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PT vs. PTA

I am trying to decide whether to be a physical therapist or a physical therapist assitant. Could you please tell me some of the biggest differences between the two positions? One of my biggest concerns is that the physical therapist mainly does evaulations and deals with the political side of the job, where as the physical therapist assitant does most of the hands on work. Is this true for most situations? Also, I want to work in an orthopedic/sports setting. Would I have a better chance of working in an orthopedic atmosphere as a PT or a PTA or is there no difference? Thank you so much for your help.

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    A physical therapist requires at least a minimum of a bachelors degree, however, most PT programs are moving in the direction of at least a master’s degree. A physical therapist evaluates and designs a therapy program in conjunction with the referring physician to assist a patient to return to a higher quality of life after an illness or injury. The physical therapist assistant only requires a two year degree from a community college. The PTA treats under the direction of a PT. If your thinking of a therapy career, I would go with the choice of a PT. They make a higher salary and are in huge demand.

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