PTA+ Physical Therapist Assistant

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 “humble confidence” means for every healthcare professional.

If you’ve ever wondered how PTAs can lead at the highest levels, this conversation is for you.

Episode Highlights with Russell Stowers:

• How he built a PTA program from scratch with over 300 graduates.
• The transition from clinician to Director of Rehab in Santa Fe, NM.
• Creating the PTA Pathways Proficiency Program and shaping leadership opportunities.
• What the Board Certification for Healthcare Executives (BCHE) is and why PTAs should care.
• Stories from the Barefoot Gang and lifelong professional friendships.
• Why failure, resilience, and humble confidence are essential leadership traits.

This episode is packed with lessons for PTs, PTAs, and all healthcare professionals looking to grow into leadership roles — whether in the clinic, classroom, or executive boardroom.

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 graduate of the Findlay Bridge Program, now practicing as a PT

You’ll hear:

• Why the PTA to DPT pathway matters now more than ever
• What makes Findlay’s program unique (weekend format, work integration, national student body)
• The student perspective: balancing school, work, and family while pursuing a DPT
• The graduate perspective: how the bridge program prepared Amin to step confidently into the PT role
• Faculty insight into the kind of PTA who thrives in this model

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 acupuncture to advanced readiness training. If you’re a PTA, PT, student, or healthcare leader, this episode will expand your view of the profession.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The day-to-day life of a military PTA in the Air Force
• Why only 8% of “4Js” are licensed PTAs — and how to change that
• Key differences between military and civilian PTAs
• Surprising roles: from wound care to battlefield acupuncture
• Joel’s advice for future PTAs and students entering the profession

00:00 – Intro & welcome

02:00 – Joel’s background and role in the Air Force

04:25 – Why Joel pursued PTA and his path to PT school

05:50 – A day in the life of a military PTA

08:30 – What PTAs do in military treatment facilities (MTFs)

10:45 – Leadership roles: NCIOC and beyond

12:40 – Mentorship and guidance in the PTA journey

15:30 – Challenges of licensing for military PTAs

17:00 – How civilian programs can support military PTAs

20:30 – Unique military responsibilities (wound care, casting, more)

22:15 – Battlefield Acupuncture explained

25:10 – Joel’s advice for PTA students and future clinicians

28:30 – Lessons learned from military and PTA leadership

30:45 – Final thoughts & closing

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 clinical leadership with personal life
• Burnout prevention strategies for PTs and PTAs

⏱️ Episode Chapters

00:00 – Welcome & introduction

02:30 – Macie’s PTA journey and background

05:00 – From PTA school to clinic director

08:00 – Mentorship and leadership lessons learned

12:30 – Advocacy & PTA reimbursement challenges

16:30 – Balancing leadership with avoiding burnout

20:00 – Personal life: motocross & fostering dogs

24:00 – Advice for new PTAs and young professionals

28:00 – Why advocacy matters in physical therapy

32:00 – Burnout prevention strategies that actually work

36:00 – Closing thoughts & how to connect with Macie

Whether you’re a student, new grad, or seasoned clinician, Macie’s story highlights how PTAs can step into leadership roles, grow professionally, and still make time for life outside the clinic.

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
• ✅ Who this program is best suited for
• ✅ Why PTAs should ask the right questions before making the leap

Chapters / Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Why PTAs are asking about the DPT path

01:28 – Meet Erin Forekleas, Program Director at New England Tech

02:57 – What makes the PTA → DPT Bridge program unique

06:24 – The PTA identity: Why some don’t pursue the DPT (and why some do)

14:03 – Breaking down career pathways for PTAs

17:29 – The bachelor’s degree advantage

26:58 – Addressing workforce shortages in physical therapy

30:30 – 27-month timeline explained

33:10 – Why hybrid learning works for working PTAs

41:37 – “Second chances” and exploring new specialties

44:25 – Hybrid learning: synchronous vs asynchronous

49:06 – Curriculum breakdown for PTA → DPT students

53:00 – Addressing concerns about new programs

58:07 – Final advice: Ask the right questions, find the right fit

01:04:23 – Closing thoughts: Just hit the start button

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 volunteer work with the Special Olympics and Red Cross has shaped her perspective and why she’s so committed to helping the next generation of PTAs thrive.

Guest: Samantha Laswell

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 trailblazer who’s rewriting the script on what it means to be a PTA. She shares her powerful journey through massage therapy, military service, clinical care, and into education and leadership — including a game-changing moment when she was told, “We want YOU” by the APTA.

Whether you're a PTA, DPT, student, or clinic owner, Jessica’s story will inspire you to stop waiting for permission and start showing up where you belong.

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 platform designed to elevate the voice of Physical Therapist Assistants and help them grow personally and professionally.

We talk about:

• How PTAs can grow beyond the clinic
• The inspiration behind launching PTA+
• Katie’s journey from clinician to clinical educator and thought leader
• Why representation matters at every level — including the APTA House of Delegates
• The skills PTAs need right now to thrive in skilled nursing, outpatient, and leadership roles

If you're a PTA, student, or educator, this one’s for you.

Guest: Leah Voorhies