Are there any Physical Therapists or Assistants out there?

[Brandi*]

I am considering this as a career and was hoping to talk to someone who is or has been in the field. Thanks!

 

[~Dan]

Hey Brandi,

well, my mom was a recreational therapy, and shes says that the physical therapy side is very diverse and fulfilling, my cousin has her doctorite in it... and beacuse your in California, and thats were she was for a time, considering becoming a travleing one, they make up to 6 figures

hope this helps a lil bit

-Dan

 

[Brandi*]

thanks for the info. You are talking about the physical therapist making up to six figures right? From what I have found researching on line the assistants do ok at about 25-35 an hour but the PT can make much much more because they have a lot more schooling.

 

[~Dan]

Yes that is a physical therapist

 

[Brandi*]

Anybody else have anything to add about this?

 

[~Dan]

Apperently jobs are plentiful so you should never have a slow time in this career path should you choose to do so

 

[Leeana]

Physical Therapy is actually something i considered and still just may take up, i just started my first year school of nursing to get my RN...however, my first year which i am in right now, is mostly all advanced avademic courses most of which i take online. So really anytime threw this first year i can switch over to Physical Therapy as both the RN and PT require this first year. The local college that i am taking my current classes at (which is different from the actual school of nursing) offers a great physical therapist program. When i dislocated my ankle, all three times

, i spent a lot of hours in phyiscal therapy and it was really neat and something that i would enjoy doing, the job opps are really unlimited too.

Here is a link showing the salaries too ... http://www.indeed.com/salary/Physical-Therapist.html

 

[Brandi*]

Thanks Leeana! Looks like we have been checking out the same website! They have forums there where you can ask questions! It's pretty neat! I am going to apply to the Physical Therapy Assistant Program but am also looking into the Physical Therapist program too. I am kinda scared to go all the way since I would have to get at least my Masters. You still make pretty good money as an assistant with a lot less schooling. I'm planning on meeting with an advisor to see how close I am to being able to transfer to the university that offers the masters program. I would have to enter into their BA program, then get into their masters program and they recommend finishing with the PhD program! Almost makes me want to

lol! I think I am pretty close if not ready to enter their BA program but I will have to wait till I meet with an advisor to know for sure. As of now I am ready to enter the PTA program. Finishing school in two years sounds really nice but I want to make sure I won't regret not going all the way in the future.

Thanks for the info !!

 

[Sonya]

An acquaintance of ours is one. She only has a two year degree though but makes very very good salary. From what she explained to me once was that in only about 4 states (Michigan being one of them)...a 2 year degree can do very well, but in the majority of states a 4 year degree is required to make as much as her. She is originally from New Zealand and that was the main reason she moved to MI...to make the same as the 4 year degree but only have a 2 year degree. Good luck in whatevery you decide.

 

[Brandi*]

Thanks for the replies! I live in California and so far, from what I can see, PTA's do pretty darn well here. More importantly I really think I will enjoy PTA much better than Dental Hygiene which is what I had planned on going into. I went and shadowed my hygienist two days ago and it pretty much confirmed for me that I really don't want to do that all day long.

With PTA I can work in many different settings. Plus I will have benefits, something hygienists don't usually get

I will be able to work with the elderly, who I love working with. I can work in a childrens setting or in the hospital. I am trying to set up an appointment to go shadow a PTA so that I can make sure it's what I am expecting. I am also going to attend an informational meeting next month at the community college which will go over the job, the opportunities, the pay, and the different avenues you can take.

Thanks for all you input! Hopefully it will all work out. I am ready to finish school and grow up now