Anyone a Physical Therapist Assistant...Need insight to position?

I am a 26 year old college graduate, who wants to pursue another career helping people. I was looking into becoming a PT, but the schooling is at least 4 years (I need pre-reqs-thats 1 year). I can't afford it and the debt I would go in gives me anxiety, but I was considering becoming a PT Assistant. Less school and less money, but doing all the PT does, except inital assesments. Can anyone give me to some insight as to if this is worth getting into?