PTA+ Physical Therapist Assistant

Your Physical Therapist Assistant career can be bigger than a job title—and Sara Conrad is living proof. Sara shares how she built a career blending outpatient ortho, sports performance, ethics, leadership, and education while staying rooted in patient care.You’ll hear:How Sara found the PTA path through a truly nonlinear journeyWhat licensure boards actually do (and how they differ from association work)How FSBPT involvement can open doors for PTAsWhy ethics and leadership aren’t “extra”—they’re part of practicing wellHow to take the first step if “boards and legislation” sounds intimidatingGuestSara Conrad, PTA, ART — Twin Cities Orthopedics Twin Cities OrthopedicsResources MentionedMinnesota Board of Physical Therapy — Sara’s bio mn.gov // Minnesota's State PortalParadis Sport — Sara’s feature Paradis Sport+1APTA — Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapy Profession (effective Jan 1, 2026) American Physical Therapy Association+1Afton Trail Run interview (2019 Afton 50K Winner) Afton Trail RunConnect with SaraLinkedIn: LinkedIn

Jessica Hochberg proves that being a PTA is not a limitation - it is a launchpad. In this episode, Katie talks with Jessica (former Director of Rehab, certified stroke rehab and fall prevention specialist, and MBA in healthcare management) about the career moves PTAs are not always taught: how to build leadership skills, reframe your transferable strengths, and pursue non-clinical paths like quality, documentation review, and health tech.In this episode, we cover:Why leadership roles often default to PT, OT, or SLP, and how PTAs can still riseThe evaluation barrier and what it means for career laddersReal-world value of documentation, compliance, and quality improvement workHealth tech roles PTAs can pursue (product, sales, clinical support)How to rewrite your resume in business language (numbers, outcomes, impact)Using LinkedIn strategically to learn, connect, and find opportunitiesLetting go of guilt: leaving bedside care does not mean you stopped caringMyth vs Reality game and Jessicas PTA+ Point hero momentLinks and mentions:Guest: Jessica HochbergLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-hochberg-mba-pta-csrs-cfps-b14106220/Host: Katie Sutton / PTA+Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093326902910Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pta_plus/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-sutton-0725/ Mentioned:APTA Advanced Proficiency Pathways (APP) and volunteer opportunitieshttps://www.apta.org/for-ptas/pta-advanced-proficiency-pathwaysMentioned:The Non-Clinical PThttps://thenonclinicalpt.com/

What actually increases your worth as a PTA—and how do you make it happen on purpose?In this episode of PTA+, host Katie Sutton sits down with Sanaz Holcomb, PTA, BS, to explore the developmental pathways that help PTAs grow their skills, expand their influence, and increase their professional value.Sanaz breaks down several powerful opportunities available to PTAs, including:APTA PTA Advanced Proficiency Pathways (APPs)LIFE Series Leadership Academy through the Ohio Physical Therapy AssociationLAMP Leadership through the APTA Academy of Leadership and InnovationAs a home health PTA with extensive experience in outpatient physical therapy, Sanaz brings a well-rounded perspective on how leadership, mentorship, and professional development translate across settings.This conversation goes beyond certifications and titles. Sanaz shares how both giving and receiving mentorship reshaped her career path—and how stepping into leadership roles at the state and national level changed what she believed was possible as a PTA. She also discusses her current role as one of eight members of the newly formed APTA PTA Council Steering Group, helping guide the future of PTA representation.You’ll hear about:how advanced proficiency pathways actually workwhy leadership development increases real-world value—not just résumésthe role mentorship plays in career momentumadvocacy, patient networks, and professional visibilityhow PTAs can be intentional about growth instead of waiting to be “picked”If you’re looking for a clearer roadmap to professional growth—and want to increase your impact, confidence, and worth as a PTA—this episode delivers practical insight and inspiration.???? Resources & ContactFollow Sanaz Holcomb on Twitter: @sanaz_armandAPTA PTA Advanced Proficiency Pathways:https://www.apta.org/for-ptas/pta-advanced-proficiency-pathwaysAPTA Academy of Leadership and Innovation (LAMP):https://www.aptahpa.org/page/LAMPOhio Physical Therapy Association LIFE Series Leadership Academy:https://www.ohiopt.org/page/LIFESeriesLeadershipContact the host:Katie Sutton — klsutton0725@gmail.comFollow Katie on Twitter: @ksuttonpta

What does it take to break through barriers as a PTA—and still build a life that feels full?In this episode of PTA+, host Katie Sutton sits down with Chris Junkins, PTA, ATC/L, co-owner of Dosher Physical Therapy Associates in upstate South Carolina, for an honest conversation about leadership, resilience, and saying yes to opportunity.Chris shares his journey as a PTA clinician working with athletes, testing employees for industry roles, and stepping into ownership—along with the real barriers he had to overcome along the way. We talk about what holds PTAs back, how to push past those limits, and what leadership actually looks like in the real world.Beyond the clinic, Chris opens up about the things that fuel him: outdoor adventure, good food, live music, and his roots in Georgia and South Carolina (plus the unexpected confession of being a Yankees fan).He also shares a book that deeply shaped his mindset—Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand—and gives a heartfelt shout-out to a group of PTAs who’ve influenced his career and become lifelong friends: David Emerick, Russell Stowers, John Linberger, Debbie Bormann, Juli Robine, Cherie Metz, and Nancy Brox-Koftan, known together as The Barefoot Gang.Listeners will walk away inspired by Chris’s adventurous spirit, his commitment to growth, and a clearer picture of what’s possible when PTAs lean into leadership—both professionally and personally.

Susan Lukens speaks with Katie about LAMP Leadership and the APTA's Academy of Leadership and Innovation. You can learn more about this topics HERE:https://www.aptaali.org/page/LAMPCertificateProgramshttps://www.aptaali.org/