As a PT, I can confirm the reason of frustration. I have stopped twice. I last 3 years, took 1 year off, returned and stopped again after about 6 months of working. The first time was the burnout in combination with I'm not allow to do what I've put so much work into learning how to do. As you said, insurance companies make the decision, and they do because they are paying for it. I have had full grown men cry in front of me when I had to tell them their insurance is no longer paying. I've had patients, the insurance company would call and what me to discharge before they were even cleared to walk yet. I've had worker's comp call wanting me to clear a police officer to work before he was cleared to run and still had pain. I've had insurance companies who just flat out didn't want to pay. The level of control the insurance companies want is unimaginable. It is a constant fight. Treating the patients is amazing. You will get to meet some incredible people, make friends, and make excellent connections across many industries in the patients you meet, but the insurance companies will drain you. We don't get to choose what months we want to pay our insurance but they get to choose what they want to pay for and how much of it they want to pay for.

Fellow PTA here. Outpatient will burn you out depending on who your working for. CORA for example is one of them. I work in home health and I love it. It’s flexible, I make my own schedule and the pay is great. And I get to choose how many patients im seeing a day. As soon as I graduated I got a job in home health. Don’t feel discouraged. It really depends where you are working. In my opinion it’s a great field.

@drewwrigley2275

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for your insight

@dafishking3530

Жыл бұрын

Bruh, I did the same. Thing bwahahahaha.

@user-hn9qg5qm3o

Жыл бұрын

Home health may have some flexibility, but beware of those aggressive dogs and those really dangerous neighborhoods you have to go to where you have to visit a crack house

@dansteuer1411

Жыл бұрын

@@iqraracks shadow a PT. Goes a long way to see if you’ll like it or noy

I got this notification and my heart dropped lol. I’m currently in PTA school now and I’ve been following your channel from the beginning. Glad you were able to make the transition. Hopefully the job is good to me.

@AntonioSanson

2 жыл бұрын

Lol bro honestly I loved being a PTA. I think you will enjoy it once you get through school.

@Aaa-fe7kc

Жыл бұрын

Hope you do love it! I honestly did full time as still do as a PRN :) I’m in the geriatric field so never worked full time outpatient since my clinicals. Geriatric and home health also pays more btw lol

I’m glad this came up in my suggested, I just failed my last practical of my second semester of PTA school. Trying to see it as a blessing in disguise, been working in health care since I was 16 and I’m looking forward to trying out jobs outside the field.

@gabrielle9106

2 жыл бұрын

Same!

@Perseus07av

Жыл бұрын

I was dismissed after my 3rd semester. Been working as an Aide for the last 6 months and not sure if it was just the program and I need to be closer to my support system, or if I should make a lateral shift to Athletic Training. Best efforts on your path.

@Astabolito

Жыл бұрын

I worked as an aide for 1 year did not really enjoy it. Outpatient had me busting my ass. Got accepted into a new PTA program. I feel fortunate to have gotten in, but I’m not sure if the career for me as I already felt burnt out just as an aide lol. Part of me was hoping I wouldn’t get accepted so I could shift towards cybersecurity.

Great points! As a PTA myself, I learned over the years that it is very important to find the right setting for yourself. Highly intense and overwhelmingly busy outpatient clinic drove me absolutely insane and I had zero satisfaction from my work. Now, I am happy at a slower pace facility where I can spend quality time for treatments and interaction with patients that, if you ask me, it is vital in this profession.

@AntonioSanson

Жыл бұрын

Absolutely, couldn’t agree more!

Spot on. I’m so glad I’ve worked as an aide for two years to be able to see all sides of the business. Planning to apply next year but hopefully I will be able to provide care like I want to. It’s crazy to me how much insurance dictates care, I think it’s very dumb how only one body part can be seen at a time!

@AntonioSanson

2 жыл бұрын

Yah that’s great you started as an aide to see what the field is like. 👍🏼 Most PTs are really good and open about your input to what care looks like. I loved all the different PTs I’ve been able to work with.

Sorry you had this experience. As a PTA I’m absolutely in love with my job. I work in outpatient for the Cleveland Clinic. It has opened more doors and experiences than I could imagine. And I’ve managed to create a balance between treatments, documentation and self growth.

@AntonioSanson

2 жыл бұрын

Nice! I had a great experience as well. I was just commenting on some other issues I know others in the career have had. I’ve always had a pretty decent work environment.

