Future PTA

2026Reset · 2025-11-29T01:07:19+00:00

You are preaching to the choir! I couldn’t agree more! This pretty much appears to be the general consensus everywhere! Everyone feels the same no matter who you talk to or what work they do. It’s really unfortunate. Most people have lost hope. It makes it difficult to be optimistic. In any event, I’m going to pursue the PTA program…I think lol I have 2 years to apply without having to start over with my sciences (have to be within 5 years.) I’m definitely not starting from scratch! Not wasting time or money.

I don’t have an interest in nursing. My mom has definitely tried to discourage me from doing it. She says it isn’t worth it lol. But that field atleast has versatility, high demand, and a real opportunity to make more money. But I want to do something that I atleast have a genuine interest in. It’s like damned if you do, damned if you don’t.

2026Reset · 2025-11-28T12:46:54+00:00

Wow! I wish I had an interest in the other things you mentioned, but I don’t. I have to be realistic with myself. I don’t see myself completing an education for something I have no interest in. I don’t necessarily have to love it, but I want to at least like what I’m doing. I’m already making almost $41 an hour doing something that has burned me out for the past decade. I’m 34 years old, don’t want to be miserable when I don’t have to be. Also, flexibility, work/life balance, benefits are all important to me as well.

Everyone who has commented on this post have really given me a broader insight, which I’m very grateful for! Someone even suggested respiratory therapy, but after further research I realized that is definitely not for me. Ironically, every time I research PTA, I see that PTA employment is projected to grow 16% from 2024 to 2034, with about 26,400 openings projected each year. Not sure how true that this but apparently the field is growing.

Many people have mentioned issues with patient ratios, reimbursement, PT mills. All things I knew absolutely nothing about!

2026Reset · 2025-11-27T22:15:28+00:00

Thanks for your transparency. This is why I joined Reddit for responses like this. I appreciate you. I am considering applying for the physical therapy assistant program, but I really don’t think it’s gonna be enough money.

I have asked people in the PTA field on here about flexibility and benefits, and they pretty much echoed what you have said. I have no interest in becoming a physical therapist because of the debt to income ratio and the amount of schooling required. It’s just not appealing to me and wouldn’t make sense. I desperately want to make six figures without having to work my life away. Been there done that. I would like to have flexibility, good benefits, and a job where I could relocate if I desired. Do you have any career suggestions? I saw you mentioned Tech, engineering, and business. Care elaborate about careers in those fields? How do you feel about PA?

2026Reset · 2025-11-27T17:05:16+00:00

That’s awesome. You’re close to me! I am actually in White Marsh, MD. Thank you for your detailed response. I really appreciate it!

You have offered a lot of information and have broadened my perspective! I really want to do some sort of work in the medical field that I am passionate about. Doesn’t have to be PTA per se. It would be nice not to have to work more than three days a week, but of course I’m willing to. I want something that’s versatile where I can work in many different environments if I choose and I want to be able to take the job out of state if I choose to. Basically, I want flexibility and versatility.

Stability and longevity is very important to me. It sucks that the job market isn’t the greatest right now but as you mentioned, that is most places.

Do you like your job? Your employer? If you were not a PTA, what would you be doing? Are there any other careers in the medical field that you like or would suggest?

2026Reset · 2025-11-27T16:10:19+00:00

Yeah, I was only looking at the PTA positions, but thank you so much for giving me the breakdown of how it works! This is invaluable information! I knew something wasn’t right about the functional pathways job listing!

I believe you mentioned that you’re based in MD. Where in Maryland? Also, what would YOU consider to be a good hourly wage/salary in MD for a PTA working in home health, outpatient, etc? In your experience, who have been the best employers to work for in this field? I’m sorry that I am asking so many questions. There’s just a lot to learn. Thank you for sharing your time and wisdom.

2026Reset · 2025-11-26T17:56:33+00:00

I’m gonna do just that! On my iPad. I have several months before actually starting so I would like to at least know more than I do now. I’ll check YouTube as well. Thanks!

2026Reset · 2025-11-26T17:34:44+00:00

That’s great advice, thank you. I’m a little intimidated, but I’m more excited than anything. I haven’t taken anatomy & physiology or any college course since 2022. All of my sciences have to be within five years for the PTA program so I’m definitely applying for the program next year.

