Difference Between Physical Therapy Aide and Assistant | Schooling, Salary, Roles

The difference in school requirements, salary, and roles/duties between a physical therapy assistant vs a physical therapy aide.
There is a huge difference in schooling. PTA's require at least 2 years of education/an associates degree, along with passing a licensing exam. But an aide only requires a high school diploma
Salary for PTA is about 50k and an aide is about 20k
The main difference in role differences is that a PTA is allowed to treat a patient and an aide is not. However, this may differ from state to state
________________________________
RESOURCES
FSBPT (Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy) PDF
www.fsbpt.org/Portals/0/docum...
CALIFORNIA Law and Regulations for Aides
www.ptbc.ca.gov/forms/ptaidsu...
________________________________
TIMELINE
Three Points:
1. Schooling 1:55
2. Salary 2:58
3. Roles/duties 4:08
________________________________
Make sure you watch the PRE-PT playlist!
• Pre-Physical Therapy: ...
WISH I KNEW THIS BEFORE DPT SCHOOL
• Wish I knew this BEFOR...
Please share, subscribe, and comment!
FB: liftforchange1
IG: / liftforchange
LFC Apparel: teespring.com/stores/liftforc...
#liftforchange #dptschool #physicaltherapy

[@drjustinleedpt]

Get Accepted into PT School the FIRST TIME online course available now: liftforchange.mykajabi.com/offers/U2qRvfim/checkout 12 Unforgiving PT School Application MISTAKES kzbin.info/www/bejne/injQmX1maLNnh9k 7 Reasons to NOT get into Physical Therapy kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5XGZIednLmqb9U

[@drjustinleedpt]

Should I make a video comparing DPT vs PTA?

[@ines4982]

Yes please!!

[@keyriberry2633]

liftforchange YESSSSS 🙌🏽🙌🏽💪🏽

[@joexspocent92]

Yessss!!

[@VivianaBarajas]

Just got my PTA license🙌🏻🙌🏻 hello from Florida🌻

[@drjustinleedpt]

Viviana Barajas THATS WHATS UP!!!! CONGRATS V!!!

[@drjustinleedpt]

Hell from southern CA! what setting are you looking into practicing at?

[@VivianaBarajas]

liftforchange 2 of my rotations were in Outpatient and 1 was in Acute care which I surprisingly enjoyed, I did like the video you did on it. I could relate lol but obviously we have different roles. I plan to practice in an outpatient setting and hopefully a SNF, (PRN) since I didn’t get the chance to have a rotation in that kind of setting.

[@prabjotkaur5317]

I live in California and in the PT clinic where I'm volunteering, I see that aides give patients exercises, escort patients to there table, do laundry, clean the tables, and do file/computer work ( like checking insurance and do chartings).

[@drjustinleedpt]

Yup! thats pretty common in CA.. Its so much work for aides for such little pay. I feel clinics abuse the role of what aides could do and literally try to strain every bit of responsibility from them. They take advantage of aides and it makes me furious!! My clinic will not abuse aides, but provide a conducive environment for growth and success to get into PT school. FOR SURE.

[@Nekosenpai24]

Justin, thank you so much for posting this video! Since working as an aide, I’ve been questioning about what exactly are my responsibilities supposed to be in the state of Pennsylvania… And after seeing this video, I’m ready to move to Nebraska! I feel like my skills will be better served if I had a little bit more responsibilities, plus it would definitely help me with my PT classes as well. There’s also the fact that I tend to get bored easily if I’m not doing anything so I always try to find something to do, especially if the clinic has its slow days.

[@drjustinleedpt]

Wow I’m so glad to hear this video inspired you to elevate your status. Keep me posted on your journey to Nebraska! I’m curious to follow you

[@ant52onio]

Thanks for directing me to this video. So we can actually get paid trying to get our required hours in for PT School. I browsed your channel a bit. It's pretty awesome. I am interested in being a personal trainer/PT, and also I am getting my massage therapy license. You got a sub from me 👍

[@drjustinleedpt]

AYE thats what im talking about! thank you for the support!! Yes, you can definitely get paid while getting your required hours - all my hours were paid baby!! lets go. I think getting your massage therapy license would be beneficial and a good side hustle while in school too!

