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Hey all,
I’m 28 and considering getting a A.A.S. in PTA. I currently hold a BS in Exercise Physiology and I formerly held the CSCS NSCA credential (I plan to get both the CSCS and CPT from the NSCA in the near future). I have worked as a personal trainer which I enjoyed but the money just wasn’t stable and there where no benefits or retirement. I also worked 3 years as an ES physical education teacher which was alright but dealing with 30 five year olds in a gym can become tiresome. I currently work as a case manager for mentally ill adults and enjoy the one on one interaction, although the stress to pay ratio is leading to burnout (not to mention my part time job and graduate school). I’m currently enrolled in a school counseling and development graduate program and have completed 22 of 45 credits, Although I’m starting to think it was a poor decision. At the moment I’m taking a career counseling course and all the assessments I’m taking point to physical therapy. I also have a strong feeling that it would be something I would enjoy and do well. I would like to work with disabled veterans supporting them in their recovery. I’m sure many of you will suggest getting a DPT, although I don’t have the money, time (4+ years with prerequisites), or intelligence to earn such an advance degree. I doubt I would get into a DPT as my undergrad gpa was 3.16 with average to below average scores in science. Although my graduate school course work in counseling is close to a 3.8-3.9 range. I like the idea of being a PTA versus a PT as you get to spend more time with the clients during their exercise routine. My only concern is that the pay may not be high enough. Although I always have the option of working part time as a personal trainer. I have looked at USAjobs.com and it appears that a PTA can make about $55,000 a year in the DC area after they have obtained some experience. What it really comes down to is that I’m happy with my profession and will stick with it in the long run. Any advice, resources, or suggestions are greatly appreciated. FYI about 5 years ago I shadowed a Physical Therapist for approximately 76 hours.