Welcome to PTA+, where the conversation is for PTAs, by PTAs!

Episodes

Dan Staats and David Restiano: Live at APTA's Future of Rehab Therapy Summit
Sept. 24, 2025

Dan Staats and David Restiano: Live at APTA's Future of Rehab Therapy…

Jimmy McKay and Katie Sutton speak with Dan Staats and David Restiano, live from APTA's Future of Rehab Therapy Summit.

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Daniel Hague: Live at APTA's Future of Rehab Therapy Summit
Sept. 22, 2025

Daniel Hague: Live at APTA's Future of Rehab Therapy Summit

Jimmy McKay and Katie Sutton speak with Daniel Hague, live from APTA's Future of Rehab Therapy Summit.

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Alex Bendersky: Live at APTA's Future of Rehab Therapy Summit
Sept. 17, 2025

Alex Bendersky: Live at APTA's Future of Rehab Therapy Summit

Jimmy McKay and Katie Sutton speak with Alex Bendersky , live from APTA's Future of Rehab Therapy Summit.

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PTA to Healthcare Executive: Russell Stowers on Leadership, Service & Breaking Barriers
Sept. 16, 2025

PTA to Healthcare Executive: Russell Stowers on Leadership, Service &…

What does it take for a Physical Therapist Assistant to step into true healthcare leadership? In this episode, we sit down with Russell Stowers , Director of Rehab, military veteran, and PTA leader with 35+ years of experienc...

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Odell Miller: Live at APTA's Future of Rehab Therapy Summit
Sept. 15, 2025

Odell Miller: Live at APTA's Future of Rehab Therapy Summit

Jimmy McKay and Katie Sutton speak with Odell Miller, live from APTA's Future of Rehab Therapy Summit.

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PTA to DPT: Inside the University of Findlay Bridge Program
Sept. 12, 2025

PTA to DPT: Inside the University of Findlay Bridge Program

Thinking about advancing from PTA to DPT ? In this episode, faculty, students, and a recent graduate from the University of Findlay’s PTA to DPT Bridge Program share what makes this pathway unique, how it’s shaping the future...

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Joel Medina: The Air Force Staff Sergeant Changing the PTA Game
Sept. 9, 2025

Joel Medina: The Air Force Staff Sergeant Changing the PTA Game

What does it mean to be a Physical Therapist Assistant in the military? In this episode of PT Pintcast , host Katie Sutton sits down with Staff Sergeant Joel Medina , a licensed PTA and Air Force medical professional, to expl...

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From PTA to Multi-Site Clinic Director: Leadership, Advocacy & Burnout Prevention with Macie Rogers
Sept. 8, 2025

From PTA to Multi-Site Clinic Director: Leadership, Advocacy & Burnou…

In this episode of PT Pintcast , Katie sits down with Macie Frederick Rogers , a Physical Therapist Assistant who has grown into a multi-site clinic director with ATI. Macie shares her journey from graduating PTA school in 20...

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Breaking Barriers: The New PTA to DPT Bridge Program at New England Tech
Aug. 31, 2025

Breaking Barriers: The New PTA to DPT Bridge Program at New England T…

What if becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy as a PTA didn’t mean starting over? On this episode of PTA+ , Katie Sutton chats with Erin Faraclas , Program Director at New England Tech, about their PTA → DPT Bridge Program — ...

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From Burnout to Purpose: How Chronic Illness Inspired a PTA’s Next Chapter
July 22, 2025

From Burnout to Purpose: How Chronic Illness Inspired a PTA’s Next Ch…

After 20 years in the field, Samantha Laswell’s world changed when chronic illness forced her to reassess everything. In this powerful episode, Sammy shares how she went from pushing through burnout to building a life filled ...

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I’m Not “Just” a PTA: Jessica on RTM, Leadership & Owning Your Worth
July 15, 2025

I’m Not “Just” a PTA: Jessica on RTM, Leadership & Owning Your Worth

What does it take to go from saying “I’m just a PTA” to being a respected leader, educator, and advocate in the PT space? In this episode, we talk with Jessica , a physical therapist assistant, Army veteran, educator, and RTM...

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From PTA to Powerhouse: Leah’s Road to Rehab Leadership
July 9, 2025

From PTA to Powerhouse: Leah’s Road to Rehab Leadership

In this episode, we sit down with Katie Sutton , a nationally recognized PTA leader, podcast host, and educator who’s reshaping how PTAs see their value, their role, and their future. Katie is the host of the PTA+ Podcast , a...

