Why I Like Being A Home Health Physical Therapist Assistant

[@paigestrobbe6430]

I’m a home health PTA in the Midwest and I agree with you on all of this! It is super freeing to be able to have pretty much complete control over my day and take more or less work if I want. I used to be the one who saw all of the rural areas and I would sometimes drive 200+ miles in a day, 45/60 min drive times in between patients. Got paid mileage and drive time. It was really nice to have me time, listen to music/podcasts, stop for lunch/etc. I now just see a more concentrated area which has its own perks too. I never thought I would LOVE home health this much. I was the person in school who has dead set on outpatient, now I don’t think I could go back to anything else. After trying outpatient and inpatient rehab for 3 years, I’ve happily found my niche in home health after 4 years at the same home health job. Not looking back!

[@tooquick6]

Is it hard to find a job? How much money do you make???? Thank you

[@NickJacobs1986]

I’d say another thing you don’t have to worry about either is productivity with home health. You see the patient, do your thing and get paid. That’s it. I’m a PTA in the Cincinnati, Ohio area and I love it! So much freedom with your daily schedule really can’t beat it.

[@jared6657]

Exactly

[@tooquick6]

Hello Sir, how much does a new expect to get paid? Thank you.

[@TroySmith30]

I'm a PT that just switched from outpatient to HH. Absolutely love it. I wish I didn't have so many evals so I could focus more on treatment but other than that I love the day to day.

[@mike_zilla8604]

Hello, is there any way I could contact you about some questions I have? I am curious between PTA and PT specifically in the HH setting! I would love it if you could help me out!

[@I_am1031]

This may have just sealed the deal for me. I’m an independent style worker and been looking into PTA for a while. Thanks for the vid

[@breekalashay2135]

We on the same page!!

[@ericgalloway140]

Hey anyway you can show us your routine with the paperwork and the most efficient way to handle it?

[@shaylinfonseca6085]

I'm a new grad certified PTA and am considering Home Health. But living in Minnesota in the winter, with so much snow, and icy roads, I many not want to drive this much.

[@caitlynboheme8627]

Wow your assignment was in the town that I live in! Punta Gorda! I have chills I’m sitting at the university right now waiting for my ten o’clock appointment for the pta program. I’ve been a CNA and phlebotomist the last 9 years I am 27. I do home health now and already have a head start as I do exercises the pt left with my clients, that is the highlight of my shifts. This was a sign! To go through with this!

[@coffeeplease9735]

Really enjoyed the video! I am a PTA, but have never worked in home health. I like this style of video getting a peak into what a day is like. I am excited to see more content in the future, HH related or not!

[@jared6657]

Hi there, thank-you!

[@tooquick6]

Hello, what do you like and dislike about you job? How is the pay if you don’t mind me asking? Thanks

[@missytauler]

Thanks for sharing your experience! I’m almost 30 and considering going back to become a PTA.

[@jared6657]

That’s awesome. It’s never too late. PTA is a great field.

[@davidreed1780]

@@jared6657 what part of Florida do you work in? I am about to start a home health job in Florida myself this Tuesday. I have 3 years of SNF experiemce

[@alexsylvester1155]

I just graduated as a PTA and take my test in October never been happier! I turn 30 in October :)

[@tooquick6]

@@jared6657 thank for your video. Can I do Travel PTA like nurses travel? I want to spend time in the west coast but not for ever. What is the pay for a new PTA? I qualify for this now but I’m deciding between this and nursing. I would rather do PTA if the money is ok. Thank you!

[@MyoSport_therapy]

Been working Outpatient in CA for five years and I don’t know why the light bulb just turned on now for this. It upsets me that I bust my ass in Outpatient trying to get the most out of all my patients’ visits and get paid significantly less than the home healthers. I don’t regret my experience for I have tools to take with me when in enter HH, but getting advice from colleagues along with videos like this help me see there is great potential to get the career satisfaction and get the ample compensation we so much want.

[@mikebee6530]

I'm very interested in going to PTA school soon and I actually like the idea of HH more than OP... thank you for this

[@3aces209]

Looking farward to more videos. Im taking the Test next Wednesday amd home health or snf is where I want to start. Thank you and keep up the good info

[@EliasSantiesteban-t2j]

Hi Jared, I’m an OTA who’s done inpatient, outpatient, and home health. That’s a sweet deal for mileage and drive time as I’m also here in Florida and doesn’t appear to be Uber common.

