2 answers
Princess
Student
Smyrna, Delaware
1
Question
Asked
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Which is better becoming a physical therapy assistant, or a LPN?
I have a little bit of background in both areas and I want to know which route I should pursue and which one would be worth my time. I was in PTA school but then I was dropped and I couldn’t pass my tease test for nursing, but I am willing to keep going and not give up. Just want to get some ideas on which path I should take.
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2 answers
Charanpreet Walia
Public Health Nurse
47
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Charanpreet’s Answer
Hello
In California, the term for LPN is LVN. Although the professions are essentially the same, the acronym differs.
LVNs typically work in clinics or elder care facilities in this state. It is important to determine the scope of practice in your specific state. Physical Therapists (PTs), on the other hand, work closely with rehab facilities, PT clinics, sports clinics, regular medical-surgical floors, and orthopedic patients. While LVNs may experience physical exertion, PTs have more physical tasks daily.
Since you mentioned having some experience in both, consider speaking to individuals already employed in these fields to gain a better understanding. An important question to ask yourself is which profession you can envision yourself pursuing for the rest of your career.
Do you enjoy bedside care, such as administering medications, changing beds, feeding patients, transporting patients, and collaborating with other professionals to improve patient outcomes? Alternatively, would you prefer to work with patients on their body movements and pain management, helping them achieve short- and long-term goals?
I wish you good luck!
In California, the term for LPN is LVN. Although the professions are essentially the same, the acronym differs.
LVNs typically work in clinics or elder care facilities in this state. It is important to determine the scope of practice in your specific state. Physical Therapists (PTs), on the other hand, work closely with rehab facilities, PT clinics, sports clinics, regular medical-surgical floors, and orthopedic patients. While LVNs may experience physical exertion, PTs have more physical tasks daily.
Since you mentioned having some experience in both, consider speaking to individuals already employed in these fields to gain a better understanding. An important question to ask yourself is which profession you can envision yourself pursuing for the rest of your career.
Do you enjoy bedside care, such as administering medications, changing beds, feeding patients, transporting patients, and collaborating with other professionals to improve patient outcomes? Alternatively, would you prefer to work with patients on their body movements and pain management, helping them achieve short- and long-term goals?
I wish you good luck!
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
549
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Princess,
It’s great that you’re determined to keep going! Both careers—Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)—have their pros and cons, so the better option depends on what aligns more with your interests, long-term goals, and lifestyle preferences. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
1. Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)
- Job Role: PTAs work closely with physical therapists, helping patients recover mobility, strength, and function after injuries or surgeries. It’s a hands-on role with a focus on improving quality of life through exercises and therapies.
- Job Outlook: PTAs are in demand, with job growth projected at about 27% from 2018 to 2028, faster than average. It's a stable field.
- Work Environment: PTAs typically work in outpatient clinics, hospitals, rehab centers, and sometimes home health settings. The work can be physical, as you'll be assisting patients with movements and exercises.
- Salary: The average salary for a PTA is around $60,000 annually, but this can vary based on location and experience.
- Education Requirements: PTA programs typically take 2 years to complete and result in an associate degree. There is also a certification/licensing process post-graduation.
- Pros: Direct patient interaction, hands-on work, great job satisfaction, flexible work environments.
- Cons: Physically demanding, possibly fewer advancement opportunities compared to LPN.
2. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
- Job Role: LPNs provide basic nursing care under the supervision of RNs and doctors. This can involve taking vital signs, administering medications, and assisting with day-to-day patient care.
- Job Outlook: The LPN field is also growing, with a projected growth rate of 9% from 2019 to 2029, reflecting the growing demand in healthcare.
- Work Environment: LPNs can work in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, home health, and long-term care facilities. The work is generally less physically demanding than PTA but involves more patient monitoring and care tasks.
- Salary: The average salary for an LPN is around $48,000 to $55,000 annually. However, LPN salaries can vary widely depending on location and experience.
- Education Requirements: LPN programs usually take about 1 year and are certificate-based. Afterward, you must pass the NCLEX-PN exam to become licensed.