@musclemanmonty

2 жыл бұрын

If you don’t mind me asking is it true you’ll make 6 figures doing home health more so than doing outpatient?

@Kopniske

2 жыл бұрын

@@musclemanmonty I do not know of any PTA making 6 figures. Skilled and home health pay more, but hours may not be consistent. I work in outpatient ortho and sports rehab. Lower rate, but guaranteed 40 hrs and full benefits.

@musclemanmonty

2 жыл бұрын

@@Kopniske ok thank you and that’s why I asked Cause I was curious if it was true or not and not to mention I googled traveling ptas and it said they top out around $80k depending on the State at that

@Kopniske

2 жыл бұрын

@@musclemanmonty Yes! But beware of trade offs. Higher pay may not mean great benefits. Keep that in mind too!

Im a PTA and working at an outpatient really made me question why I chose this.

@dansteuer1411

Жыл бұрын

Go into home health. Best decision I ever made. Way less stress and can’t do group or concurrent therapy in home health

@JimmyWayne7

Жыл бұрын

@@dansteuer1411 Way less stress and can’t do group or concurrent therapy in home health? can't or can ? home health give more options don' t it? so was wondering why you say can't

@dansteuer1411

Жыл бұрын

@@JimmyWayne7 in a SNF setting, companies force you to do group and concurrent therapy even if it isn’t best practice for the patient. In home health, all visits are one on one with a greater focus on quality patient care

@SuperStrykerBoy

6 ай бұрын

In SNF you also have OTA telling you what to do and how to treat patient. This has happen to me a lot of time. There comes a point when u just say forget OK OK to everything.

After 5 years I quit being a PT to work in tech. I've never been happier. I'll never go back.

@Aaa-fe7kc

Жыл бұрын

Nice! what part of tech? I became a UX designer :) And a PRN PTA

@nikoathanasatos

Жыл бұрын

@@Aaa-fe7kc nice! I work in sales for CHEQ ! UX design is cool 😎 How about you?

@user-hn9qg5qm3o

Жыл бұрын

I wish I could quit being a PTA. I hate the thought of every time I have to drag into that nasty nursing home and work with patients that are totally not appropriate for physical therapy yet they stick them on the schedule because it’s a money making racket. A 96 year old demented person who spends 90% of their day lying down in their bed is usually not going to make significant progress yet they still stick these patients on the schedule all the time.

@33dkessler

Жыл бұрын

@@nikoathanasatos sounds like you’re happy with this transition. I’ve also contemplated leaving physical therapy for a sales role in tech. Did you have any sales experience prior to taking the sales role?

@tomn872

Жыл бұрын

Any updates? On transition to tech? Thanks

I have “retired” from OT after 30 years for the exact reasons you mention. I love my profession and patient care but the system will wear you out. Our professional national organizations need to do more to advocate for change on behalf for our expensive dues.

If someone is not passionate about their career then they were never meant to do it for long term.

Wow!! Shocked to hear you left the field. You seemed so bright eyed and bushy tailed before haha. I asked you a question about how to get into PTA school 3 years ago, and now I have my board exam coming up in a month. Was looking forward to telling you the journey and how I enjoyed your videos. Hope the best for you in your next occupation.

@AntonioSanson

2 жыл бұрын

Lol I still am, still love physical therapy and also my new endeavor. Good luck with boards! 👍🏼

The career sucks. Skip rehab as a career as it really is going down the drain. Do not do it. It's not like schools make it seem it will be. It's awful. Ex working COTA here

@this2shallpass410

Жыл бұрын

Wyd now?

I am soooo happy you are still posting!! I found your channel years ago when I was first thinking of becoming a PTA but COVID set me back and I just now found myself back! Since now I am in health but in a desk position 😭 and I’m ready to get active again at least in some way, even if it isn’t physical therapy! Happy for you!

@AntonioSanson

2 жыл бұрын

Lol awesome! Thanks for finding your way back home… kidding lol. Get active!

This isn't an issue with the field of physical therapy. This is a problem with insurance companies and the rampant lobbying to give them this level of power over healthcare.

Bro, keywords ‘financials’, ‘exhausting’….GOOD FOR YOU for escaping the tractor beam!!!!

