Should I be a PT or a PTA?

[@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

[@PTEducationEveryday]

I've been a PTA for 14 years and now I'm the program director for a PTA program and we get this question a lot! We need both! No PTAs without PTs but you have to consider the more research, diagnostic medical levels decision you must make as a DPT vs. The more practical hands on responses and work with your body that you will do as a PTA. As well as the time spent on schooling. Job security really depends on location as well as your initiative to learn and be in diverse settings and environments.

[@Petertaguinodd]

This is great level headed information - love how your opinion is never biased

[@drjustinleedpt]

Peter Justin Taguinod thanks PJ! Trying to give the most valuable and non bias opinion so students can make the right choice

[@yoarifelix4647]

Hey, I am thinking about becoming a PTA and hope to become a PT later if I love it enough. I always take the experience first route because there are always surprises that no one mentions. As a CNA I work with nurses and get to see all aspects of their job. I really wanted to be a nurse but I never realized a HUGE amount of work is dedicated to just charting. It made me want to stay a CNA to maintain a level of care with the patients and preform primary care. My unit is acute rehabilitation and I have observed PTA's and PT's work. They both have time with patients but again the PTA are there with the patients for the most part. They also work closely with the nurses and communicate with medications and other primary care issues. Please try to volunteer in jobs you want to work in first to get an entire picture of your job before going to school for it and end up not liking it. Be aware that in SOME hospital settings as a PTA you might have to deal with fresh wounds, bathroom situations (accidents), and other unexpected situations. So also try to know where you would like to work! A SNF, hospital, and therapy centers all have different kinds of patients with different needs!

[@maddien2135]

I am also a CNA but in an assisted living home. I’m trying to decide between PTA and PT and also have been thinking about PTA school then if I love it enough going back to school, but one thing that every PT/PTA i’ve talked to has told me is once you are in the work field doing PTA and begin to move up some most people are not going to end up going back to school.

[@HeckW]

Dude your channel is so GOATed I hope you're enjoying putting these videos out as much as I enjoy watching them. After watching your videos I'm being more and more influenced to become a PTA. Not only is CC free for me since I am a California resident, being a PTA would also let me practice what I'm passionate about, which is physical fitness. Wondering if you have a "don't waste your time video" for PTAs like you have for PTs 👀

[@drjustinleedpt]

WOW it’s such a compliment when I hear my channel is GOAT. I really appreciate that dude. I love making videos. I can make them all day. I’m so glad my videos are inspiring you to go down this road! I dont have too many PTA specific videos but all the content is relatively the same with PT vs PTA

[@LAAM619]

Looking at current job postings in my area the pay difference isnt that much. Id rather do PTA.

[@jocelinwery7800]

I want people to know that there is another option when it comes to going DPT with ZERO debt. AND you get paid while you go through the program! This is possible by enlisting into U.S. Army as an Officer for the 7 years. Once accepted, they put you through the DPT program at Baylor University in Texas. I'm current enlisted in the Army and I understand that the military isn't for everyone but it seems like a lot of people reconsider DPT because of the amount tuition is. I'm currently pursuing a rehab major while serving active duty. Once I obtain my bachelors I can apply through the Army and hopefully get accepted into the DPT program as an Officer. I'm by no means a recruiter for the Army, but I just wanted people to know the route I was taking to be debt free in terms of tuition.

[@herrerabrew]

That would be ideal but i have someone in my cohort who is in the army and didnt get accepted to that program bc of how competitive it is. And he had excellent college gpa and yest scores

[@itzzjh__]

I’m active right now... this sounds perfect

[@Petertaguinodd]

wow that's great!

[@drjustinleedpt]

This is for sure an excellent opportunity through the military. I think it would be perfect is students were interested in going into the military and get out of it all debt free. I also read that the army has healthcare loan repayment program? I am actually planning on talking to a recruit to see if going army route might help with the loans. We will see!! Thank you for sharing this valuable information with me and with this community. I know a lot of students will benefit from this !