[@KMH9459]

hey Jared, thank you for sharing this! Im a PTA student myself and I am def looking forward to graduating.

[@johnlair7974]

Enjoyed the video, thanks.

[@nicholasrocco5084]

Great video! Look forward to more videos!

[@jakeforeman4340]

This video was very helpful! Thanks for sharing :)

[@MelisJoy]

Thank you SO much for making this! Wow this was like a breath of fresh air in a sea of doom & gloom I've heard about this field. I've been a LMT for 12 years, Orthopedic certified. Deep down I've always dreamed of learning even more about musculoskeletal system & going to school for PTA. I've been on the fence though bc SO many (even some I followed here on YT) have quit bc there's "no room for growth". I'd like to do HH or Canine Rehab (or both lol) I hv a few questions: -Is it true that you get paid the same whether you do 50 pts or 5? I've heard that's how it is in Opd & hope that's not the case w HH. I think it's important we get paid for our abilities & talents, not flat rate. -Do you need to work INPT or OPD for a year before doing HH? You are very well spoken & clearly are very comfortable with what you do. I love that. Also, I think it's great you said you get to pick how many/week. This definitely seems like something I'd love to do. I live in New Orleans so traffic is crazy but I'm used to it😬 thx for any help w this

[@jared6657]

Thanks for the comment Melissa. I get paid a per visit rate. If your full-time, some agencies pay hourly and have productivity standards, like possibly 6 patient visit a day for example. Most agencies don’t require prior experience, but in my opinion, it sure helps your skills and confidence.

[@mike_zilla8604]

@@jared6657 After graduation, which setting would you recommend I work in first to gain some experience before entering the HH setting?

[@natifl3058]

Thank you for a cool video . I want to become a PTA. Looking for a college in Miami area . Just so many bad reviews regarding to payment and studying process. Will be very thankful if someone can give me tips . So far I’m choosing between Keiser University and Broward college .

[@sacredweeds]

I was very sad when home health said “ok you’re healthy enough to go to out patient.” They all have their place. It’s great when a clinician finds their perfect place. Hydrate dude 😊 Now I am an on demand provider for a single client. Heaven!! PRN =per need (not really but my descriptive mnemonic)

[@cesarqba]

Hi, iam doing my board for PTA on april thanks for your video's

[@user-hn9qg5qm3o]

My biggest concern is that does this career allow you to live the same lifestyle that it promotes? In other words, do you have time and the energy in your daily life to hit the gym and stay in good health, or does this job run you all over the place to where at the end of the day you’re just ready to hit the couch and go to sleep so you’re ready to do it all over again the next day?

[@mbm94619]

That’s most jobs mate. Gotta find the motivation. Good thing bout HH is you can choose your schedule. Want to work out 3 days a week? Get out early on those days.

[@talkingwithtam1999]

Worked in home health for 23 years. There are PT’s that tell me that you don’t use your brain in HH. I disagree! I found I used my skills/brain more. I’ve been in OP last seven years. PTA for 32 years.

[@tatianavutsan5292]

That’s amazing! Thank you for sharing! Do you feel like PTA is a career you can retire from (in the way it’s not physically taxing on the body?). Can I also ask please - if you work in HH will you be able to get a job in outpatient/inpatient after a few years working in HH or they “won’t want you” because maybe they’ll think you lost some skills (?) working independently?

[@HuntinAndFishin101]

I’m graduating this May as a PTA, when they state flexible schedule what exactly does this entail? Thanks for the video it seems like HH would fit me as a person.

[@movementlifedeathstyle]

do you only get to do the exercises that the PT prescribes, or do you have freedom to adjust if you see something isn't working or might not be appropriate et? whats that relationship/collaboration like between you and the PT?

[@therealroslyn]

Thanks for the video! I’m applying this year. Nervous 😟

[@mike_zilla8604]

Did you get accepted?

[@therealroslyn]

@@mike_zilla8604 I actually just got an email this week that I am advancing into the next step of the process. I have a interview and a writing essay on campus Monday!

