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.

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