Advice on choosing between PT or PA?
I've been on the pre-PA track for 3 years now, but I've also been interested in physical therapy. The idea of being a PA interested me as I don't have to attend medical school, can help people, have a good salary, and have a good work-life balance (depending on the job of course). However, I have been having a lot of doubts about whether I really should be a PA. I have worked in clinical settings as a scribe and medical assistant and even then I was anxious seeing patients in pain or seeing blood, etc. The idea of having someone's life in my hand, prescribing medications, potentially hurting someone or getting sued, etc. I know of course PTs can do this as well, but I am really interested in treating people in a less "push medication and treat their symptom" or cut them open or inject a needle in them kind of way. I love anatomy and sports and the idea of treating someone through strengthening and body movements is so interesting to me. However, the ROI for PTs is terrible and salaries are not that great. Likewise, I don't want to work M-F 9-5 like a lot of PTs do. I love the idea of being a PA but also love the idea of being a PT. I wish I could just mesh the two careers. Does anyone have any advice?
Posted Apr 1, 2023, 6:49 PM UTC