What is the difference between a Physical therapy tech and assistant other than a license?
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Are techs and aides considered to be the same position? Also I have a degree in Exercise physiology and I’m looking into a career in rehab…any suggestions greatly appreciated, certifications?
An Assistant will make more money.
Good luck with your career in rehab. Unless you have excellent physics grades and SAT scores getting into a PT program will be difficult.
How about Certified Personal Training? Can make good money in the right place.
No, they are not. What techs can do varies significantly by state. In some states, they do nothing more than clerical work unless a therapist asks them for help and is directly available while the tech is helping (ie, helping to steady a patient while the therapist works with them, helping with a transfer). In some states, techs can assist patients with exercise, but only under strict instructions and the therapist has to be in the facility. Pay is usually very minimal…a little above minimum wage, and on the job training is adequate (ie, you do not need any formal education)
An assistant is actually a licensed professional (in most states). They are fully qualified to put their hands on the patients and work with them. They can implement treatment programs themselves as long as they follow the recommended course of care outlined by the primary PT. Pay is moderate…usually between $35-50,000. You must graduate from an accredited PTA program…2 years.
If you already have a degree in exercise physiology, you are rather over qualified to be a tech (unless you just want a really simple job). You certainly can enter PTA school…but then again, since you already have a degree, you can probably enter PT school which is only three years as long as you’ve got your prerequisites completed.