What's it like being a physical therapy assistant?

Which is a better job for a 25 year old male? Dental Assistant or Physical Therapy Assistant?

• Which is a better career for a 25 year old male to get into? I've been working as a plumber for the last 6 years and am about to lose my job and am getting tired of plumbing anyway. I need something that doesn't involve years of college. I need to get a job in less than a year and don't need a whole lot of pay. My expenses are low. Which would be a better choice? Dental Assistant or Physical Therapist assistant? I know most dental assistants are female but what about Physical Therapist Assistant? Are many males getting into that?

• Answer:

  Most dental assistants work in small private practices. This means that they usually work part time, work in multiple offices with limited opportunities for full time employment and benefits. The opportunities for PTAs are much more readily available and fruitful. You can become a physical therapist assistant with a two year degree from an accredited PTA program. Furthermore, according to the bureau of labor and statistics, the salary for PTA's is about $15-20,000 more than a DA. As far as male versus female ratio, both fields are dominated by women, but there are definitely male PTA's...(usually every department has at least one male PTA and or PT)