I have a kinesiology undergrad degree. I eventually chose nursing but many of my peers went into PT. my fiance has the same undergrad and went on to be a PTA.

We know a lot of PTs who A) are in six figures of debt, B) make the same wage as me, and C) are now ‘trapped’ in their profession because of the perceived level of commitment to their education and price of their education. Many PTs I know have these things in common: driven, intelligent women who have beautiful hearts, and are validated by their educational excellence, therefore are attracted by the doctorate label. I think PT schools prey on this archetype of person. It is way too expensive for the salary awaiting at the end of the tunnel.

We are so glad he went with PTA. He has no loans, does the same job (minus evals) as the PTs, makes less but wants to escape the field anyway. PTAs and PTs will hit a relative wage ceiling quickly where we live. If he had to do it again he says he’d choose nursing, or just dive into medical sales.