Physician Assistant vs Physical Therapist; Which is Better

If you are about to decide on what field to aspire to in the future between a Physician Assistant vs a Physical Therapist. Lucky you, this write-up will be able to cover all details on the 2 fields. The pros and cons, who earn more, and other detailed information will also be discussed in the paragraphs below.

Physician Assistant vs Physical Therapist

Physician Assistant vs Physical Therapist; What are They

Now, for someone willing to become a Physician Assistant or a Physical Therapist. He/she should be able to also know what they are and what they do. Read below on what the 2 fields are all about;

What is a Physician Assistant?

A physician assistant is a medical provider that works alongside doctors. They are individuals who diagnose and treat illnesses & diseases. They are responsible for prescribing medication to patients.  Their role in the health care team practice/test medicine under the supervision of a licensed physician.

What is a Physical Therapist?

For people who may have had severe injuries or an illness, it is the job of a physical therapist to help those people in their movement and manage the pain they are going through. Furthermore, they are healthcare specialist who improves the life condition of patients through exercise, hands-on care, and patient education.

What are the Differences Between Physician Assistants and Physical Therapists?

Are you curious about what differentiates a Physician Assistant from a Physical Therapist? Well, here is what you need to know;

  • Both Physician Assistants and Physical Therapists provide medical care to patients but a physician assistant can never be truly independent while a physical therapist can be he/she wants to be.
  • Also, a physical therapist is not a doctor while a physician assistant is.

Salaries

Want to know the average salary for a physical therapist and a physician assistant?  Of course, it is very important to know how much each of the 2 fields pays. Check out how much they earn from the paragraphs below;

How Much Does a Physician Assistant Earn?

According to BLS, the national average income of a physician assistant is $108,430 or higher. This means that as a physician assistant, the normal income for you is $108,430 or more per year.

How Much Does a Physical Therapist Earn?

However, the salary of a physical therapist may vary depending on your experience, educational level, and many other factors. Although, the average annual income according to BLS is $ 92,920.

Which of Them Has a Better Salary

However, both of them earn a good salary, but the physician assistant receives a higher income than the physical therapist. Although, as a physical therapist if you have gathered much work experience and have a good educational level, your annual income may surpass that of a physician assistant.

How to Become Either of Them

You may also want to know the processes or requirements of becoming a Physician Assistant or a Physical Therapist. However, If you aspire to pursue either of these careers, you should be aware of the level of education you will need or its requirement in general. However, this article is here to help you with that.

How to Become a Physician Assistant

To become a physician assistant, you will need to acquire the following;

  • You will also need to finish your bachelor’s degree related to science or healthcare
  • Gather your experience by either volunteering or working in any healthcare place
  • Apply to the ARC-PA accredited programs
  • Complete your 2-3 years master’s program
  • Lastly, Write the PANCE licensing exam and make sure you pass.

How to Become a Physical Therapist

To Become a Physical Therapist, you will need to acquire the following;

  • Earn a bachelor’s degree in any related field (health science, exercise, or sports)
  • You also need to complete a doctor of physical therapy degree
  • Write and pass the NPTE
  • Obtain the license to practice
  • Optional- Complete a residency program
  • Optional- Earn board certification

Physician Assistant vs Physical Therapist; Which of Them is Harder to Become

Moreover, without much to talk about, both Physician assistants and Physical Therapists are also hard to become. However, you can say that the Physician assistants field is a little bit harder than the other.

Physician Assistant vs Physical Therapist Based on Job Opportunities

Furthermore, if you aiming at pursuing any of these careers, you will also need to know where a Physician assistant and a physical therapist can work. That way you will also be able to vary which one is preferable to you.

Where can a Physician Assistant Work?

As a physician assistant, here are some places where you can work;

  • Office of Physicians
  • In hospitals
  • Outpatient clinics
  • For the government
  • And other healthcare settings

Where can a Physical Therapist Work?

If you are a physical therapist, here are places where you can work;

  • In private clinics/offices
  • Hospitals
  • Rehabilitation centres
  • Patients’ homes/ nursing homes

Which of Them Has More Job Opportunities?

Of the two fields, the physician assistant also has a higher chance of job opportunities.  This is because the employment of physician assistants is projected to grow 31% from 2020 to 2030 WHILE physical therapists are also projected to grow 21% from 2020 to 2030.

Physician Assistant vs Physical Therapist; Pros & Cons of Both Fields

Furthermore, you may also want to know about the advantages and disadvantages of being a Physical Therapist or a physician assistant. This will also help you in discovering which of the two fields is best for you. Read more to learn about the pros and cons of the 2 fields below;

 Pros & Cons of a Physical Therapist

Here are the merits and demerits of being a physical therapist, follow the list below to know them.

Pros

  • A good earning potential
  • Your services as a physical therapist will be in high demand
  • The schedules are mostly flexible
  • You can decide to open your practice
  • You can also specialize in neurology, paediatrics, or orthopaedics

Cons;

  • You must have a bachelor’s degree
  • You also need to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree.
  • You must be licensed and continue to renew
  • You should have a complete residency
  • You can be exposed to pathogens
  • You will need to earn a certificate

Pros & Cons of a Physician Assistant

Here are the merits and demerits of being a physician assistant, follow the list below to know them.

Pros;

  • You will have a flexible schedule
  • Job security
  • Easily switch between specialities
  • You don’t have to take the MCAT exam
  • You will also be an extremely valuable asset in your working environment.

Cons;

  • Also, You will always require a physician to supervise you
  • Need to recertify your license every 6-10 years
  • Risk of burnout
  • Moreover, You need a minimum GPA to go to the physician assistant school

Take Away on Physician Assistant vs Physical Therapist

In conclusion, I believe that the information provided in the above article is able to give you a proper insight into the two fields of study. Also, for those who may not be aware, a physician assistant is different from a physician. A physician assistant always needs supervision from a physician.

 Also, Check Out;