me in "the running" for this job. I only have A&P I and II plus labs and med terminology to take before applying to the program. I too was concerned about my age, physical ability, etc (even with my gray hair) but so far this hasn't been a deterrant. I figure after I graduate I'll have a good 10 years to give to the profession. Isn't this exciting to have an "encore" career???