[@SoniaAlese]

I just got my bachelors in Kinesiology but I am now $60k in debt and I'm 37 years old... a lot of flexible PT programs where I live are $85-95k. That means as a PT I would be >$160k in debt!!! Plus the cost of any extra loans I got for living expenses while in school. If i do PTA program it's $30k roughly, so I'd be $90k in debt at graduation + interest. But PTAs make $40-45/hr or around $80k a year-ish. PTs make around $100-110k a year. It does not feel like a huge difference... a lot of these videos say it takes PTs 20 years to catch up financially to where a PTA is at and finally surpass them! As someone who will be over 40 by the time I finished a program I am wondering if PTA would be the better choice. How many employers are actually helping PTs pay their student loans? Are there grants and scholarships, if so, where??? I'm just unsure it's worth the cost of school anymore to do PT (or OT) unless I can find $$$

[@BirdzBugzandBait]

I'm off work now due to neck surgery went bad for me and nerve damage. But I'm a licensed pta 26+ years and always strive to be my absolute best and went to numerous advanced hands on classes. Most patients thought I was a PT. Point is. I should have years ago went on to PT school and earned more money throughout my career

[@jaygreene3947]

I’m damn near 40 thinking about pursuing a PTA career. My dad went through a PTA at 52 years old

[@drjustinleedpt]

40 is still a great start to pursue PTA! It's only 2 years vs 4+3 years for DPT

[@jonathanwilliams2]

this is great to see, I'm 31 and terrified that I was going to make the change too late 😮‍💨 how is it going for you? did you make the change?

[@Mac-Pla]

Great video I recently finished my bachelors and am now trying to decide which program would be best for me and you made a lot of excellent points. The main thing that really spoke to me was the documentation. I work at a PT clinic as a tech and honestly I struggled to keep up with the daily notes. Something I’ve come to realize is I’m not very good at multitasking, when I get a task I kinda single in on that task and try to get it done right. The problem being is if I get thrown another task well that throws me off and I can’t focus on the initial task I was given as I switch gears to do that other task if that makes sense. Anyways for example as a tech, I would try to keep patients going while at the same time doing daily notes, I would get so focused on the patient care aspect that I wouldn’t get to the notes until the end of the day which effectively puts the therapist I’m working with behind because they are waiting on my notes. I know I can work on that with time and experience, but what I enjoy is the patient care aspect rather than the documentation. Another thing to consider for me, while I did finish my bachelors, a lot of my harder upper level courses I took online during the peak of COVID so honestly, I feel like I don’t have the best education and knowledge for the PT program. A lot of those online classes I struggled with and made Cs which is not acceptable for PT school. But since I have my bachelors finished, I would be better off applying for the PT program but realistically for me I think the PTA program would make more sense as it allows me to retake some classes I didn’t do as good on, it’s cheaper to get into and easier. But I also don’t want to sell myself short. Anyways all things to consider. My plan is to apply to some PTA programs for the fall semester to see if I can get into any, if not I’ll probably retake some classes, take the GRE and try applying for some PT programs next year.

[@manilynlalo5983]

You and I are on the same exact boat!!!! Just obtained my bachelors in May in kinesiology. Working at a PT clinic as an aide and PTA sounds like more of the route I wanna take but feel like I should go straight to PT programs since I have my bachelors. Also struggled taking the harder undergrad kines classes online during Covid.