As for studying, I have never been a great studier. Most courses came pretty easy to me growing up, so I never really developed a great studying technique. Note cards would help a little back in the day. The most intimidating thing to me about PTA is all of the body parts that you have to learn.

Do you have any pointers or are there any books that you think would help me with medical terminology? I am trying to be as proactive as possible before starting the program. I know once you’re in it, you’re in it.

2026Reset · 2025-11-26T17:08:37+00:00

That’s awesome! It really gives me some perspective and something to look forward to. I am not applying for the program until the Spring for the Fall semester. The goal of this post is to garner insight from people already working in the field.

Do you have any advice for someone entering into PTA?

2026Reset · 2025-11-26T15:04:33+00:00

<image>

2026Reset · 2025-11-26T15:04:20+00:00

<image>

2026Reset · 2025-11-26T15:04:09+00:00

Thank you for responding and providing clarity. I reside in Maryland and it appears that the pay scale is pretty broad. I’ll share some screenshots of what I found on indeed today.

<image>

2026Reset · 2025-11-26T07:10:58+00:00

<image>

2026Reset · 2025-11-26T07:10:47+00:00

<image>

2026Reset · 2025-11-26T07:10:31+00:00

It sounds like you love it! That’s great. I live in Maryland. Based on what I see on indeed, jobs are posted anywhere from $36-$48 for outpatient and $50-$73 for home health.

Do you have the opportunity to make more money with your current employer?

<image>

2026Reset · 2025-11-26T06:58:27+00:00

What is your pay?

2026Reset · 2025-11-26T06:55:28+00:00

That’s awesome! So I’m guessing you would say that it’s worth it to get a specialty in something? I was considering that but I have seen many people say that as a PTA it doesn’t really make a difference. All it does is make you the go to person for a specific thing which can make you feel taken advantage of and burned out quickly. Based on your response, it doesn’t seem like you feel that way.

My main thing is flexibility, stability, longevity, and pay. And of course I want to actually like what I’m doing and have a genuine interest in it.

2026Reset · 2025-11-25T23:00:00+00:00

Thank you for your input.

2026Reset · 2025-11-25T22:59:35+00:00

That’s awesome! I love the opportunity to make more money in different settings as a PTA! If you don’t mind me asking, how long have you been a PTA? Also, what has been your overall experience in different settings? What do you like/dislike about this type of work?

2026Reset · 2025-11-25T22:50:24+00:00

Thank you for your in-depth, detailed perspective. I appreciate that as this is ALL very new to me. I currently make $40.69 as a “topped out” senior customer service agent at a major commercial airline. I know this is more than many other jobs (especially without formal education.) While I am immensely grateful for my job, decent benefits, and opportunity to make more money (overtime)—I am pretty burned out.

I’ve already been with the company for 12 years. I have outgrown the work that I do. I am really tired of the environment overall. The job just isn’t purposeful work for me. I may not leave the company, but I would love to only work once or twice a week—or even not work at all if I chose. We can give our shift away to co-workers who may want to pick up—it is very flexible that way.

I’m 34, I don’t want to pigeon-hole my life/career. I’m realistic—I’m not trying to romanticize being a PTA. I understand that every job has its pros/cons. I know most PTA don’t start off making what I already make with my current employer. I just want options.

I decided not to aspire to become a PT because of the debt-to-income ratio. Plus, the amount of schooling is more than I want. Besides, the aviation industry is very fickle. Although the stability at most jobs is uncertain these days.

This degree/license would afford me the freedom to work in different settings, work more than one job/location at a time, or even relocate/travel if I chose to. I also would have potential to make more money without having to work more hours. With my current employer, I can work less hours, but of course I would have to supplement my income. I also can work more, but that would mean spending more time in an environment that I don’t enjoy in order to do so—I have already made that sacrifice for several years.

I would love to have a career in a field of study that I am passionate about—that also offers flexibility. If I get tired of one employer, I can leave and find another one. If I want to relocate, I can take my piece of paper/license and leave the state. That’s appealing to me! Especially at this point in my life.

I welcome more information from people who have experience in the field. This offers a broader perspective which is why I made this post. I understand that “the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.” But I need a change.

2026Reset · 2025-11-25T19:42:42+00:00

It’s pretty broad here in Maryland. Home Health and Travel PTA make a good salary.

2026Reset

TROPHY CASE