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Insurance is ruining Healthcare now a day's. Now that you have to be at a Doctorate level pay doesn't really level out with PT pay. However, if you are passionate and enjoy it go for it. PA school is a shorter program, even though there are a few Doctorate PA program's, no near changes in the future like the push for PTs or Nurse's.
You have the ability to specialize in different directions as a P.A.
Best of luck in your choices.
PA is a shorter program, but not really considering you need actual healthcare experience to be accepted. My friend was an EMT and a lab assistant so he had experience when he applied.
So how is the demand for assistants (PTA and OTA). I have a friend who is interested in pursuing a two year degree in PTA but was wondering if it is still a good field to get into with a lot of demand and jobs....or if the new healthcare laws have hurt those fields?
Thanks for any information.
PTA and COTA are very much in demand. The one advantage that COTA has over PTA (and it is a big one) is that COTA's can work autonomously while PTA's need a supervising PT in the building/work setting with them when they're treating.
The new healthcare laws haven't hurt anything...on the contrary, the more people that have insurance, the more people that have access to therapy. The only real threat at present is the plan of some in government to replace Medicare with a voucher program, so hopefully all health care workers will vote, cause that'll be the death knell for health care workers as in-demand professions.
HAHAHAHA I know exactly what you mean because the bar has been raised so high for even OT programs where you used to only need a pulse to get in. I mean hell because it's a CONSTANT grind with all the presentations, group projects, exams, practicals, it never ever ends.
When was this? When I applied in the early 90's, it was extremely competitive. I had a 3.96 GPA or I would never have gotten in. I had to complete all the requirements to do observations and volunteer before I could even apply just as they do now. If more students apply than there are slots, the bar is going to be raised regardless of what program it is.
I have been a PT, went to Medschool, passed USMLE's, came back to work as a PT. The nature of job in the real world is a great consideration in deciding which path to go . It is important that you shadow people in the field- both those who love and hate their jobs so you can have a better perspective. I work in the Homehealth industry and I make 200K a year in California, less stress and great flexibility. I like being a PT and will retire as a PT.
PA: you work like a doctor, your responsibility is the same as a doctor, you write prescriptions that could revive or kill a patient, you will work long hours , and some patient's have a different impression of you. A patient who waited long hours at the ER or urgent care once said " I waited so long to see a doctor, not you " These are just some realities in the real world .
PA: conitnued... but you are not compensated like a doctor (something to think about )
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