When it comes to pursuing a career as a physical therapist assistant, it's never too late. Just ask the people who, often in middle age and after being successful in other areas, decided it was time to remake themselves as PTAs.
In the July edition of PT in Motion magazine, Associate Editor Eric Ries takes a look at PTAs who have taken up physical therapy as a second career. Their stories reveal varied circumstances leading to the decision to become a PTA but a shared satisfaction with their new profession. Featured in the article are:
- David Emerick, PTA, BBA, who ran a marine construction company and whose PTA interest was piqued when he volunteered to roleplay as a patient to help his wife, then attending PTA school herself
- Gail Newsome, PTA, BBA, owner of a marketing company who encountered physical therapy after a breast cancer diagnosis, and who entered PTA school at 55
- Walter Latapie, PTA, business manager and owner of an auto repair shop who says, "I used to fix cars. Now I help fix people"
- Angie Sawdy, PTA, BS, who sold real estate with her husband but whose background in ballet and yoga pulled her toward the PTA path
- Lisa Zemaitis, PTA, BS, former cosmetologist and stay-at-home mom who fulfilled a promise she made to a physical therapist who helped her overcome a rotator cuff tear
- Chris Garland, PTA, BS, who worked as a graphic designer but had been intrigued by physical therapy after seeing how it helped her mother recover from dual anterior cruciate ligament repair
- Doug Slick, PTA, BM, a working musician whose transition to PTA allowed him to pursue a career he loves while rediscovering the joy of music—this time as a hobby, not a job
"First Choice for a Second Career" is featured in the July issue of PT in Motion and is open to all viewers—pass it along to nonmember colleagues to show them 1 of the benefits of belonging to APTA. Printed editions of the magazine are mailed to all members who have not opted out; digital versions are available online to members.
