Physical Therapy Vs. Nursing: Which Are You Made For?
If you are considering a career in the field of health care, then you'll probably be debating on physical therapy vs nursing as possible options to pursue. These are two of the more in-demand fields that require actual health care delivery and where training can be less than two years for entry-level positions. Demands of the job and compensation are also factors you should consider if indeed this is something you are seriously thinking about as a career.
Is PT your line?
A physical therapy assistant works under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Together, they help rehabilitate patients suffering from limited or no mobility resulting from illness, injury or trauma using various therapeutic modalities like exercises, massage and electric stimulation, among others.
The PT assistant position will afford you with good experience to give you enough idea whether to continue on with a career as a licensed therapist. Aside from your medical knowledge, the main requirements of the job are physical stamina and a compassionate nature. The physical and emotional demands of the job make it a stressful occupation but very rewarding as well.
For an assistant position, a diploma or certificate program can prepare you for the workplace. But you will need six to seven years of training to become a full-fledged physical therapist.
On the positive side, work hours are more regular for physical therapists who usually enjoy weekends and holidays off. In terms of compensation, physical therapy vs nursing especially at the entry level pay out around the same initially. But a PT assistant will eventually make more in less the time as a nursing assistant.
Bedside care
If providing bedside care is more your interest, then a nursing job will be more suited for you. You can get a feel for the job by starting out as a certified nursing assistant “CNA”. This way you only need at least six months or even less for training and work at nursing homes, doctor's clinics and other medical facilities needing these services.
Or you can start as a licensed practical nurse (LPN), with a little more education and training and then work your way towards becoming a registered nurse (RN) where there are more opportunities for advancement.
Some professionals are of the opinion that in terms of education, physical therapy vs nursing is in favor of the latter. You can earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree in four years and with continuing studies further your career, specializing in areas where skills are in high demand. On the other hand, a PT will require two to three more years of study,a nd spend additional time as intern, just to be at the same level as an RN.
Nursing, however, is more demanding and stressful. Having to deal with patients on a daily, extended basis can be exhausting. But many RN's thrive in the profession and stay on the job, especially when they are rewarded well in terms of compensation and benefits.
Which pays more?
While having a heart for the job is a necessary ingredient to become successful, there are practicalities to be considered. The first being remuneration. At the entry level, PT vs nursing favors the former in terms of salary. Median hourly wage for a physical therapy salary is $22.20, while nursing assistants make between $15.95 to $17.95.
While you just need another two years to complete a BSN and pass the licensure exam for RN's, it will take far longer to become a certified physical therapist. So if a nursing assistant and physical therapy assistant decide to become full professionals, the nurse will get ahead faster. At about the same time the PT is getting his license, the RN may already be specializing and earning far more.
In the end, salary may play a role but is not the most important part whether you decide to pursue physical therapy or nursing. It is your passion, interest and willingness to be of service to people needing medical treatment and care.
There is a special breed of people cut out to be nurses, in the same way there is a certain group of individuals who were made to be therapists. Physical therapy vs nursing is just a good option if you are keen on building a career in health care.
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