- Pros: Shorter schooling, steady job outlook, potential to advance in nursing (e.g., becoming an RN or beyond).
- Cons: Lower pay compared to RNs, routine-based work, possibly less autonomy in some healthcare settings.
Factors to Consider:
- Interest & Passion: Do you enjoy the movement and rehab aspects of physical therapy, or are you more drawn to patient care in nursing?
- Job Satisfaction: If you like more physical interaction with patients in recovery, PTA may be fulfilling. If you prefer clinical care, LPN might be a better fit.
- Advancement Opportunities: LPN offers clearer career growth (RN, BSN, etc.) if you want to advance in nursing over time. PTA has less room for upward mobility unless you pursue further physical therapy education.
- Work-Life Balance: Consider the physical demands of both jobs and how they fit with your lifestyle.
- Location: Research the demand for PTAs and LPNs in your area to see where job opportunities might be stronger.
Since you have background experience in both areas, it may be helpful to reflect on what aspects of each field resonated with you the most and whether you’re drawn to long-term patient care (LPN) or rehabilitation work (PTA).
Best wishes!
It’s great that you’re determined to keep going! Both careers—Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)—have their pros and cons, so the better option depends on what aligns more with your interests, long-term goals, and lifestyle preferences. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
1. Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)
- Job Role: PTAs work closely with physical therapists, helping patients recover mobility, strength, and function after injuries or surgeries. It’s a hands-on role with a focus on improving quality of life through exercises and therapies.
- Job Outlook: PTAs are in demand, with job growth projected at about 27% from 2018 to 2028, faster than average. It's a stable field.
- Work Environment: PTAs typically work in outpatient clinics, hospitals, rehab centers, and sometimes home health settings. The work can be physical, as you'll be assisting patients with movements and exercises.
- Salary: The average salary for a PTA is around $60,000 annually, but this can vary based on location and experience.
- Education Requirements: PTA programs typically take 2 years to complete and result in an associate degree. There is also a certification/licensing process post-graduation.
- Pros: Direct patient interaction, hands-on work, great job satisfaction, flexible work environments.
- Cons: Physically demanding, possibly fewer advancement opportunities compared to LPN.
2. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
- Job Role: LPNs provide basic nursing care under the supervision of RNs and doctors. This can involve taking vital signs, administering medications, and assisting with day-to-day patient care.
- Job Outlook: The LPN field is also growing, with a projected growth rate of 9% from 2019 to 2029, reflecting the growing demand in healthcare.
- Work Environment: LPNs can work in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, home health, and long-term care facilities. The work is generally less physically demanding than PTA but involves more patient monitoring and care tasks.
- Salary: The average salary for an LPN is around $48,000 to $55,000 annually. However, LPN salaries can vary widely depending on location and experience.
- Education Requirements: LPN programs usually take about 1 year and are certificate-based. Afterward, you must pass the NCLEX-PN exam to become licensed.
- Pros: Shorter schooling, steady job outlook, potential to advance in nursing (e.g., becoming an RN or beyond).
- Cons: Lower pay compared to RNs, routine-based work, possibly less autonomy in some healthcare settings.
Factors to Consider:
- Interest & Passion: Do you enjoy the movement and rehab aspects of physical therapy, or are you more drawn to patient care in nursing?
- Job Satisfaction: If you like more physical interaction with patients in recovery, PTA may be fulfilling. If you prefer clinical care, LPN might be a better fit.
- Advancement Opportunities: LPN offers clearer career growth (RN, BSN, etc.) if you want to advance in nursing over time. PTA has less room for upward mobility unless you pursue further physical therapy education.
- Work-Life Balance: Consider the physical demands of both jobs and how they fit with your lifestyle.
- Location: Research the demand for PTAs and LPNs in your area to see where job opportunities might be stronger.
Since you have background experience in both areas, it may be helpful to reflect on what aspects of each field resonated with you the most and whether you’re drawn to long-term patient care (LPN) or rehabilitation work (PTA).
Best wishes!