PTA+ Physical Therapist Assistant

Dillinger Carr didn’t approach the NPTE with the goal of simply getting through it. He decided to see how close he could get to the highest achievable score—and earned an 800.

But this conversation isn’t really about chasing a number.

It’s about what happens when students stop relying on passive studying and start building systems designed for retention, application, and long-term clinical growth.

Dillinger, a practicing PTA and student physical therapist, joins Katie Sutton to share how he used practice exams, active recall, flashcards, the 80/20 rule, and spaced review to prepare for the NPTE.

He explains why simply rereading a massive board-prep textbook wasn’t part of his strategy, and why every missed practice question became an opportunity to uncover multiple knowledge gaps.

The conversation then moves beyond board preparation.

Dillinger shares how he continues using the same system as a practicing clinician: recognizing something he doesn’t understand, researching it, turning it into something he can actively recall, and revisiting it over time.

Katie and Dillinger also explore the PTA-to-DPT decision, including one of the most important questions PTAs should consider before returning to school:

What do you actually want from the additional education?

They discuss tuition, lost income while attending school, scholarships, return on investment, professional responsibility, career goals, and why the DPT pathway may make sense for one PTA while being completely unnecessary for another.

And in the episode’s Plus Point, Dillinger makes the case that continued learning can do more than improve clinical skill—it may also help protect clinicians from burnout by keeping the work challenging, engaging, and meaningful.

Website:

https://www.ptapluspodcast.com/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/pta_plus/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/p/PTA-Podcast-100093326902910/

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@ptapluspodcast

PTA+ partners with MedBridge for high-quality continuing education, patient education resources, and clinical tools.

https://www.medbridge.com/pta-plus-podcast

Use promo code:

PTAPLUS

Learn more about SPRY through the PTA+ partner page:

https://www.sprypt.com/partner/katie-sutton

What does a physical therapist assistant have to do with the business success of a physical therapy practice?

More than you might think.

On this episode of PTA+, Katie sits down with Paul Martin, founder and president of Martin Healthcare Advisors, for a conversation about the side of physical therapy many clinicians never learn in school: the business behind patient care.

Paul has spent decades helping rehabilitation businesses grow, improve operations, build value, and navigate partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions. Together, Katie and Paul explore where PTAs fit into that picture, and why the PT/PTA relationship can influence far more than treatment delivery.

They discuss how well-designed PT/PTA teams can improve capacity and patient access, why every clinician should understand the business environment in which they practice, and how metrics, reimbursement, billing, leadership, and culture connect to the health of a practice.

Paul also explains what makes a physical therapy business valuable and why sustainable growth requires more than adding locations or seeing more patients. Strong leadership, staff alignment, recruiting, retention, and developing future clinicians all matter.

Katie and Paul also explore one of the most overlooked recruiting tools available to PT practices: clinical education. A great student experience isn't simply an educational responsibility, it can help build culture, develop future clinicians, and create a recruiting pipeline.

If you've ever thought, “I just treat patients—the business side isn't my job,” this conversation may change how you see your role.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• PTAs can play an important role in practice capacity and productivity.

• Successful PT/PTA integration requires intentional communication and teamwork.

• Clinicians have a clinical role and a business role within their organizations.

• Understanding payer behavior and appropriate billing helps clinicians understand the economics behind care.

• Growing too quickly without protecting patient access can cost practices referrals and reputation.

• Growth, cash flow, and leadership all contribute to practice value.

• Recruiting clinicians isn't enough; onboarding, development, relationships, and culture affect retention.

• Well-run clinical internships can become powerful recruiting and culture-building opportunities.

• PTAs can contribute to leadership and business success without abandoning their clinical identity.

CONNECT WITH PAUL

Email[email protected]

Phone Number(609) 760-6056

Social Media Channels

https://www.facebook.com/martinhealthcareadvisors/   

https://www.linkedin.com/company/1049109/admin/dashboard/  

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmartinsview/.    

 https://www.youtube.com/@martinhealthcareadvisors   

Website: www.martinhealthcareadvisors.com

CONNECT WITH PTA+

Website: https://www.ptapluspodcast.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pta_plus/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/PTA-Podcast-100093326902910/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ptapluspodcast

CONTINUING EDUCATION WITH MEDBRIDGE

Explore MedBridge continuing education, patient education resources, and clinical tools:

https://www.medbridge.com/pta-plus-podcast

Promo Code: PTAPLUS

PTA+ may receive affiliate support when you use this link/code.

PTA+ PARTNER: SPRY

Learn more about SPRY and its approach to practice management and AI-powered documentation:

https://www.sprypt.com/partner/katie-sutton

ABOUT PTA+

PTA+ explores the people, ideas, opportunities, and conversations shaping the future of physical therapist assistants. The goal is simple: help PTAs think beyond the title and recognize the impact they can have in clinical practice, leadership, education, business, and the profession.

