Maestro on the Mic

MOTM #170: The PTA Project

Monday, December 23rd, 2019

You asked for it, so here ya go.

So many people ask me what its like to be a PTA or whether they should go to PTA school rather than getting their DPT, but I have one major problem: I’m not a PTA, and I’ve never worked with a PTA. I honestly have no clue what being a physical therapist assistant entails, so I found four experts to do what I can't, and tell you themselves.

My guests this week range from a current PTA student, to 20-year PTA veterans and can tell you everything you need to know about the PTA life and why it may or may not be the career for you.

Real talk, if this episode doesn't answer your question, the answer doesn't exist. 

In This Episode You'll Hear:

Heather Ballard

  • Heather’s non-traditional way in to PTA school
  • What life is like in PTA school
  • Integrating a yoga & movement background
  • The benefits of being a PTA over a PT

TJ Knowles

  • Choosing the PTA path
  • Continuing education
  • A collaborative process with PTs
  • Learning how to communicate with patients
  • Would TJ ever go back to school?

Amy Manuel

  • How Amy found her way into becoming a PTA
  • How to nurture the PT/PTA relationship
  • Implementing continuing-ed
  • Why being a PTA is the best first career
  • Other careers available to PTAs
  • Should you go to PTA school?

Janessa Niemeyer

  • Making the choice to go from PTA to PT
  • Balancing work and PT school
  • Does becoming a PT give you more autonomy?
  • Choosing your schooling based on your goals
  • Know your WHY

Links & Resources For This Episode:

Heather:
Heather Ballard on Facebook
Connect with Heather on Instagram: @HeatherReneeBallard
heatherballardyoga@gmail.com
TJ:
tknowles@choicetherapy1.com
Connect with TJ on Instagram: @tj_knowles005
Amy:
manuel.amy@gmail.com
Janessa:
janessaniemeyer@gmail.com

Join the family!