[@Ezlibeth2011]

Glad I came across this video! I recently accepted a job as a PT aide & now I know my limits!

[@HalfPinoyPride]

I live in California and I interned in an outpatient ortho clinic performing the duties of an aide for a month. I walked patients through their therex and applied modalities and did cleaning/laundry. At this clinic the aides didnt do any clerical work or insurance. Instead there were dedicated positions for medical insurance/front desk.

[@drjustinleedpt]

Hey lumpiia thanks for sharing! yes I've seen this set up before! Pretty common among a lot of PT clinics. On the otherhand, Ive seen aides do everything you mentioned, plus clerical work, insurance, and more! Literally way too much for the amount of pay they get. Honestly think most clinics abuse the duties of an aide..... Makes me so mad!!!

[@HalfPinoyPride]

Yes it would be cool if u make a vid of PTA vs PT

[@drjustinleedpt]

Heck yeah!!! Ill definitely get on it!

[@erinmon5855]

Hey, Justin, thanks for releasing this video! As of late, I have been binge-watching your whole channel and like all the rest of your content, I found this very informative. I am a fresh high school graduate who is currently in their first semester as a kinesiology major, and interested in making some money alongside studying. This video, in particular, has been very helpful in informing me about the next steps I can take (apart from selecting courses and doing well in them). I can't thank you enough for your work. Wishing you all the luck as you finish up your last semester in your DPT program!

[@drjustinleedpt]

Hey Erin, your comment made my day!!!! When I get feedback when someone tells me that my videos were helpful or educational, it literally brightens up my day. This channel is dedicated to students like YOU, and i am so thankful that you have found this channel to be a resource for you. Thank you for your super nice comment. NICE YOU'RE FRESH MEAT!! Where are you going to college? Have you been able to see this video on HOW TO MAKE MONEY AS A DPT STUDENT? kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZfKpJ-qqK2DjM0 I think you would find it useful! I'm constantly creating valuable content for you. I hope you will find them informative and also applicable. If there are more ways I could support you, dont hesitate to reach out!!! APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT ERIN!!

[@erinmon5855]

liftforchange liftforchange Awesome to see that mutual days were made today. I’d be a fool to not utilize the informative resource you provide on this channel, so I’ll definitely reach out if an inquiry comes to mind. I am currently attending college in San Diego, so we aren’t too far from each other. I love the DPT environment that the field of exercise science provides in California, and support from others, like yourself, in our line is even more great. I have had the chance to watch the mentioned video, and it has inspired me to become get certified soon. I am currently studying for CPT test, and looking around for local PT clinics to intern/aide at. Again, thanks for making yourself an extremely helpful resource. Happy lifting!

[@drjustinleedpt]

Erin Montecillo you’re very nice Erin! Your kindness is going to take you so far in this field! It’s really such a soft skill that you MUST have as a PT, and if you excel at kindness/compassion (which you do) you will distinguish yourself among your colleagues and PT applicants 😇 Get that cert and start training!!!! Amazing skills you can acquire from lifting and coaching

[@drjustinleedpt]

Erin Montecillo this is another one that you might find helpful!! Stay lifting 💪 kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqilk5uae6-njbc

[@Rydor]

Hey ! Thank you for this video! I have my bachelors in kinesiology with an ACSM CPT certification. I didn’t end up doing what I wanted with it at the end. But I’ve been thinking about diving into the Physical therapy section. And I was thinking maybe starting off as a Physical therapist aide to dip myself in to see if it’s something I would want to do!

[@drjustinleedpt]

Thats a bummer that you were not able to dabble in this field. PT and human movement is an amazing and rewarding field to get into. I hope you consider it in the future! If you need a job as a PT aide, watch this video to learn how to land a job TODAY! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIbdk5ifa7-DpKM

[@20justme09]

I want to apply as a part time PT Aide at a clinic thats hiring aides right now. However I’m only 15 so I don’t know if I would be considered for the job but I have experience doing almost the exact same thing (helping athletic trainer at school) and I’ve taken SM 1 &2. I also should be getting my PT aide certification by the end of June. But I don’t know if my age would hinder me from the job. Thank you so much for the video it was very helpful btw!