Many clinicians believe burnout is the biggest reason PTs and PTAs leave the profession, but Ben Keeton argues the real issue is something deeper.

In this episode, Ben shares why career longevity depends on mentorship, leadership, self-efficacy, and creating opportunities that give clinicians greater control over their time, income, and purpose.

Katie and Ben also discuss:

• Creating careers that last 30 years
• Why mentorship matters early
• Leadership beyond job titles
• Why PTAs are uniquely positioned to lead
• Clinical expertise versus leadership
• Followership and team culture
• AI in rehabilitation
• Cash-based innovation
• Building organizations people never want to leave

The Jackson Clinics:

• The Jackson Clinics: https://thejacksonclinics.com
• TJC Concierge: https://tjcconcierge.com
• The Jackson Clinics:
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejacksonclinics
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacksonclinics/?hl=en
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejacksonclinics
• Ben Keeton: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-keeton-983a6814/

PTA+ Website:

https://www.ptapluspodcast.com/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/pta_plus/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/p/PTA-Podcast-100093326902910/

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@ptapluspodcast

MedBridge

https://www.medbridge.com/pta-plus-podcast

Promo Code:PTAPLUS

SPRY

https://www.sprypt.com/partner/katie-sutton

Not every successful PTA follows a straight path.

In this episode, Katie Sutton welcomes Abby Anderson to discuss how curiosity, lifelong learning, and leadership created a career that spans fitness, Pilates, pelvic health, advocacy, and clinical practice.

Abby shares how each career experience prepared her for the next—and why PTAs shouldn't feel pressured to fit inside a single job description.

They discuss:

• Following curiosity instead of rigid career plans
• Investing in certifications and lifelong learning
• Building confidence through leadership
• Why pelvic health needs more PTAs
• The importance of mentorship
• PT/PTA collaboration
• Creating a career that evolves with your life

If you've ever questioned whether your PTA career has to look like everyone else's, this episode will remind you that your license creates possibilities—not limits.

Website

https://www.ptapluspodcast.com/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/pta_plus/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/p/PTA-Podcast-100093326902910/

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@ptapluspodcast

https://www.medbridge.com/pta-plus-podcast

Promo Code:

PTAPLUS

https://www.sprypt.com/partner/katie-sutton

What happens when you simply keep saying "yes"?

Katie Sutton welcomes Rachel Winthrop, PTA, to discuss an incredible professional journey filled with leadership, advocacy, service, and a passion for helping others.

Rachel shares how volunteering through APTA and Special Olympics Healthy Athletes expanded her career while reminding her why she became a PTA in the first place.

Whether you're looking for new career inspiration or searching for meaningful ways to serve your community, this episode demonstrates how physical therapy reaches far beyond the clinic.

• Building a diverse VA career
• Leadership through APTA
• Parkinson's disease programming
• Cardiac rehabilitation
• Amputee care
• Healthy Athletes
• Special Olympics volunteer opportunities
• https://www.specialolympics.org/what-we-do/inclusive-health/my-health/funfitness
• https://www.specialolympics.org/what-we-do/inclusive-health/healthy-athletes
• Why volunteering improves clinical practice
• Movement is Medicine
• Rachel's advice for every PTA
• Other Links:
• https://www.ohioseniorolympics.com/
• https://engage.apta.org/home

Website:

https://www.ptapluspodcast.com/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/pta_plus/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/p/PTA-Podcast-100093326902910/

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@ptapluspodcast

Advance your clinical education while supporting PTA+.

https://www.medbridge.com/pta-plus-podcast

Promo Code: PTAPLUS

Practice management software designed for rehab professionals.

https://www.sprypt.com/partner/katie-sutton

In this episode of the PTA+ Podcast, recorded live at CSM, we sit down with Marc Crawford, PT and educator, to discuss the evolving role of the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in today’s profession.

Marc shares insights from his experience in PTA education, clinical practice, and research, highlighting why PTAs must actively participate in conferences like CSM to stay relevant, build connections, and grow professionally.

We explore the importance of PTA and PT collaboration, lessons from educational research, and practical networking strategies that can elevate your career.

Marc Crawford is an Assistant Professor at the University of North Texas, where he teaches in the entry-level DPT program. He has extensive experience in private practice, occupational health, and PTA education, with a focus on orthopedic research.

• Why PTAs need a seat at the table in professional settings
• The power of networking at conferences like CSM
• How PTA education is evolving
• Real-world collaboration between PTs and PTAs
• Practical tips for maximizing conference experiences

• PTA+ Website: https://ptaplus.com
• MedBridge (Code: PTA Plus)

Website: https://www.ptapluspodcast.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ptapluspodcast/videos

Instagram (show): https://www.instagram.com/pta_plus/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/PTA-Podcast-100093326902910/

LinkedIn (Katie Sutton): https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-sutton-0725

Special Thanks to:

Thanks to US Physical Therapy for hosting PTA+ at CSM.

