Uncategorized – ATI Physical Therapy Careers Blog

Fighting for the Future of Physical Therapy and Occupational…

March 5, 2026

At ATI, our leaders remain committed to the causes that impact our industry and the current and future professionals at the heart of it. Recently, Chief Clinical and Strategy Officer Chuck Thigpen, PhD, PT, ATC, spoke out against the January 29, 2026, proposed rule by the U.S. Department of Education to reclassify physical and occupational therapy as a “graduate degree program” for federal student loan purposes. He urged others to advocate for the future of the physical therapy and occupational therapy professions.

Understanding the Potential Impact

At a time when the profession is already facing nationwide workforce clinician shortages, Thigpen encouraged the ATI organization and his professional network to speak out to protect the future of rehab for our patients and ourselves as providers. Ramifications of this reclassification include:

Embracing the Next Step in Leadership

July 1, 2025

At ATI, we offer clinicians several pathways to create the career they want, including growing from clinician to clinic director to overseeing multiple clinics. Recently promoted Multisite Clinic Director (MSCD) Vidit Atul Phanse has learned that navigating the transition from running a single clinic to multiple locations has presented its challenges, but it is ultimately a rewarding experience.

Using Telehealth to Increase Awareness for Dance Therapy

July 1, 2025

Telerehab Physical Therapist Catherine Vargo is taking her mission to help dancers out of the studio and moving it online. Still in her first year at ATI as a telerehab PT, Catherine brought her talents as a dance physical therapist to ATI to expand access for those who express their art through movement.

A former dancer, Catherine decided to pursue physical therapy after being treated for an injury. “The PTs I worked with were good, but they didn’t ‘get it,'” Catherine explained. “I knew there had to be people that ‘got it’ like there are therapists who understand football, basketball, or soccer. That’s why before Day One, I have always told others I wanted to be a PT that takes care of dancers.”