[@mike_zilla8604]

@@therealroslyn That's so exciting! I am currently taking the pre-requisite courses needed for the program. Are you still confident in your decision of pursuing the PTA program? I have been all over the place lately but I am really leaning towards PTA. Specifically the HH setting.

[@therealroslyn]

@@mike_zilla8604..@@mike_zilla8604 I think the biggest thing is the flexibility and freedom you can have as a PTA and that’s what I remember when I start thinking about different fields.

[@therealroslyn]

@@mike_zilla8604 I've been all over the place as well, but I'm sure in my decision. I live in Florida, and the compensation for HH, which is exactly what I want to do, is great. I'd like to work in PTA pediatrics in the future, but I'll have to work my way up.

[@Balanceiskey-nd6el]

Hey Jared! Quick question. If you're PRN, (not full time) then how do you have insurance?

[@sammyharbin7544]

Brooo keep posting!

[@Moresco24]

How do you think your pay as a pta will be hit with the coming changes in January? I make around 43k year before tax in California. Still think PTA will pay more than that with the cuts?

[@jared6657]

I’ve read up a little on this. Not sure how it will affect us. Thanks for the comment!

[@tooquick6]

Hey there? Do you only work part time? 43k doesn’t sound like much. I’m trying to decide if I should do this. The job sounds great. Thanks

[@stumpbumpers]

I’m a 46 year old male. I am a licensed massage therapist. I am currently in a Nurse Aide program. I have applied to a PTA program and should know if I’m accepted in March. I’ve considered doing home health and will likely try it. But I’m thinking of starting my own business. Just starting at my age makes me nervous what my career outlook may be.

[@chanelsalas2012]

did you get in?

[@stumpbumpers]

@@chanelsalas2012 They said the application deadline was March 15th and long story short we would know by June 15th is we were getting in. I can’t wait that long to find out. So, I have been looking at other apprenticeship options. Currently waiting on a Pipefitter Apprenticeship job @ $31/hr to start & $43+/hr after 4 years. And an Electrician Apprenticeship $20/hr to start $ $30+/hr after 4 years, but they also have a Construction Management Program for two years after, that I am interested in. It will allow me to reach Foreman, Site Management and Superintendent. I’ve been in construction along with maintaining my Massage License and worked in Industrial new construction electrical in the early 2000. They are willing to hire me as a Helper 3 which bumps my pay and less time in the apprenticeship. I rather do the electrical but we’ll see what becomes official.

[@stumpbumpers]

@@chanelsalas2012We had our interviews, so that means we are being considered. We will know by the end of this month (June).

[@FreeMind-ps9pd]

​@@stumpbumpers you got this

[@stumpbumpers]

@@FreeMind-ps9pd I got into the program and start August 15th.

[@dalenelson9717]

What school would you recommend to become a PTA in Miami Beach! I am relocating from New York in the Fall.

[@romans8.197]

Did you choose a school

[@DylDoggin]

Are there any cons to being in home health? If there are any? What is the experience needed to be a in the position you’re in?

[@Jaredmk]

Calling and scheduling all your patients, working in unsanitary places, dealing with traffic… I would say at least a year in a SNF or acute care would give valuable experience for home health. Some HH agencies may accept new grads.

[@DylDoggin]

@@Jaredmk thank you for the info! I’ll be looking into HH

[@mikefley8500]

Hey Jared, I am currently finishing up my Associate of Arts Degree and was planning on going into the PTA program at the community college I am attending. Would it be better for me to get my bachelor's first, then go into the PTA program or should I just go straight into the PTA program? Also Is getting a Bachelor's in Psychology a good choice for PT/PTA?

[@jared6657]

I would suggest to go straight to the PTA program. A bachelors in psychology may be helpful if your going into PT school, however a biology or science degree may be more useful. Thanks for the comment!

[@RachelPs145]

Hi Jared, I am a recent PTA grad and working PRN in Acute rehab but I keep getting canceled due to the census so I’m looking for part time. I did a home health clinical and really enjoyed it but my understanding is I typically need 2 years of experience. It would be amazing not to have productivity standards because the documentation sucks the fun out of the PT world and the prod std just makes it more stressful.