[@ryanclark2539]

@@manilynlalo5983 that’s about where I’ll feel I’ll be.. I am going to graduate next year and I’m really leaning towards PTA at the moment… PT school as it is is expensive and I don’t think I can afford to live while going through it w/o a job

[@ryanclark2539]

Kinda feels like wasted time but if I can get my preexisting student debt out of the way I think I’d feel better

[@AR-cn1fw]

How is PTA going

[@AR-cn1fw]

@@manilynlalo5983I recently just got my bachelor in kinesiology too but I just feel like pta is the better choice for me. I am not that good with documentation and I barely got a C+ in my biomechanics and kines class

[@johnguillen68]

I've commented on your other videos and thank you for responding. I'm 55 years old and in good shape, I don't look my age because I'm fit. I don't have kids and I'm not married or have a girlfriend. I wonder if PTA would be a good way to start because of my low GPA. I definitely like the sound of Doctor of Physical Therapy. I am trying some DPT schools just in case I do get in.

[@kissifur]

Thankyou so much for explaining this it helps me alot I was so undecided if I wanted to be a PTA or PBT

[@maddien2135]

I’m so torn even after talking to tons and tons of PTs and PTAs and getting all the different views, points, perspectives, and information. I would love to have the education of a DPT and to really fully understand and grasp physical therapy but at the same time the amount of debt and also the paperwork/documentation kind of sways me more towards pta. I also love being hands on with patients.

[@herrerabrew]

So, i have another note to add to this. I went to community college at mt san antonio college in walnut California, and from there, i transferred to cal poly pomona. Most of my friends who went to community college, didn't transfer in two years. It was more like 3 or 4 years. For me, it was about 2.5 years. Then, the prereqs to take biology and chemistry for wxample from a JC, was actually more than cal poly. So if i went straight to cal poly, i could take the first set of the year long classes of bio and chem right away, but at a JC, it was required that we took semester long intro courses. I would argue that if someone goes to a JC to get all that is required for PTA school: anatomy, physiology, which to even take those, you need to first take bio, and maybe even chem. I would say a likelier scenario would be that it would take at least 3 years to get all the prerequisites from a JC, and maybe even 4 if you are trying to work while going to school. I sort of had a bad experience with my JC, as I spent about 2.5 years there, and then, bc all of my credits didnt transfer over, changed majors, and had to work the whole time, i graduated from cal poly after about 4 years. 6.5 years overall. I wish i had gone straight to a university. JC was super cheap bc you get the BOG waiver to pay for your classes, but you need to have a clear plan and map out exactly what youre gonna do, bc if it takes you 3 to 4 years to get all the prerequisites, maybe you should go straight to a university, and then go staright to DPT. If i was fresh out of high school, id still go to PTA school tho.

[@drjustinleedpt]

herrerabrew super valuable info!!!! I agree that it could be faster to go to a university since colleges are so impacted now. That’s why it’s important to be super focused with what courses you need to take in order to know which classes are needed to even take those DPT prerequisites. I would also recommend trying to enroll in programs or sports at a JC just to get that priority registration. Thanks for sharing this super helpful info! I know a lot of students reading this will find a ton of value! Pinned this!!!!!!

[@SoniaAlese]

Im wondering since I already have a bachelors in kinesiology and took a lot of those classes would i still have to sign up for a pta program and retake all the classes I've already taken =/ because they have a preset program right? They don't let you skip any classes and get a discount on tuition for pta school.

[@cloudycash0]

I have a question, do PTA’s deal with human feces? Because I really don’t want to deal with that stuff. Like cleaning up patients?

[@romans8.197]

I’d love to see how to choose the right school for these programs.

[@brih4233]

Hello! I’m still on the fence of PT vs PTA. I’ve been getting my observational hours to help me with this decision and the professionals I’ve talked with have brought up the exact same things. Those things being decision making and documentation. But one thing I’m trying to figure out is this: as a PT, can I put being a mom and a wife first? So if so, are there strategies to get documentation done earlier or doing part time, etc. These are questions I have. By the way, thank you for this video. I’m thankful I found you and thank you for sharing this information.

[@CristianQCruz]

still on the fence but I think I'm leaning PTA

[@drjustinleedpt]

That’s a great choice! PTA is a great career. Don’t let “assistant” stop you from your dreams!

