Macomb PTA student earns statewide recognition
Friday, December 12, 2025 12:00 AM
Blog Highlights
- Macomb student Rachel Lambert was recently recognized as a 2025 Outstanding Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) student.
- Rachel was one of only four students in Michigan to receive the recognition, which celebrates her academic excellence and dedication to patient care.
Rachel Lambert among Michigan’s top PTA students for 2025
When Macomb student Rachel Lambert first stepped into a physical therapy clinic as a teenager recovering from a sports injury, she never imagined it would shape her future.
Today, Rachel is being celebrated as a 2025 Outstanding Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Student by the American Physical Therapy Association’s Michigan chapter.
This honor celebrates Rachel’s academic success, her dedication to the profession and her contributions to the PTA community.
Nominated by Macomb’s PTA faculty, Rachel was one of only four students statewide to receive this recognition.
“It was incredibly fulfilling to be acknowledged not just by my faculty, but at the state level,” she said. “It reminded me of how far I’ve come and how much I’ve grown.”
What does a physical therapy assistant do?
A physical therapy assistant (PTA) is a licensed health care professional who works under the supervision of a physical therapist. Their role is to help patients recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions and improve mobility.
“A PTA is essentially an extension of a physical therapist,” Rachel said. “We carry out treatments based on evaluations done by physical therapists, and we’re constantly learning and adapting to meet patient needs. I often compare the PTA/PT relationship to that of a physician assistant and a doctor.”
Rachel’s journey from patient to PTA
Rachel’s interest in physical therapy began when she accompanied her grandparents to therapy sessions. After a sports-related injury in high school, she became a patient herself, which sparked her interest even more.
Initially pursuing a bachelor’s degree with plans to become a physical therapist, Rachel shifted her focus to the PTA path because of the high cost of earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.
Even though she lives in Wixom, Rachel opted to study at Macomb. She said she appreciates the support she receives from her small group cohort, Macomb’s faculty and the fast pace of learning.
“I would encourage everyone thinking about a career as a Physical Therapist Assistant to research all of the programs in the state and find one that adheres to their values and lifestyle,” she said. “Find the program that feels like home to you.”
Rachel expects to graduate in May and will then sit for the national board exams. She currently works as a physical therapy technician at Team Rehabilitation, splitting her time between offices in Farmington Hills and Novi.
Interested in a career as a PTA? Learn more about Macomb’s Physical Therapist Assistant program by visiting our webpage.
When Macomb student Rachel Lambert first stepped into a physical therapy clinic as a teenager recovering from a sports injury, she never imagined it would shape her future.
Today, Rachel is being celebrated as a 2025 Outstanding Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Student by the American Physical Therapy Association’s Michigan chapter.
This honor celebrates Rachel’s academic success, her dedication to the profession and her contributions to the PTA community.
Nominated by Macomb’s PTA faculty, Rachel was one of only four students statewide to receive this recognition.
“It was incredibly fulfilling to be acknowledged not just by my faculty, but at the state level,” she said. “It reminded me of how far I’ve come and how much I’ve grown.”
What does a physical therapy assistant do?
A physical therapy assistant (PTA) is a licensed health care professional who works under the supervision of a physical therapist. Their role is to help patients recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions and improve mobility.
“A PTA is essentially an extension of a physical therapist,” Rachel said. “We carry out treatments based on evaluations done by physical therapists, and we’re constantly learning and adapting to meet patient needs. I often compare the PTA/PT relationship to that of a physician assistant and a doctor.”
Rachel’s journey from patient to PTA
Rachel’s interest in physical therapy began when she accompanied her grandparents to therapy sessions. After a sports-related injury in high school, she became a patient herself, which sparked her interest even more.
Initially pursuing a bachelor’s degree with plans to become a physical therapist, Rachel shifted her focus to the PTA path because of the high cost of earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.
Even though she lives in Wixom, Rachel opted to study at Macomb. She said she appreciates the support she receives from her small group cohort, Macomb’s faculty and the fast pace of learning.
“I would encourage everyone thinking about a career as a Physical Therapist Assistant to research all of the programs in the state and find one that adheres to their values and lifestyle,” she said. “Find the program that feels like home to you.”
Rachel expects to graduate in May and will then sit for the national board exams. She currently works as a physical therapy technician at Team Rehabilitation, splitting her time between offices in Farmington Hills and Novi.
Interested in a career as a PTA? Learn more about Macomb’s Physical Therapist Assistant program by visiting our webpage.