After working as a personal trainer for 5 years, i made the decision to transition careers and pursue becoming a PTA. I start a 2 year PTA program next month. I've done my research and found a lot of content with DPTs and PTAs saying the same thing especially in regards to insurance and the struggles of dealing with that. But I do see more and more professionals in the physical therapy space switching to Cash Only based business.. as a trainer i was use to working 14 hour days and meeting with 10+ clients a day, so I'm not worried about burn out or the work load. But I am wondering how working with insurance involved will be and how that can effect my compensation in the future. Especially since I heard some insurance are trying to make changes that can drastically lower PTA pay. anyways, great video and wish me luck!

I started thinking insurance companies are practicing medicine, because in the end they decide what is billable and what its not.

Also an issue as a PTA is we can't do anything without a PT. Can't do cash based without a cash based PT.

I enjoyed watching this. As someone who was a Physical Therapist for 36 years I can relate to your frustrations. I however had frustrations with the patients. I'm getting ready to have a total hip replacement and I can't wait to pull every dirty trick on the therapists and nurses that the patients pulled on me through all those years. LOL.

@AntonioSanson

2 жыл бұрын

Lol 😂 yessss that’s funny. I like to voice my honest thoughts but I really did have a good experience working in the field.

Excellent video! Thank you so much for sharing all your ideas with us. Very interesting perspective and helpful to hear.

@AntonioSanson

Жыл бұрын

Glad you found it helpful!

I graduated PTA school in 2020 and left almost a year ago. I didn’t last long. It’s definitely not for everyone. I agree with your points. And The Medicare cuts was a huge deal to me too. watching your video helped me make the big step to peruse something I actually loved instead of continuing to try to make it work. Question tho, did you let your license expire?

@AntonioSanson

2 жыл бұрын

It hasn’t yet. When I switched careers I renewed it again. Not sure I’ll keep renewing it though if I don’t use it

@kingkong28777

2 жыл бұрын

So what r u doing now?

@MrJbee1982

Жыл бұрын

I agree. COTA here and I left the field. It's only getting worse.

@user-hn9qg5qm3o

Жыл бұрын

@@MrJbee1982It’s not getting worse. The COTA is one of the top healthcare assistant careers there is with expected growth in job opportunities.

@user-hn9qg5qm3o

Жыл бұрын

What did you pursue that you actually love? You became a PTA and really didn’t have an interest in it?

What career isn’t flawed? Every job seems to suck.

yeah therapy is done. when i mean done it means that is it even worth it anymore to stay.

As a PTA of 7 years..... I love my job as a PRN in the geriatric field (SNF, assisted living, memory care units) ... I can go in whenever I want and I recently transitioned into being a UX designer full time lol. 3% + salary decrease after 5 years as a PTA? No thanks.

These are my main concerns working as a PTA: 1. Lackluster treatment plans that don't change from start to finish. 2. Treating too many patients to the point were general supervision is compromised. At this point, documenting can also become a hassle like Antonio explained. Not all facilities are going to be this way, but I've had more experiences like this than I would like to count.

@AntonioSanson

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing. Being with the right people/team does really make a big difference. I was fortunate to see what it was like to work at good places as well as seeing some downsides as well.

Cash only buisness is risky. We have a hard enough time getting people in because they have a deductible.

As a practicing PTA for 33 years, I have seen direct access evolve for PT's. Not that many are comfortable with the marketing, as it is not taught in the curriculum, as chiropractors seem to have an edge in that aspect.

@BlueBearOne

Жыл бұрын

💯

Love the private clinic similar to a chiropractor office idea. Just recently found out that in my state that you NEED a referral from another doctor in order to see a PT. There is current legislation to change this.

@AntonioSanson

4 ай бұрын

Yah, that is such a point of conversation, usually to be reimbursed by insurance company you need a referral

Thank you for your honest opinion

Hey, Antonio! This video was really helpful. As a junior in high school, I am looking into possible careers. Physical therapy caught my eye, because I have always been an active person, like sports, and don't like working at a desk all day. I know there are other paths you can take as a PT right? Sports teams, big companies, NASA (I assume NASA hires PTs for astronauts). As someone who doesn't know much about the field perhaps my perception is flawed? I guess what I'm thinking is, if I get a degree in exercise science and then go to PT school, there will be plenty of unique jobs out there in many different fields. Is that a fair assumption? Would you recommend that?