[@dejaroach783]

I’m looking forward applying to DPT programs soon. I have a few more prerequisite that I’m taking in my last year of undergrad.

[@drjustinleedpt]

Deja Roach that’s awesome! You’re well on your way. Do you have any questions regarding the process? What you should be looking for or trying to fufill in this last year of school? That way you could be best prepared for the application

[@dejaroach783]

liftforchange I have some questions in regards to dealing with challenging prerequisite classes and preparing for the GRE. Currently, I’m taking general physics and anatomy&physiology. How did you get through General Physics, cause I’m struggling? Do you recommend any study tips for anatomy and physiology? How did you prepare for the. GRE either taking a prep course, or purchase a GRE test book to practice in and study tips for the GRE would you recommend?

[@drjustinleedpt]

@@dejaroach783 Deja, those are great questions to ask. I totally know what you're going through!!! Why don't you email me and we can discuss the best tips for you! [e-mail] looking forward to your email!!

[@someguyusa]

I am going to school for PT at 34 as a military veteran. I already have some credits, and the Post-9/11 GI Bill in conjunction with the Vocational Rehab & Employment program for veterans will pay for school and give me a stipend to live on while in school. I'm one of the lucky ones that served and got out with a plan. Looking forward to it.

[@derekstone6320]

I'm a 32 year old vet considering this route. What are the prerequisites typically like? I have a Bachelor's in an unrelated field so I doubt much will be useful/accepted.

[@someguyusa]

@@derekstone6320 You'll need to check the school's PT program for details, but it's usually some biology, anatomy & physiology, statistics, and a couple others as pre-reqs.

[@derekstone6320]

​@@someguyusathanks for that and good luck to you

[@HowtofitnessKinetic]

PTA the way to go in my opinion. Pt too much debt and pta’s make 85% from my understanding.

[@drjustinleedpt]

There is definitely a lot of student loan debt with PT but the salary for PTA isn’t 85%. I would estimate it to be about 50-60% of a pt salary. But of course it depends on so many different factors

[@prabjotkaur5317]

Still deciding which is best for me lol. I'm thinking more of PTA even though I'm doing the pre req and everything for the DPT program.

[@drjustinleedpt]

Prabjot Kaur it might be worth getting into PTA before dpt.. and even doing a bridge program. Good experience to reference when you’re in dpt school

[@prabjotkaur5317]

@@drjustinleedpt yea, I'm still thinking about it.

[@mightyzane5400]

What are your thoughts on the 2020 pay 💰 fee schedule and it’s impact on the PTA profession

[@phantom2890]

Do PTA’s work with athletes? If so I’m leaning more on the PTA side due to Me being a international student and cost of PT school.

[@drjustinleedpt]

PTAs can definitely work with athletes! As far as at the professional level tho.. I dont think so

[@mike_zilla8604]

Hello, I am currently finishing up an Associate of Arts degree at my local community college. My plan is to become a PTA, but I also wanted to get a bachelor's degree as well. I was wondering if getting a BA in Psychology then going into a PTA program afterwards would be a good idea. Or vice versa.. Also will having a BA help me when searching for a PTA job or give me an edge compared to those who just have the PTA 2 year degree? Will I also get paid more? Thank you!

[@drjustinleedpt]

In an ideal world, you can go directly into a PTA program and then get a bachelors. But depending on the competition, maybe going BA then PTA would be helpful. Also, you may get paid more with a bachelors but likely not a significant amount more

[@niaadent8788]

Hey great video I was wondering I’m considering going for the PTA program first then transitioning into DPT how many additional classes/years would it be ?Give me advice Thankyou 😊

[@cHeCkoutUNM]

Do you think it's too late for someone in their 30's to get a DPT?

