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PT or PTA
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PT or PTA - March 30, 2005 8:13:00 AM
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moore
Posts: 3
Joined: March 29, 2005
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I have a slight delima. I want to go to school for either PTA or PT. However, I already have a BS in Industrial Psychology which is basically a degree in HR. I have a family I need to support along with mortage. My problem is deciding on if I should go ahead and get my PTA now and wait to get my PT, or should suck it up and go for the PT. The only benefit I see of getting my PTA is that I can get started in the program faster. If I go for my PT I would have to take 90 hrs of pre-reqs before I can even get accepted. If I could have some feedback on what you think I should do I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks,
confused
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Re: PT or PTA - March 30, 2005 9:07:00 AM
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JLS_PT_OCS
Posts: 1684
Joined: January 30, 2005
From: USA
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Confused, on your dilemma-
What do you really want to do in the end, be a PT or a PTA?
If you really have PT as your goal, I would advise you to pursue that from the start. PT/PTA education is not set up (for better or worse, I don't know) to be completed in a stepwise manner at this point in the game. Many PT schools (mine was an example) had some special credits they would give those who are currently PTAs, but the credits were only for some elementary patient management and physical modality (electric stim, cold, ice, ultrasound) courses.
PTA courses in exercise, kinesiology, etc. were not transferable, as they were taught at a much higher level in the PT curriculum.
So you may just be increasing your total debt load by being a PTA first, especially if you are going to end up working more or less full time while going to school anyway.
I am not sure what to tell you about trying to work while going to school...I think there are some programs out there, but unsure where to point you in that direction.
Best of luck with all your plans,
Jason
_____________________________
Jason Silvernail DPT, OCS, CSCS
"It isn't what you're able to do that requires your courage but rather what you have come to understand and are willing to express." - Barrett Dorko,PT
**I no longer post on RehabEdge**
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Re: PT or PTA - March 30, 2005 12:06:00 PM
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jma
Posts: 2414
Joined: August 24, 2000
From: NY
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I agree. Many courses and not transferable from a PTA program. In the end, it may take you longer to become a PT, if that is your goal. I believe that there are very few PTA to PT bridging programs available, that is, if they still exist. Don't know if they are full or part time or even in your area.
Here in NY, I think there a two PT programs that are held over the weekends. It is very hard to get into, being that many work full time as well. Perhaps there are those in your area that may do the same thing.
Check the school listing on the APTA webapte to find out. Hope this helps.
JMA
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Re: PT or PTA - March 30, 2005 12:28:00 PM
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moore
Posts: 3
Joined: March 29, 2005
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I do want to get into PT eventually. Do you think it would be a bad idea if I start out as a PTA and eventually get my PT.
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Re: PT or PTA - March 30, 2005 1:06:00 PM
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hmgross
Posts: 292
Joined: February 28, 2003
From: Minnesota
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I agree with jma and Jason. If you want to be a PT, find a way to just "go for it". If it helps at all, I was 27 yo, mother of 15 month twins and decided to take it one semester at a time (some days one day at a time). Take loans, do what you need to do to downsize your household budget (we really had to tighten up things and my husband was a HUGE help, rearranging his work schedule around my school schedule), be a teaching assistant to help buy your books, talk to the financial aid office and make it work. I have never regretted it.
_____________________________
Holly Gross PT
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Re: PT or PTA - March 30, 2005 3:48:00 PM
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moore
Posts: 3
Joined: March 29, 2005
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Thank you all for your help. I think am just going to go for it. Wish me luck on my journey.
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Re: PT or PTA - March 30, 2005 5:11:00 PM
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jma
Posts: 2414
Joined: August 24, 2000
From: NY
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Good luck.
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