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.Guest BioMarc 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.Key TakeawaysWhy PTAs need a seat at the table in professional settingsThe power of networking at conferences like CSMHow PTA education is evolvingReal-world collaboration between PTs and PTAsPractical tips for maximizing conference experiencesResources MentionedPTA+ Website: https://ptaplus.comMedBridge (Code: PTA Plus)Subscribe & Follow (PTA+)Website: https://www.ptapluspodcast.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ptapluspodcast/videosInstagram (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-0725Special 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 challengedHow flexible pathways support working studentsThe role of clinicians in early student skill developmentHow innovation can help solve PTA workforce shortagesWhat the future could look like for PTA → DPT pathwaysSubscribe & Follow (PTA+)Website: https://www.ptapluspodcast.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ptapluspodcast/videosInstagram (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-0725Special 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 modelsReducing cognitive overload for PTA studentsIncreasing accessibility without sacrificing clinical excellenceThe importance of early leadership development in PTA programsHow PTA and DPT collaboration improves patient care outcomesWhy PTA representation at national conferences mattersThis episode is a must-listen for PTA students, educators, and clinicians looking to stay ahead of the profession.Subscribe & Follow (PTA+)Website: https://www.ptapluspodcast.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ptapluspodcast/videosInstagram (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-0725Special 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 LearnWhy CSM is a career catalyst for Physical Therapist AssistantsThe power of networking and hallway conversationsHow PTA leadership develops over timeWhy advocacy starts with showing upHow to overcome fear and step into leadership rolesSubscribe & Follow (PTA+)Website: https://www.ptapluspodcast.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ptapluspodcast/videosInstagram (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-0725Special 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.What You’ll Learn:Why PTAs need to take ownership of their career growthThe evolution of opportunities for Physical Therapist AssistantsHow CSM can impact PTA networking and developmentThe importance of advocacy and representationSimple mindset shifts that lead to big career movesGuest:Andy CisnerosPTA Council Representative (Texas)Talent Acquisition LeaderSubscribe & Follow (PTA+)Website: https://www.ptapluspodcast.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ptapluspodcast/videosInstagram (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-0725Special Thanks to:Thanks to US Physical Therapy for hosting PTA+ at CSM.MedBridge users: Visit ptapluspodcast.com for your exclusive discount code: PTAPLUS

Burnout in physical therapy is real—and it’s pushing many clinicians to rethink their careers.In this episode of the PTA+ Podcast, we sit down live from CSM with Andrew Schofner, CEO of PtEverywhere, to explore how cash-based and hybrid care models are creating new opportunities for Physical Therapist Assistants.Andrew shares insights on:Why traditional insurance-based models are becoming unsustainableHow PTAs can expand into wellness and cash-based servicesWhat it looks like to start a side hustle or independent pathThe mindset shift required to take control of your careerThis episode is especially valuable for PTAs who feel stuck, burned out, or curious about what else is possible in the profession.PtEverywhere:https://www.pteverywhere.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/pteverywhere/posts/?feedView=allSubscribe & Follow (PTA+)Website: https://www.ptapluspodcast.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ptapluspodcast/videosInstagram (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-0725Special 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 recorded live at CSM, we sit down with returning guest Drew Wilcox, a Physical Therapist Assistant, educator, and researcher, to tackle one of the biggest issues in the profession: the broken pathway from PTA to DPT.Drew shares a powerful vision for the future of physical therapy education — one that removes unnecessary barriers, reduces cost, and creates a unified pathway for clinicians to grow.We discuss:Why PTA and DPT education are still siloedThe real barriers preventing PTAs from advancingHow AI is changing education and curriculum designThe lack of PTA-specific research in key areasWhy PTAs should get credit for prior learningA new “highway model” for career progressionThis episode is essential listening for Physical Therapist Assistants, PTA students, and clinicians looking to expand their impact and career opportunities.Subscribe & Follow (PTA+)Website: https://www.ptapluspodcast.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ptapluspodcast/videosInstagram (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-0725Special 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, we explore how AI and Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) are transforming the role of the Physical Therapist Assistant.Host Katie Sutton sits down with Ellen Morello, U.S. General Manager at EverEx, to unpack how hybrid care models are expanding access, reducing burnout, and creating new opportunities for PTAs.You’ll learn:What RTM actually looks like in daily practiceHow PTAs contribute to patient outcomes in hybrid careWhy AI is becoming a critical clinical toolThe skills needed to transition into remote PTA rolesWhat the next 5–10 years of physical therapy could look likeGuest Information:Ellen MorelloU.S. General Manager, EverEXLeader in digital health, AI, and remote therapeutic monitoringhttps://everex.ai/https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-morello/Subcribe and Follow PTA+:Website: https://www.ptapluspodcast.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ptapluspodcast/videosInstagram (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-0725MedBridge users: Visit ptapluspodcast.com for your exclusive discount code: PTAPLUS

In this episode of the PTA+ Podcast, Katie interviews Valerie Bueschlein, a Physical Therapist Assistant working in outpatient neurological rehabilitation who also serves as a spinal cord injury caregiver and patient advocate.Valerie shares the deeply personal story of her husband’s catastrophic injury and how it reshaped her understanding of rehabilitation, caregiving, and advocacy.Through that experience she learned that injuries affect far more than the patient — they impact caregivers, families, and entire communities.That perspective led her to co-create the “You’re Not Alone Podcast: Understanding Life With a Disability,” a platform that allows people recovering from neurological injury to share their stories and support others navigating a new normal.In this episode we explore:The caregiver perspective in rehabilitationWhy PTAs must understand life outside the clinicThe creation of the You're Not Alone PodcastGiving a voice to people living with disabilityThe importance of community support after injuryThis conversation is an important reminder for Physical Therapist Assistants and rehab clinicians that true patient-centered care includes caregivers, families, and lived experience.Subscribe & Follow (PTA+)Website: https://www.ptapluspodcast.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ptapluspodcast/videosInstagram (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-0725Special Thanks to:Thanks to US Physical Therapy for hosting PTA+ at CSM.MedBridge users: Visit ptapluspodcast.com for your exclusive discount code: PTAPLUS

Clinician wellness isn’t just about self-care, it’s about leadership, ethics, and systems that either protect or drain healthcare professionals.In this live conversation from CSM, Lisa Kohler, PT and Ohio Physical Therapy Association board member, discusses a new national survey exploring wellness across the therapy profession, including Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs), who have historically been left out of research.Five years after COVID, clinicians are still reporting anxiety, burnout, and moral injury. This study aims to identify the biggest needs, from emotional well-being to financial stress, and guide meaningful resources at the chapter, state, and national level.If you’ve ever felt like surveys only focus on patients and productivity, this one focuses on you!Survey InformationExploring Wellness in the Physical Therapy Community: Identifying Needs and OpportunitiesTake the survey here:https://osu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cUeyaQiAZRcfbamCo-Investigators:Tonya Apke, PT, DPT, NBC-HWCCara Berg-Carramusa, PT, MSPT, EdDSubscribe & Follow (PTA+)Website: https://www.ptapluspodcast.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ptapluspodcast/videosInstagram (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-0725Special Thanks to:Thanks to US Physical Therapy for hosting PTA+ at CSM.MedBridge users: Visit ptapluspodcast.com for your exclusive discount code: PTAPLUS