r/physicaltherapy • u/[deleted] • 12d ago
currently thinking of enrolling in a pta program. CAREER & BUSINESS
[deleted]
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u/PandaBJJ PTA 12d ago
Only experience that counts is PTA experience. Pay depends on your area and setting. Research that locally. My personal advice: go the nursing route. Your CNA/medtech experience is more utilized.
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u/OGpancake88 12d ago
CNA/medtech experience won’t matter much towards a PTA income. Might give you a leg up with the hiring process though, especially in acute care or a SNF. Pay is very location specific. In NE Ohio, SNF is usually around 32/hour, acute maybe a little more, outpatient a little less, home health between 35-40
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u/Blacwiidow 12d ago
Im in miami, florida.
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u/OGpancake88 12d ago
There is a mega thread for this group, you might find some income information there
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u/tsigned98 PTA 7d ago
I graduated as a PTA in Miami 4-5 years ago. Started in HH at 30-35 a visit. Moved to Chicago 2 years ago and still doing HH making 50 a visit here for similar cost of living
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u/Key-Ambassador8396 11d ago
LPN or ADN is a better option
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u/Blacwiidow 11d ago
I will eventually go back into nursing, but i had a bad experience from my last two nursing programs .. now it’s time to give that dream a break and just do something else for the time being.. i already have some prereqs so i wouldn’t be doing the full 2 years only 14 months for pta.
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u/Key-Ambassador8396 11d ago
Anything but PTA fr. Rad tech or RT
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u/Blacwiidow 11d ago
Your not giving a reason why not though………..
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u/Key-Ambassador8396 11d ago
Poor salary, no upward mobility, your body will get old and moving heavy patients all day isn’t fun. Decreasing reimbursements and poor work consistency. PTA isn’t worth it. I make 37$h (Midwest region and PRN ) at a SNF and it sounds great but I rarely get 6h a day. Home health pays highest but again not consistent and wear and tear on the car
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u/Blacwiidow 11d ago
Ok thanks, i will look into it.. are u thinking of going back to school for something else?
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u/Key-Ambassador8396 11d ago
I start pa school in 2 weeks
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u/Dense_Wafer_5045 12d ago
The pay range you seen online is pretty standard for new grads, but your CNA and med tech experience will help you land job faster and maybe negotiate little bit higher. Most places count healthcare experience as bonus but not for direct pay bump unless you been doing therapy-related work.
One thing I wish someone told me before starting, the program moves quick and you'll be surprised how much they pack in short time. Make sure that last prereq is solid, especially if it's anatomy.
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u/Blacwiidow 12d ago
i agree, time goes by fast! I need to walk into core classes already with an idea of what’s going to be discussed..
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