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

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

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.

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

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

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