Show Summary:

Student loans are changing — and 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for PTs, OTs, and other healthcare professionals. In this episode, Amirra is joined by Noah O’Dell, founder of the Personal Finance for Physical Therapists platform, to break down what’s happening with federal student loans and what it means for students and clinicians.

Inspired by the recent “PT and OT isn’t a professional degree” announcement, this conversation clears up common concerns, explores potential changes to repayment systems and loan caps, and offers practical guidance on controlling the controllables amid uncertainty.

In Today’s Episode, We’re Chatting About:

• Why 2026 is a pivotal year for student loans

• What’s changing with federal student loans and the Department of Education

• The “PT and OT isn’t a professional degree” announcement

• How potential federal loan caps could impact PT/OT students and clinicians

• Practical ways to control the controllables when navigating student loans

Guest Bio:

Noah O’Dell helps PTs, OTs, and other healthcare professionals take control of their complete financial picture — no matter what their situation looks like. He’s the founder of the Personal Finance for Physical Therapists platform, where he provides practical, judgment-free financial guidance for clinicians at every stage of their career. Follow Noah on Instagram

Resources Mentioned:

• RouteFin | Student Loan Planner | Loan Calculator