MedBridge users: Visit ptapluspodcast.com for your exclusive discount code: PTAPLUS

Physical Therapist Assistant education is evolving, and this episode explores exactly how.

Recorded live at CSM, Katie sits down with PTA educators Kelly Terry and Adelle Nicholas to discuss innovative approaches designed to make PTA programs more accessible, flexible, and aligned with real-world student needs.

They break down new program models including decelerated pathways, clinic-based skill validation, and hyflex learning environments, all aimed at supporting working students and expanding access to the profession.

This conversation also highlights a critical issue: PTA shortages in rural communities and how education innovation may be the key to solving it.

If you're a PTA student, educator, or clinician invested in the future of the profession, this episode offers practical insight and a fresh perspective.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why traditional PTA education models are being challenged
• How flexible pathways support working students
• The role of clinicians in early student skill development
• How innovation can help solve PTA workforce shortages
• What the future could look like for PTA → DPT pathways

Website: https://www.ptapluspodcast.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ptapluspodcast/videos

Instagram (show): https://www.instagram.com/pta_plus/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/PTA-Podcast-100093326902910/

LinkedIn (Katie Sutton): https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-sutton-0725

Special Thanks to:

Thanks to US Physical Therapy for hosting PTA+ at CSM.

MedBridge users: Visit ptapluspodcast.com for your exclusive discount code: PTAPLUS

In this episode of the PTA+ Podcast, recorded live at CSM, we explore the future of Physical Therapist Assistant education with educators Holly Clynch and Jessica Scholl.

With decades of combined experience in PTA education and leadership, they share how their program has been completely reimagined to better serve today’s students and the evolving demands of healthcare.

Key topics include:

• Transitioning from traditional to hybrid PTA education models
• Reducing cognitive overload for PTA students
• Increasing accessibility without sacrificing clinical excellence
• The importance of early leadership development in PTA programs
• How PTA and DPT collaboration improves patient care outcomes
• Why PTA representation at national conferences matters

This episode is a must-listen for PTA students, educators, and clinicians looking to stay ahead of the profession.

Website: https://www.ptapluspodcast.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ptapluspodcast/videos

Instagram (show): https://www.instagram.com/pta_plus/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/PTA-Podcast-100093326902910/

LinkedIn (Katie Sutton): https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-sutton-0725

Special Thanks to:

Thanks to US Physical Therapy for hosting PTA+ at CSM.

MedBridge users: Visit ptapluspodcast.com for your exclusive discount code: PTAPLUS

In this live interview from CSM, Sean Bagbey shares what Physical Therapist Assistants need to understand about leadership, advocacy, and career growth.

Sean, founder, educator, and the first PTA delegate from Indiana, dives into how conferences like CSM can be career-defining moments for PTAs willing to step into the room, start conversations, and build meaningful connections.

This episode highlights the shift from clinical identity to leadership identity, and why PTAs must actively engage in the profession to shape its future.

What You’ll Learn

• Why CSM is a career catalyst for Physical Therapist Assistants
• The power of networking and hallway conversations
• How PTA leadership develops over time
• Why advocacy starts with showing up
• How to overcome fear and step into leadership roles

Website: https://www.ptapluspodcast.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ptapluspodcast/videos

Instagram (show): https://www.instagram.com/pta_plus/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/PTA-Podcast-100093326902910/

LinkedIn (Katie Sutton): https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-sutton-0725

Special Thanks to:

Thanks to US Physical Therapy for hosting PTA+ at CSM.

MedBridge users: Visit ptapluspodcast.com for your exclusive discount code: PTAPLUS

In this live CSM interview, we explore what it really means to grow as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in today’s evolving healthcare landscape.

Andy Cisneros shares insights from over 25 years in the profession and his transition into talent acquisition and leadership development. This episode challenges PTAs to step beyond traditional roles and actively pursue growth opportunities.

• Why PTAs need to take ownership of their career growth
• The evolution of opportunities for Physical Therapist Assistants
• How CSM can impact PTA networking and development
• The importance of advocacy and representation
• Simple mindset shifts that lead to big career moves

Andy Cisneros

PTA Council Representative (Texas)

Talent Acquisition Leader

Website: https://www.ptapluspodcast.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ptapluspodcast/videos

Instagram (show): https://www.instagram.com/pta_plus/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/PTA-Podcast-100093326902910/

LinkedIn (Katie Sutton): https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-sutton-0725

Special Thanks to:

Thanks to US Physical Therapy for hosting PTA+ at CSM.

MedBridge users: Visit ptapluspodcast.com for your exclusive discount code: PTAPLUS