2 answers
Brendon’s Answer
To clarify the practitioners who have an associate's degree are Physical Therapist Assistants and only the Physical Therapist has a doctorate. While a student in 2014 I chose to become a PTA for several reasons the largest of which is significantly decreased debt and increased time in direct patient care. (Physical Therapists spend a higher percent of time doing paperwork and evaluations -- although both professionals get to spend much more time with each patient than the typical MD/PA/RN.) I hope that helps!