[@Petertaguinodd]

Ooof good topic for the general public Kuya 🔥🔥👍🏼👍🏼

[@drjustinleedpt]

Ayeee thanks PJ!!! I'm trying to hit more specific and useful topics! If you have some pointers, feel free to send them my way (:

[@AlanQuisido]

PTA's don't get enough credit imo. From personal experience (I'm a PT aide), PTA's seem very well educated in their area and play a role in manual therapy and notes for patient care and progress. That being said, a good PT aide in an outpatient setting can really help the flow for PTAs and DPTs with patient exercises and set ups to make things easier for them and the patients. It's unfortunate about hearing that PTA jobs may drop within the next few years due to the lack of knowledge insurance companies have on the roles PTA's truly have.

[@drjustinleedpt]

Alanjohn Quisido yeah I agree with you too man. PTAs are very capable of good quality care. A lot of them have a ton of experience (sometimes more than a DPT) and they are limited in their treatment simply because of their credentials. However, I do believe DPT’s have more of a knowledge base (because of schooling) to make decisions and dictate the direction of the plan of care. If a PTA feels they know more than a DPT, then they should step up their education and pursue a higher education to get a DPT. It’s important to know the scope of practice other wise things could get muddy and that’s where you get in trouble. I’m a huge fan of pt aides. They really help the clinic to run smoothly and keep things going. They make a significant difference in the clinic. But... it’s sad to say that they are too often taken advantage of. And the sad part is that most PT’s don’t even take the extra effort to educate the pt aides on the world of physical therapy. That is something I will absolutely do when I’m a PT. I think it’s super important to invest in the younger generation and help shepard them towards a better future

[@AlanQuisido]

@@drjustinleedpt great insight on the area of PT, and I can't wait to start DPT school in the near future. thank you for always replying man, really appreciate it

[@drjustinleedpt]

@@AlanQuisido Youll be a great PT bro. Your critical thinking is already ahead of other students and the fact that you're questioning the norm is GREAT! Keep me posted with your journey and let me know if you have any questions/need support from me

[@melodyjahangiri937]

Hi Justin, One of your top fans, Melody from Vancouver Canada here again. I hope you remember me, I commented on your videos awhile ago and appreciated your hard work and enthusiasm and mentioned how great and inspiring you are. :) And that how I like to become a PT like you. Maybe it rang a bell? ;) I have a request, Justin, Would you please make a short video and talk a bit about how Psychology and Physiotherapy are interrelated? Like how they affect each other? I’m working on a Psychology research project and it is about how psychological disorders affect the physiotherapy routine of a disable patient. I find it very interesting. Also Would you please recommend any resources you may know of that might help me as well with this subject? Thank you very much. 🙏🏻 I very much appreciate your kind response. means a lot. And always 100000... likes for your videos. :)

[@drjustinleedpt]

Hey Melody, yes I remember you! You know what, thats a great topic to discuss thats isnt too well talked about, so yes, I will definitely make that video for you! I unfortunately dont have any resources for you at the moment, but if I come across something, I will let you know! Thank you for your 100000% support Melody!

[@TheBlfan]

Where did you find that chart breaking down the state by state duties? I'd like to take a peek!

[@drjustinleedpt]

TheBlfan find it in the description box! I always leave resources for my community!!!

[@crispyyyful]

I live in Cali! To be a PTA (assistant) do you HAVE to do a 2 year program? Or can you just get the aide certification first and then a KIN degree separately at a community college. Would that count? or it has to be a specific program for assistant??

[@drjustinleedpt]

In order to work as a PTA, you have to have a PTA license. And to be eligible to take the licensing exam, according to FSBPT, you need "Have a degree appropriate for the exam level from a CAPTE (Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education) accredited institution" You can read more on it here: www.fsbpt.org/Secondary-Pages/Exam-Candidates/National-Exam-NPTE/Eligibility-Requirements

[@coolcrispgamer4839]

Great video but I do have a question when going into PTA u still have to go to college and take a undergrad class like kinesiology?