[@Mrwongtao]

PTA here from AZ, I would check the laws in your state to see what the requirements are for hh. In AZ, you must have 2000 hours of direct supervision before you can do hh under general supervision.

[@tooquick6]

Hey there! How much money do you make? Do you like the job? Is it stressful? Thank you

[@tooquick6]

@@Mrwongtao do you recommend the job. I really want to do this but I’m worried that the pay will be low and the jobs will be scarce

[@Mrwongtao]

@@tooquick6 honestly, it depends on the state and the setting you work in. I work at an outpatient orthopedic clinic. All my classmates were able to get full time jobs right after graduation.

[@tooquick6]

@@Mrwongtao thank you for your reply! One last question. How is the pay??? I now qualify to apply but I don’t know if I should go to nursing for the pay even though it doesn’t really interest me.

[@ecinaz]

Great video. What is the market like for HH COTA's?

[@RealRyanAskew]

Fantastic

[@michellemarie1197]

Do you get to choose your hours or pick sessions? Also does the company you work for offer benefits like health insurance or 401k matching? Also is a PTA paid like salary or hourly based?

[@diana_stylezz]

I’m debating on if I want to go to school for pta or ota any suggestions?

[@jared6657]

I’m biased because I’m a PTA. But just do some research and see what your into.

[@breekalashay2135]

Well with OTA you will be assisting with bathing and things of that nature..I am going for PTA. I think OTA make more

[@a.r.onthetrack3783]

After graduating from physical therapy assistant school are you able to jump into home health work. Or is better to gain experience from an outpatient clinic first ?

[@user-hn9qg5qm3o]

What exactly can you really do in home health PT intervention…maybe walk around the home a little, make them do some mousercise leg kicks and marches, go up down stairs, and stand up from some chairs…maybe balance themselves on one leg..? What else really is there to do??

[@jared6657]

Hey thanks for the question. This is a loaded question that I could make a whole video on. In short, there’s endless possibility’s. You can be so creative with so many different exercises from standing exercises and balance, supine stretches and core exercises on the floor or bed, focusing on endurance timed gait training while monitoring RPE, 02 SATs, HR, pain etc.. also we got CG education, car transfer training, safe negotiation in and out of home. Honestly, more then the clinic setting. I’ve worked in OP and SNF and a lot of time is spent on stationary bikes and modalities such as icing,. which all have there place, but man the home is where I can come up with great functional training without the clinic distractions.

[@user-hn9qg5qm3o]

How do you document that stuff to make it sound Medicare compliant?

[@jared6657]

Sound Medicare compliant? Not sure what you mean. If your following the PT established goals and focusing on functional training, strengthening to meet each patient specific needs and goals your compliant. Just document it. Just like you would in the hospital, SNF and OP settings.

[@user-hn9qg5qm3o]

@@jared6657 Yea but don’t they usually hate it when a therapist says “Gait with walker 100 feet CGA”. They say that doesn’t show skill.

[@jared6657]

Yep. Document your skill then

[@jasminerodriguez4434]

Is Home Health PTA a travel PTA?

[@Quangcurry13524]

What is your salary looking like?

[@renren9369]

So then you are self employed?

[@kameronsession8599]

What’s your salary like?

[@jared6657]

45 per visit

[@kameronsession8599]

@@jared6657 how many visits do you average a week?

[@jared6657]

@@kameronsession8599 25-40

[@LD-THA-DON]

@@jared6657 how much do they give your per mile and per drive time if you mind me asking ??

[@LRoshae]

@@jared6657 I just got offered a job for $45, no mileage pay but I’m close to home. I’ve been working from home and other odd jobs during the Panini… and I need to utilize my license. I have little experience as a home health therapist so thank you for your insight.

[@nicknelly1]

Hey Jared, I was wondering if I could possibly contact you and REALLY pick your brain?? I am currently in PTA school and second guessing it, but I don’t want to feel that way. Everything you stated about “work freedom, entrepreneurship, your day to day, the pay, the freedom, the travel, ect,” made me feel better again. If you would like to help me out with some questions, I could give u my email or contact. Thank you!! 🙏🏽

[@KMH9459]

pssst hey same situation here, did you grad yet?