@AntonioSanson

Жыл бұрын

There are quite a bit of different places to work. 17 Different Places to Work in Physical Therapy kzread.info/dash/bejne/gpN2l7GMntG0fLQ.html We discussed it in that video but sorry about the poor video quality lol. That was recorded back in the day lol

Hola Antonio, I just graduated as a PTA. Our school settings is that we take the boards after graduation. So, currently waiting/studying for that. I would like to know your opinion on home health right after I get my license with basically no experience. I have done 3 clinical rotations and the ones I HATED (not sorry) were outpatient with back to back 30 min treatments, double or triple booked, documentation on lunches and during patient cancelations. I actually was very depressed and very stressed on my last because of that, to the point that I just felt like I made a mistake by getting into the program. On the other hand; in patient, hospitals and home health made me so happy. So, my question is/would be, why everyone says don’t do home health right after graduation/licensing? Thanks. Eduardo

@mike_zilla8604

2 жыл бұрын

Hello, Eduardo. I'm also curious to hear Antonio's response to your questions. I'm considering going into a PTA program but am getting more worried after listening to how stressful the job can really get (specifically with outpatient). I know that HH PTA's see fewer patients a day and have the freedom in between patients to write notes and do various other things they desire.

@AntonioSanson

2 жыл бұрын

I love this question. I took a screenshot of it and plan to make a video discussing it. 👍🏼thanks for the comment!

1. I work for Rehabilitation in the in-patient rehabilitation setting. We are required to write an MD order before we are allowed to use Biofreeze on our patients. Biofreeze is a pain relieving gel sold OTC anywhere but as a trained physical therapist we are required by our company to have to write an MD order in order to use this on our patients. I'm wondering why we are not trying to fight back against this policy as I find it degrading to our profession as if we cannot decide to safely use Biofreeze on our patients. 2. In the home health setting or any setting for that matter, I wonder why we are not allowed to write a direct prescription for ordering an assistive device. We can only " recommend " assistive devices to out patients which an MD has to sign in order for Medicare to cover. I find it appalling that we are a doctorate profession that cannot write a prescription to be paid by Medicare on something that we are experts on. A medical equipment company will accept an order from an NP ( masters degree ), and MD including a dermatologist in order to provide durable equipment. Shouldn't we file a case to be heard in court whether we have the right to prescribe or not? Do not get me started on my home health company requiring me to write a physicians order if a patient misses a visit because he/ she was not feeling well that day. Can you imagine a doctor actually having to sign an order that patient requested to cancel visit last week because of not feeling well? I think it is the height of stupidity. People who are interested in PT be warned. You are NOT A DOCTOR by any means. You are a technician with lots of student loans , very physical work hurting your body and back and low pay.

Hey bro, if you THOUGHT being a PT Assistant or just a P.T. was bad, try being an Registered Nurse!!! It's TEN TIMES MUCH WORST being an R.N.!!! You really don't have a life working in the hospitals.

@AntonioSanson

Жыл бұрын

I didn’t think it was bad. I enjoyed my time as a PTA.

@SavageSnake135

9 ай бұрын

Bet you make a lot of money though

Hey Antonio! I have been watching your videos for a while now and I had a couple questions I was hoping you could answer. 1. How much does it cost to go into the program at a community college? 2. You have to get interviewed to get into the program at school so what are some questions you're asked?

@rocknjock872

Жыл бұрын

Hi, I'm a little late on seeing this video so my response maybe late haha. Anyway, I am a PT but I was on the fence between PT or PTA while in school so I know a little about PTA programs. The community college where I am from, at the time, the entire PTA program was roughly $8,000. I have heard now it is around $12,000. I'm not sure of the question in a PTA interview but in a PT interview, maybe similar, they asked me nothing related to the field which was interesting haha. They were questions related to getting to know me, and the type of person I am. It's almost as if they are trying to access if you are a "people person". On graduation day, I asked the director of the program, and he said the interview was about seeing if your personality fits being a PT because book smarts won't help you last in the PT world.

I've been debating between going to a Radiologic tech program or PTA program. Not really sure which route to go. I'm currently taking the pre-requisite classes for both programs.

@TrackAttackShow

2 жыл бұрын

As a PTA, become a radiologic tech. I’m employed in Canada, however.

@LuisLopez-xw8no

2 жыл бұрын

Yo same here. I’m stuck between radiologic tech or pta program and I’m taking pre requisites for both as well but I’m honestly leaning towards radiology

@mike_zilla8604

2 жыл бұрын

@@LuisLopez-xw8no I think I'm on the same boat as you man.

@Gutierrezvlz

2 жыл бұрын

@@TrackAttackShow Hi, are you unhappy as a PTA in Canada? I used to live in Vancouver, and ever since I left I have been thinking about ways to go back and stay for good. I thought maybe working as a PTA would be a good idea?