[@donovanjackson7999]

I have my bachelors in exercise science and am torn between the two due to my love of exercise and performance and the one on one environment. My advisor said it would be more cost effective to pursue the pre-physical therapy/doctorate due to less classes. But im not sure

[@carolkrlos]

I'm not sure if you've made a video on the GRE yet, but I'd appreciate it if you would. I'm looking into different dpt programs in SoCal but I'm not sure if I should wait to retake the GRE as I didn't get the best scores. Prereqs are looking good but I'm unsure if id even get accepted into a program with ehh scores. 5-8 points off in the first sections and a 3.5 in writing.

[@drjustinleedpt]

carolkrlos I didn’t make a video on the GRE since I’m not a gre expert, but I did talk about this in a lot of videos. But.. I would say if your GRE scores are not meeting minimum requirements, then you should for sure retake the GRE. If your scores don’t meet the minimum, you won’t even get considered for an interview

[@jo69817]

If anyone sees this, numbers don't lie. This is a business decision, as is eveything. Read rich dad poor dad. "Don't be a idiot" - micheal scott

[@drjustinleedpt]

I always tell the students, if you are in it for just the money, then don’t be a physical therapist because it is a poor decision. But if it is more than the money, I think it is worth considering

[@qsweetie4082]

I want to do pta after high school because I feel like it's better for me but people are stating that pta are a dying field and it's hard to find a job can you respond to this comment please because I don't want to make a mistake picking the wrong career.

[@drjustinleedpt]

Hmmm well idk where they are getting their facts but the Bureau of labor statistics reports the jobs for PTA are expected at a 29% growth from 2019-2029, which is higher than the average. You can find more info here www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/mobile/physical-therapist-assistants-and-aides.htm

[@qsweetie4082]

@@drjustinleedpt thank you so much😁

[@drjustinleedpt]

@@qsweetie4082 You are absolutely welcome! Please feel free to reach out if you have anymore questions

[@YungPirrie]

That moment when you are 25 and JUST consider to be starting DPT from undergraduate..muahaha😈 😅🥴 School is taking forever

[@drjustinleedpt]

Believe it or not, that is pretty common! There are so many students who start physical therapy school in the later part of their 20s. All of them start working as a physical therapist and do not regret the decision to change careers one bit!

[@drjustinleedpt]

I just thought I would share this. I think it is relevant to your situation kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3K2pquIe8eDrKc

[@SamBWinning]

I felt like I delayed in my life I’m over 25 years old and I’m just now deciding to get my bachelors and then my dpt I don’t want to be a pta first what do yout think about that bro?

[@drjustinleedpt]

There are many students who start physical therapy school a little later like around their 30s. It is never too late to start pursuing a career that you are passionate about and some thing you are focused on. If this is something you were absolutely certain that you are willing to work towards, I would say you should definitely go for it and allow your dreams to become a reality

[@ddon7130]

What were the age ranges in your cohort?

[@drjustinleedpt]

@@ddon7130 it ranged from 23-31 years

[@ninjablackgoo]

Thanks for the video! I have a Bachelors in Exercise Science and I wasn't sure which I should go for to further my career and now I more leaning towards PTA. Also would BS in Exercise Science give it more of edge to have to becoming PTA?

[@drjustinleedpt]

You’re welcome my friend! Nice thats good! you’ll love the career if you love human movement and exercise. I wouldn’t say an “edge” but I think it will give you more knowledge and understanding behind what you will be doing. However…. Having a BS does give you a competitive edge over other students since a lot of students will NOT have their bachelors

[@debtfreeF]

I also like knowing that I have my *doctorate* lol i believe only 2% of Americans have doctorates

[@drjustinleedpt]

France - Personal Finance & Student Loan Debt this is true. I 100% believe that having a doctorate brings a lot of value to the self and it’s super versatile in what you could do with that degree too

[@DavidMichael-fq5wt]

28035 Clarissa Mountain

[@MelikaSalari]

❤❤❤❤

[@BirdzBugzandBait]

Justin i have a major question for you oersonally if you will message me. I have a channel muself and dont wanna overstep