Should I pursue a PhD career or Physical Therapy?

Question

I have been accepted to a graduate program Molecular Genetics and at the same time I have been accepted to a Doctor of Physical Therapy professional program. I love both sides, however, I have to choose a career pathway that is rewarding and have a future. I heard that a lot of PhD candidates even those with science Ph D's get lower paying jobs, sometimes less than $30,000 a year; while the majority of graduates spend extra 5-7 years as post graduates making just about $35,000 a year. I don't wanna spend 5-6 years in school, specially in a vigorous PhD career, and end up making less than an average associate degree graduate. On the other hand, with Physical therapy, unlike Graduate school where you get paid a stipend while pursuing your degree, a huge student loan of about $70,000 awaits you after graduation.

Anyone with an advice? As I have mentioned, I love both careers just need to pick the best one.

Answer 1

I know people with degrees that are making a lot more than what you are saying just managing group homes. so, I don't know where you got that info. You are right. You need to love the job and you can branch out with the PHD but with physical therapy you're sort of stuck, doing the same thing. so, it is a big decision, but a great one to make. Ask professionals you can ask, like go to a hospital, to a college, to someone who does career counceling, like the college itself and figure out the options, really. Make the right decision. good luck.

Answer 2

A Doctor of Physical Therapy professional program sounds great, but you have to be realistic-is that going to be your career for the rest of your life? Molecular Genetics does sound like something you could use all your career. The salary for those that graduate PhD may not be great to start with, but I'm sure you go up and up in steps on the pay scale. Also you were talking about a huge student loan awaits you-not necessarily. Check into Scholarships for undergraduate as well as graduate work-they are out there.