PTA+ Podcast

A podcast for Physical Therapist Assistants by Physical Therapist Assistants.

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Aug. 17, 2026

The 800 Mindset: NPTE Prep, Active Recall & Becoming a Better Clinician

Dillinger Carr didn’t approach the NPTE with the goal of simply getting through it. He decided to see how close he could get to the highest achievable score—and earned an 800. But this conversation isn’t really about chasing a number. It’s about what happens when students stop relying on passive studying and start building systems designed for retention, application, and long-term clinical growth. Dillinger, a practicing PTA and student physical therapist, joins Katie Sutton to share how he u

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Aug. 10, 2026

The Business of Physical Therapy: What Every PTA Should Know

What does a physical therapist assistant have to do with the business success of a physical therapy practice? More than you might think. On this episode of PTA+, Katie sits down with Paul Martin, founder and president of Martin Healthcare Advisors, for a conversation about the side of physical therapy many clinicians never learn in school: the business behind patient care. Paul has spent decades helping rehabilitation businesses grow, improve operations, build value, and navigate partnerships

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Aug. 3, 2026

Clinicians Don't Leave Because of Burnout, They Leave Because They Lose Control

Many clinicians believe burnout is the biggest reason PTs and PTAs leave the profession, but Ben Keeton argues the real issue is something deeper. In this episode, Ben shares why career longevity depends on mentorship, leadership, self-efficacy, and creating opportunities that give clinicians greater control over their time, income, and purpose. Katie and Ben also discuss: Creating careers that last 30 years Why mentorship matters early Leadership beyond job titles Why PTAs are uniquely po

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July 27, 2026

Your PTA License Isn't a Limitation: Build The Career You Want

Not every successful PTA follows a straight path. In this episode, Katie Sutton welcomes Abby Anderson to discuss how curiosity, lifelong learning, and leadership created a career that spans fitness, Pilates, pelvic health, advocacy, and clinical practice. Abby shares how each career experience prepared her for the next—and why PTAs shouldn't feel pressured to fit inside a single job description. They discuss: Following curiosity instead of rigid career plans Investing in certifications and

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July 20, 2026

Why Every PTA Should Volunteer: Leadership, Service & Special Olympics

What happens when you simply keep saying "yes"? Katie Sutton welcomes Rachel Winthrop, PTA, to discuss an incredible professional journey filled with leadership, advocacy, service, and a passion for helping others. Rachel shares how volunteering through APTA and Special Olympics Healthy Athletes expanded her career while reminding her why she became a PTA in the first place. Whether you're looking for new career inspiration or searching for meaningful ways to serve your community, this episod

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May 13, 2026

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 ed

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About the Host

Katie Sutton

Physical Therapist Assistant

Mrs. Katie Sutton, PTA, MA is a Physical Therapist Assistant with over 20 years of clinical and academic experience. She now serves as an Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Education (DCE) in PTA education, where she specializes in professional development and clinical education.

Her clinical experience is in outpatient orthopedics, but her passion has evolved into shaping the next generation of PTAs. A dedicated advocate for service and professional growth, Katie has volunteered extensively at both the state and national levels, contributing to numerous committees within the Ohio Chapter and APTA.

Katie represented Ohio as the PTA Council Representative and OPTA Board Member from 2022-2025, with one year serving on APTA’s PTA Council Steering Group. In 2025, she became the first PTA elected to serve as a Delegate for the Ohio Physical Therapy Association.

Outside the classroom and committee rooms, Katie is the creator, producer, and host of the PTA+ Podcast, where she highlights PTs and PTAs who elevate the profession and themselves, beyond the job title.