About this episode

This episode discusses the broken pathway from PTA to DPT and proposes a redesign for physical therapy education.

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 siloed The real barriers preventing PTAs from advancing How AI is changing education and curriculum design The lack of PTA-specific research in key areas Why PTAs should get credit for prior learning A new “highway model” for career progression This 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/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…

People in this episode

Host: Katie Sutton

Guest: Drew Wilcox

Topics covered

• PTA to DPT pathway
• physical therapy education
• career progression
• AI in education
• barriers for PTAs

Keywords

• PTA
• DPT
• physical therapy
• education
• career progression
• AI
• research

Sponsors

US Physical Therapy

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