Hello, I'm a 19 year old looking to become a PTA or PT. I'm currently in the second semester of my first year in college. I've been planning my academic schedule with the mind set of majoring in Health Science and then applying for PT school. However, I've been thinking that pursuing PTA would be a better option. Mostly due to the fact that there's a 2 year PTA program available in a near by community college and it's overall cheaper than going to grad school. Would this be a logical decision for someone my age? I ask because it seems a lot of the older people who comment on these forums who are PTAs, if placed in my shoes, would not go this route and choose to go for PT.
As for my experience in health care, all I've done is completed a CNA course but I didn't continue this job. During my CNA clinicals I was actually more interested in the PT facility that the nursing home had and this is what sparked my interest. Besides this, I've only worked in the food industry. I plan on shadowing/volunteer a PT during the summer to start some hours because I know they're required for either program.
My biggest concern is that if I go PTA, I would delay my bachelors degree and I have to finish it eventually if I even want to consider going on to PT. Yet, if I decide going to PT school and it backfires or I'm not accepted, I'd feel like I wasted my time and could have just jumped right into PTA. Also, for PTA I'd just need about 3 extra required classes to apply for the program which I can do by next year. I just don't want to end up regretting any decisions. I'd appreciated any insights or advice as to what to do in my position?
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