2 answers
Michael
Student
Antwerp, Ohio
2
Questions
Asked
525 views
Is it easy to support a family while being a physical therapist assistant?
If I am planning to become a physical therapist assistant, is it easy to support a family? Are there any other degrees that would increase my income? If there is, would it be worth it to go to school for longer than I need to?
Login to comment
2 answers
Stephanie Smith
Occupational Therapist
17
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
Physical therapy assistants are definitely paid less than a physical therapist (about half). There are also higher costs in getting your degree as a physical therapist. Whether you can support a family on the wages really depends a lot on where you live, your lifestyle, number of people you are supporting, etc. I would suggest you look online for your area to see open positions and if they list a wage range. Remember that coming out of school you are going to be at the low end of that range. I frequently get new grads who ask for pay at the middle or high end of the range and that just isn’t a reasonable expectation. Where you work, pay will vary. Nursing homes generally pay more than hospitals, but the work load can sometimes be higher as well.
There is a lot of flexibility in schedule as far as supporting a family as the previous poster indicated that can make the balance worth the difference in pay. Therapy is a great profession and one that is definitely growing!
There is a lot of flexibility in schedule as far as supporting a family as the previous poster indicated that can make the balance worth the difference in pay. Therapy is a great profession and one that is definitely growing!
Donna Hull
Engineer
101
Answers
Columbia
Updated
Donna’s Answer
Michael,
While I'm not a physical therapist myself, I can definitely see that this field is going to be in high demand in the coming years. I've interacted with several physical therapists, and currently, both physical and occupational therapists visit my home to care for my father.
When it comes to supporting a family, it often depends on the pay or hourly rate you receive from the hospital or care organization you start with. I'm with a smaller, independently owned practice, and while there might be initial costs for equipment and overhead, it seems manageable.
The therapists who visit my dad have the flexibility to make their own schedules. For example, one therapist arranges her hours around her children's school schedule, allowing her to work without needing daycare.
I encourage you to keep pursuing this path. I hope you find even more helpful advice for your educational journey. Keep going strong!
While I'm not a physical therapist myself, I can definitely see that this field is going to be in high demand in the coming years. I've interacted with several physical therapists, and currently, both physical and occupational therapists visit my home to care for my father.
When it comes to supporting a family, it often depends on the pay or hourly rate you receive from the hospital or care organization you start with. I'm with a smaller, independently owned practice, and while there might be initial costs for equipment and overhead, it seems manageable.
The therapists who visit my dad have the flexibility to make their own schedules. For example, one therapist arranges her hours around her children's school schedule, allowing her to work without needing daycare.
I encourage you to keep pursuing this path. I hope you find even more helpful advice for your educational journey. Keep going strong!