What should I study Therapeutic Massage or Physical Therapy Assistant?

Question

Both carrers cost the same, massage is for 8 months, but PTA lasts for 2 years.

Answer 1

PTA will be the smarter move. You'll still learn some massage. And you can always go back for some more massage training later on if you want.

Currently, as an massage therapist, I struggle daily to get people to want to pay me for my services. As a PTA, people will come under their insurance, so compensation for you will be good usually about $24-$28 an hour here in central Florida. That's $24 per hour x 8 hours a day= $192. plus usually full insurance and a good retirement plan, maybe some disability insurance

As an MT, you probably only get four hours a day of massage work on average (even though you spend 8 hours in the office). On a $60 massage, you'll split take with the massage establishment 60%/40% leaving you $36 an hour x 4 hours= $144 , but then you'll have to pay your own self employment taxes and insurance and IRA. figure take home about $85 a day. Not a real incentive for a decent living.

Go with the PTA for now, do massage on the side later as a sideline.

Answer 2

It depends on what you really WANT to do. MT will strictly do massage...as a PTA, massage skills are only one part of your treatment.

If you want to be garaunteed steady employment, PTA is definetely the way to go. Many insurance companies and Medicare do not pay for theraputic massage done by an MT...only done by PTs or PTAs as part of a therputic regimine with established goals. Therefore, if people becoming less willing to pay out of pocket for a massage, it may be harder to find employment.

Yet, many people have massage leisurely...and sometimes it's nice to see some one on a preventative and leisurely basis than HAVING to see someone because they have a fucntional problem. In this case, an MT would fit the bill just fine.

Well it comes down to it, though...do what makes you happy.

Answer 3

Therapeutic Massage - very little data to support its use, mostly anecdotal.

Physical Therapy Assistant - physical therapy - an evidenced-based medical specialty.

There is a reason it takes longer to become a PTA. There's more science, anatomy, kinesisology, etc.

Don't get me wrong - I am sure therapeutic massage makes people feel good - but the evidence is NOT there that it does a whole lot. The field is rife with quacks and charlatans - if you do choose option #1, make sure it's a reputable school.

Answer 4

It's not only easier to get a job as a PTA, but it pays a lot more. In Ohio some PTA's make around $30/ hr. You will also have a lot more diversity working as a PTA. You can work in Long-term care with the elderly, out patient, and home health. It might take longer to get the degree, but all good things take time. Best wishes!!

Answer 5

It's easier to get work as a PTA. With Therapeutic Massage you're pretty much on your own.

Answer 6

Therapeutic Massage i would pick because they both cost the same and that one would take less time but it all comes down to if u like that carrer or not and which one fits u better

Answer 7

You will get paid much more . It is more scientifically based with more credentials. You will have endless job opportunities. Insurance pays for this more readily as well..

Massage is awesome just to know in general you can make money at it, but you have to be highly motivated and create the money for yourself.

Either way you can do it if you put your mind to it !!! It is all about creating what you want !!!

Answer 8

It depends on what you like better...... they both let you help people...... Theraputic massage is more of a hands on and healing what's wrong...... Physical therapy assistant you would help them to strengthen an injury with exercises

Answer 9

You'll make more as a PTA