Episodes

New York’s move to general supervision for PTAs is a major win—and a powerful case study in why advocacy matters. In this episode, Katie sits down with clinic leaders to unpack: What general supervision really changes for PTAs How advocacy led to meaningful policy reform Why rural and outpatient clinics are expanding PTA-led models The truth about the PTA modifier and reimbursement How mentorship sustains careers—not just clinics This conversation is essential listening for PTAs, students...

Jessica Hochberg proves that being a PTA is not a limitation - it is a launchpad. In this episode, Katie talks with Jessica (former Director of Rehab, certified stroke rehab and fall prevention specialist, and MBA in healthcare management) about the career moves PTAs are not always taught: how to build leadership skills, reframe your transferable strengths, and pursue non-clinical paths like quality, documentation review, and health tech. In this episode, we cover: Why leadership roles often d...

What does leadership look like for PTAs—and how do you grow into it when the path isn’t always clear? In this episode of PTA+, host Katie Sutton sits down with Amy Smith Hamel, PTA, a respected leader in physical therapy and Regional Director of Operations at Restore Therapy in Alabama, for a grounded, honest conversation about leadership, growth, and saying yes before you feel ready. Amy shares her journey into leadership, the moments that shaped her career, and why mentorship, service, and s...

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 Ass...

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...