[@drjustinleedpt]

Cool CrispGamer I believe PTA programs do not require specific classes like kinesiology. You pretty much have to be accepted to that college (usually community college) or a third party program. And that’s it! Usually it’s 2 years and you learn everything through that program

[@coolcrispgamer4839]

liftforchange o so after community college do u have to go and find a pta program or u just take test and ur pta

[@Poolpuong]

Hey Justin, I recently was accpeted into the APU DPT program, quick questions. How much memory do you recommend on the iPad is enough for the program? I hear 256 gb isn't enough according to a second year student.

[@drjustinleedpt]

KillerKenyan hey what’s up Killer Kenyan! I think the 256gb is actually a good memory size. That’s what I used and I never had a problem with storage. You can check out my set up in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5qodKqqn5yrfqc find it in the description. But it could be because maybe the student was recording a lot of lecture and also recording videos as well? 256 is a ton of space, plus you’ll have unlimited google drive space so you’re solid!

[@Poolpuong]

@@drjustinleedpt thank you!

[@drjustinleedpt]

@@Poolpuong youre very welcome! let me know if you need more help!

[@pagaporvista569]

That's kind of scary that some states allow Aids to do PTA duties. I cannot find information for my state for aids yet but they are pretty strict about having licensed professional TOUCH people. I'm a licensed massage therapist that went to a CC, there were a lot of PTAs that went into the Massage Therapy program while waiting to get accepted in the PTA program. I could see an LMT doing the spot massage as they would have the appropriate license but just have somebody in the office would be a big deal. In all honesty, I wanted to be a PT but realized that was too much school for being a career change that late in life - this was prior to it become a PhD program. My BS is in computer science so I had a bunch of sciences prereqs, fell into massage therapy by accident. Considering PTA program now...

[@grayoverton5145]

Can I shadow while I’m a aide/Tech? Also, what do you recommend for an undergrad to do?

[@drjustinleedpt]

Gray Overton what’s up Gray! So when you’re an aide/tech, the nature of your job will have you shadowing a PT. but if you want more emphasis with how the PT interacts with the patient, you could always communicate with your PT about that. I made a part 1 and 2 on how you could maximize your experience as an aid. Here is part 1! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGmloIaaqN2IsKs

[@TorresD92]

Hey Justin, I recently took a job interview for physical therapy aide and I was told by the interviewer that I most likely wouldn't get the job because I need a certification. Do you know anything about that?

[@drjustinleedpt]

Whats up Diego. I heard about that, but its not very common. Where are you trying to get an aide position at? Some clinics want you to be adequately trained to carry out the responsibilities of being an aide (as you can tell from the video, it could possibly be a lot..). I would ask them what kind of cert they were looking for, but I would also call around to other clinics and see if they also require it too?

[@TorresD92]

@@drjustinleedpt This was at PrimeRehabCenter in Fontana, CA. Not too far from you. I have a bachelor's degree in sociology and I am currently taking pre reqs for DPT school and the interviewer wanted me to have a PT Aide certificate AND courses related to the practice(mentioned kinesiology). He also, mentioned that he needed me to be able to do exercises with the patients. Which was why my bachelor's in sociology wasn't doing it for him.

[@TorresD92]

@@drjustinleedpt I am currently looking for more clinics to volunteer at and possibly work as an aid in the near future

[@drjustinleedpt]

diego torres I can see why he is asking for it, but that’s pretty rare to have clínica ask for that... usually they provide on sight training. But maybe because you don’t have any “education” or prior knowledge? But try looking around more! You just need to ask and they will gladly accept you 👍

[@MrForddude4]

I'm just starting the PTA program, and I'm going to see if anyone local wants an aide as a part-time job while I'm in the PTA program.

[@drjustinleedpt]

Anything to make a little extra side caaaaash monnnnnay is always good! $$$$$

[@lovelybydesign3363]

Do you know why there are Physical therapy Aid programs for certification if one only needs a High school diploma to be an aid? I'm trying to decide if the program would be beneficial for me or if it would be a waste of time and money.