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APTA Future of Rehab Therapy Summit: PREVIEW
July 7, 2025

APTA Future of Rehab Therapy Summit: PREVIEW

Katie Sutton and Jimmy McKay dive into the major shakeups coming in rehab therapy: - The PT/PTA/OTA workforce shortage and why high schoolers are choosing other paths - The power of *unpacking* a career before diving in - 5–1...

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Why PTAs Should Run for Leadership Roles—And How To Start
July 1, 2025

Why PTAs Should Run for Leadership Roles—And How To Start

In this empowering episode of the PTA Plus Podcast , we’re joined by the inspiring Sanaz Holcomb , a Physical Therapist Assistant from Ohio who has navigated a powerful leadership journey—from local meetings to influential po...

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From PTA to DPT: How Briana Drapp Built a Study Empire with PTA Elevation
June 28, 2025

From PTA to DPT: How Briana Drapp Built a Study Empire with PTA Eleva…

In this episode of the PTA+ Podcast, host Katie Sutton sits down with Briana Drapp , DPT, PTA — founder of PTA Elevation , a study platform that has helped nearly 2,000 PTA students pass the NPTE. Briana opens up about her pe...

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It’s Never Too Late: One PTA’s Path to Purpose & Passion
June 22, 2025

It’s Never Too Late: One PTA’s Path to Purpose & Passion

In this honest and energizing conversation, John Cooper , a seasoned PTA and newly certified ASTYM practitioner, opens up about the regrets he’s overcome , the power of lifelong learning , and how he found new purpose through...

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How PTA Council Drives Change for PTAs Nationwide
June 19, 2025

How PTA Council Drives Change for PTAs Nationwide

In this episode, we dive into the PTA Council’s mission—to ensure every PTA voice is heard in APTA. Alyssa Thompson shares how her journey from professional dance to outpatient PTA, educator, and PTA Council chair has shaped ...

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From PTA to Writer: Gina Vitale’s Career Shift After Long COVID
June 13, 2025

From PTA to Writer: Gina Vitale’s Career Shift After Long COVID

What happens when a physical therapist assistant with decades of clinical experience gets sidelined by long COVID — and decides it’s time to rewrite her career? In this inspiring episode, Gina Vitale shares how she transition...

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Fresh Out, Fired Up: A New PTA’s Take on the Future of Rehab
June 10, 2025

Fresh Out, Fired Up: A New PTA’s Take on the Future of Rehab

Katie sits down with new grad PTA and leader Russ Burns for a vibrant discussion about advocacy, innovation, AI, and what it means to be a modern PTA in 2025. As they prepare to attend the Future of Rehab Therapy Summit at AP...

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PTAs, Here's Why the Future of Rehab Summit Matters for YOU
June 5, 2025

PTAs, Here's Why the Future of Rehab Summit Matters for YOU

In this insightful episode, host Katie Sutton sits down with Drew Contreras of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) to unpack the five biggest reasons PTAs (and other rehab professionals) must pay attention to the...

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Inspiring Leadership Lessons with Amy Smith Hamel
June 5, 2025

Inspiring Leadership Lessons with Amy Smith Hamel

Original Airdate:Aug. 3, 2023 Welcome to the PTA+ Podcast! In this episode, host Katie Sutton has a captivating conversation with Amy Smith Hamel, PTA, a remarkable leader in the physical therapy field. Amy, the Regional Dire...

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The Skills Every Healthcare Provider Needs by 2030!
May 23, 2025

The Skills Every Healthcare Provider Needs by 2030!

This week’s conversation pulls no punches: it’s time to stop waiting for someone to save your PT career. If you’re not embracing change, building tech literacy, and developing self-awareness, you’re falling behind. We cover: ...

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The Skills EVERY PTA needs by 2030!
May 19, 2025

The Skills EVERY PTA needs by 2030!

This week’s conversation pulls no punches: it’s time to stop waiting for someone to save your PT career. If you’re not embracing change, building tech literacy, and developing self-awareness, you’re falling behind. We cover: ...

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4 Questions to Reinvent Your Career
May 8, 2025

4 Questions to Reinvent Your Career

Many physical therapists and PTAs hit a career crossroads—burnout, stagnation, or the itch to try something new. In this episode, Jimmy and Katie Dwyer walk through a 4-question framework inspired by James Clear to help you r...

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