Episodes

What actually increases your worth as a PTA—and how do you make it happen on purpose? In this episode of PTA+, host Katie Sutton sits down with Sanaz Holcomb, PTA, BS, to explore the developmental pathways that help PTAs grow their skills, expand their influence, and increase their professional value. Sanaz breaks down several powerful opportunities available to PTAs, including: APTA PTA Advanced Proficiency Pathways (APPs) LIFE Series Leadership Academy through the Ohio Physical Therapy Asso...

What if the PTA career path isn’t a straight line—but a wide-open map? In this episode of PTA+, host Katie Sutton explores how PTAs are creating new, non-traditional career pathways—inside and outside the clinic. This conversation challenges the idea that there’s only one way to build a successful PTA career and highlights the opportunities that open up when you think beyond the job description. We talk about: why the “traditional” PTA path often feels limiting how PTAs are expanding their r...

What does it take to break through barriers as a PTA—and still build a life that feels full? In this episode of PTA+, host Katie Sutton sits down with Chris Junkins, PTA, ATC/L, co-owner of Dosher Physical Therapy Associates in upstate South Carolina, for an honest conversation about leadership, resilience, and saying yes to opportunity. Chris shares his journey as a PTA clinician working with athletes, testing employees for industry roles, and stepping into ownership—along with the real barri...

What really happens inside the APTA House of Delegates—and why should PTAs care? In this Top 5 re-release, Katie Sutton sits down with PTA Council Delegates Brenda Dorman, Jeannie Thompson, and David Harris for a behind-the-scenes conversation on the decisions, debates, and momentum shaping the future of the PTA profession. You’ll hear: how the profession has evolved (and what’s helped propel PTAs forward) what it was like casting the first votes on behalf of PTAs in 2022 and 2023 the strid...

Susan Lukens speaks with Katie about LAMP Leadership and the APTA's Academy of Leadership and Innovation. You can learn more about this topics HERE: https://www.aptaali.org/page/LAMPCertificatePrograms https://www.aptaali.org/

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

Katie Sutton speaks with Sanaz Holcomb and Shannon Simpson, live from APTA's Future of Rehab Therapy Summit.

Katie Sutton speaks with Russ Burns, live from APTA's Future of Rehab Therapy Summit.

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

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

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

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

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

Jimmy McKay and Katie Sutton speak with Alice Navarro Forsythe, live from APTA's Future of Rehab Therapy Summit.

Jimmy McKay and Katie Sutton speak with Dan Staats and David Restiano, live from 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.

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

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 experience. Russell shares his journey from building a PTA program in Texas, to leading national accreditation efforts, to helping create the Board Certification for Healthcare Executives (BCHE). We also talk about the LAMP School of Management, the legendary Barefoot Gang, and what ...

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

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 of PT, and what it really takes to bridge the gap. In this episode of PT Pintcast, host Katie Sutton sits down with: Dr. Angie Huber – Program Director, University of Findlay PTA to DPT Bridge Program Melissa – Current DPT student and PTA of 8 years Amin – Recent graduat...

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 explore what military PTAs do, the challenges of licensing, and how civilian clinicians can better understand and support their military colleagues. Joel shares his journey through leadership, mentorship, and the unique opportunities that military PTAs have — from battlefield acu...

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 2018 to leading clinics and mentoring the next generation of PTAs. You’ll hear Macie’s insights on: Building leadership skills early in your PTA career Why mentorship and curiosity are key to growth The realities of advocacy and PTA reimbursement challenges How to balance c...

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 — designed specifically for working PTAs who want to advance their careers. We cover: ✅ The difference between bridge and traditional DPT programs ✅ Why hybrid education (synchronous + asynchronous) works for busy PTAs ✅ How workforce shortages are shaping PT education ✅ W...

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 with purpose, mentorship, creativity, and advocacy. Host Katie Sutton dives into Sammy’s experience with long COVID, her passion for neuro care and skilled nursing, and how her side project — PTA Proud — is giving voice to PTAs everywhere. You’ll also hear how Sammy’s volun...