Take Your Seat at the Table: A PTA’s Guide to Growth

What Every PTA Should Learn From Conferences Like CSM

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 Bio 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. Key Takeaways * 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 Resources Mentioned * PTA+ Website: https://ptaplus.com [https://ptaplus.com] * MedBridge (Code: PTA Plus) Subscribe & Follow (PTA+) 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

Making PTA Education Work for Real Life (Not the Other Way Around)

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 Subscribe & Follow (PTA+) 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

Reimagining PTA Education for the Modern Student with Holly Clynch and Jessica Scholl

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. Subscribe & Follow (PTA+) 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

Stop Waiting: PTAs Need to Show Up and Speak Up

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 Subscribe & Follow (PTA+) 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

Take Your Seat at the Table: A PTA’s Guide to Growth

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 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 Guest: Andy Cisneros PTA Council Representative (Texas) Talent Acquisition Leader Subscribe & Follow (PTA+) 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