Dave, PTA is a 2 year program completed at a community college, and depending on where you work, you can make up to $60-75K. PT requires a post grad (doctorate) now in most cases, and pays $75-100K. Less time in school, less (if any) school debt to pay off.
Glad, the PTA program will be like a full time job. When you start doing clinical rotations you may even be working odd hours.
Good luck.