@MelisJoy

2 жыл бұрын

I was in same boat as you. I think it comes down to deciding if you think you'd like to help be a part of the team that diagnoses, or treats. One where you don't see patients long, which sucks, but it's quick...and the other that's longer treatment. There's also OTA to consider. Really try to shadow any profession to get a better idea

Currently i am depressed because i am scared of the license exam , I really Like been PTA but is scary to fail

@AntonioSanson

2 жыл бұрын

It is definitely a nerve racking test. I can relate. Just keep preparing and studying. You can always retake it if you don’t get it on the first shot.

Hi. I have a question. Can Physical therapist assistants get sued for malpractice or negligence if, for example they're moving or transferring a patient and the patient accidentally falls to the floor and gets injured? And if the answer is yes, do PTAs need to have insurance to protect themselves in case something like that happens? I thought they couldn't get sued because they work under the supervision of a physical therapist but I learned that other medical workers such as medical assistants or nurses can be sued even though they work under the supervision of a physician so I was wondering if it's the same for PTAs. Thank you!

@rosaliasanchez4103

Жыл бұрын

Yes and yes

Insurance company calls to verify insurance 😢

👁🚴‍♀ 🕸 simple concept basic logic if life is not free why the hell would death be any cheaper it's not. So the question one may wonder is the spiritual cost to one's own soul and spirit for having lived and died to the lowest standards of quality for so many years now global pollution has diminished the quality of life to the point where today's people are living, dying and yielding the worst spiritual kickback that has ever been manifested since the beginning of life only getting worse. The polar opposite extreme to that is today's people should be living and dying to the highest standards of quality which would make each and every moment physically, mentally, financially and spiritually beneficial. S.R.F.

Who is against physical therapy as being a career choice is idiotic to say the least. Because physical therapy is a top paying career choice that is always in demand in every city countryside throughout America plus it is classified as a high paying career that is in demand in every country as well. So by picking this career choice one will have the freedom to live anywhere in America. At the same time most countries accept medical degrees from America allowing one to even go overseas. So how does that sound for maximizing on your potential of freedom. Secondly most physical therapist have a in depth understanding of the body allowing them to make progress to the point of a full recovery even going beyond. However some injuries are so severe or birth defects that even making a minimum amount of progress is extremely beneficial physically mentally financially spiritually.

@ggram0551

Жыл бұрын

I agree with your second point, but respectfully disagree with your second, (at least in regards to PT in the states). The concept under how most therapists get paid is, (in my opinion), flawed, toxic, and is a quick and direct path to burnout. Not to dive down a rabbit hole, but I personally also feel that the degradation of society, (ie; more of the general population are entitled and flat out lazy, etc), , and the healthcare system in general, (pt's with significant mental health"maladies," being left untreated and/or ignored, as well as insurances being able to continuously dictate above and beyond what and how should), has affected the rehab clinicians so much more than any other healthcare profession that I'm aware of. I really question how PT still pops up as good career choice in articles. I would like to see where they're pulling their analytics from. I'm also not sure how many first world countries accept a PT, (DPT), degree from the states. It may be quite an extensive list, but their healthcare systems are quite different from the states. Australia is a good example for one, as the PT is making clinical decisions, (at least initially when assessing an acute injury for example), that a mid level, (PA or NP), would or one that would require the skills of an ATC. Also a large number of pts that present as non emergency acute, as well as sub acute and chronic are seen by PT first vs say an Ortho doc, and the PT also plays a large role in if continuation of conservative care is recommended and/or necessary vs.surgery....total opposite in the states, as the Doctor is usually almost always considered the medical gatekeeper.

even pt is not good as pta?

home health is far worse that Op!

💯🎯

Every work environment is flawed, that's why it's work, to solve problems. Some are worse then others but there is one commonality in all fields; the longer you stay in the more you see flaws.

Everybody has a opinion until they find out they are being held physically mentally financially spiritually accountable to that belief. Then they are as quiet as can be for all eternity these points have been scientifically classified religiously verified. In layman's terms if you're not willing to accept full accountability to the statement you proclaim to the way you are living personally professionally then you're not fully invested. Therefore you them they her and him should keep your thoughts to yourself until you get beyond the experimental stages of life.

That 🐈‍⬛ is cute

Some therapist do more harm than good ( mentally)

First

ᎮᏒᎧᎷᎧᏕᎷ 🎶