[@blowmebxxtch]

Same

[@Mngo0450]

Could you make a video about the 2020 Medicare reimbursement? I plan to attend a PTA program and after hearing about this news, I feel scared whether or not I should pursue it. I know this act will affect PT, PTA, OT, and OTA.

[@drjustinleedpt]

Minh Ngo it’s still in the works right now to be implemented in 2021 for a 8% cut. Still not for sure yet! I think it’s still worth it to be a PTA. a lot of clinics still need help and it’s worth paying the PTA still despite the cuts

[@Mngo0450]

​@@drjustinleedpt I thought it would be a 15% cut in 2022. I heard about the PT profession dealing with these Medicare changes throughout the years. Hopefully this wouldn’t be something drastic in the future.

[@drjustinleedpt]

@@Mngo0450 Same. I agree. I don't think PTA should get paid less or get reimbursement cuts. They are just as great as a DPT too.

[@Mngo0450]

liftforchange Thank you for your reply. Whether this act passes or not, I know billing rules are always changing. I will pursue this profession because it interests me :)

[@CL-ly9lg]

I love the PT clinic I'm currently working at, but the amount of work I put in for less than $10/hour is so upsetting. How does a sign spinner make more money than I do? 😭

[@CL-ly9lg]

I just checked the laws for TX and there aren't any rules aside from not making any evals or treatment plans lol. RIP.

[@drjustinleedpt]

@@CL-ly9lg I know it’s super cheap to work as a PT aide. And it’s even more frustrating to see that other jobs (that don’t require deeper level of thinking) make more money than you. But... it’s the journey that is already set and everyone who wants to become an PTA or PT will go through this. Whenever I got mad at myself for making such little money, I told myself... “There are other students who are fighting to even get an volunteer position and work for free” this always helped keep my perspective aligned. Let me know if you need more help!!

[@daniellequilos7763]

Hi Justin! I will be receiving my Physical therapy bachelor's degree soon here in the Philippines. I do want to become a PTA in the US. Will clinics employ foreign trained Pt Aide while I get my PTA license in a state I want to work at? and do you have tipss for this

[@drjustinleedpt]

You know, I’ve been meaning to make a video on this topic. But you should contact APTA and see how they can direct you. It’s different for every country and even the degree

[@daniellequilos7763]

@@drjustinleedpt Thanks so much!

[@rickyg.3111]

Not every PT is a “Doctor of Physical Therapy” though. Where I work, they’re older and literally all of them have bachelors but still liscenced PTs. So they’re still out there lol

[@drjustinleedpt]

Yes you’re absolutely right. I should have clarified when I’m talking about DPT, I’m also referring to PTs as well. Just wanted to differentiate between PT vs PT aide

[@av3xcachorro]

What is it for Florida? It says full discretion.

[@drjustinleedpt]

That means whatever your supervisor thinks you can handle, it is at their discretion. There is no specific law that limits what you can/cannot do.

[@HammadMedico]

in pakistan dpt is a doctrate degree of 5 years

[@drjustinleedpt]

Oh wow thats a long time Hammad!! You have a nice long journey ahead of you, but it will be worth it!!

[@HammadMedico]

@@drjustinleedpt hope so for specialization i will come to your universiy I.A

[@drjustinleedpt]

Hammad Akbar come by anytime Hammad!

[@VSG861]

In Philippines have bachelor of physical therapy and Master.

[@drjustinleedpt]

VHASTIE GARCIANO cool! Are you in the program right now?

[@Juvernrocks]

no such thing as “just an aide”

[@nymiuralee6586]

The salary is completely incorrect… a PT Aide starts off around 31k per year and with a certification the position can start at 35k… the PTA position starts at 35k and in hospitals it will start around 40k… when you spoke on the responsibility/ limits of Aides and PTAs that was also incorrect. If working under the direct supervision of the DPT an Aide IS able to assist is providing care and use that OJT and apply for a PTA program… just FYI as you live in Cali and I live in PA.

[@drjustinleedpt]

Definitely will be different per state