Spotlight Series: PTA Instructors

How Three PTA Instructors Help Students Reach New Heights in Sacramento

Beata Sapeta, PT, PhD – PTA Program Director

Chrissy Hauer, PT, DPT – Director of Clinical Education

Larry Gray, PT – Assistant Professor

Ever since they joined the PTA program in Sacramento, Beata Sapeta, Chrissy Hauer, and Larry Gray have been a source of strength and positivity for their students. Their advice to aspiring PTAs rings true: “The road ahead may be intimidating and appear daunting at times, so intentionally choose success, and invest in yourself. Embrace the challenge and envision the accomplishment. Remember, challenges should be welcome, but the challenges are manageable.”

Read our latest installment to see why we’ve chosen three Sacramento instructors for the Spotlight Series.

What do you think are some unique advantages or benefits of this program?

Beata: The PTA Sacramento program is an accelerated program. The 20-month duration allows students to complete their education more quickly compared to traditional programs, enabling them to enter the workforce or pursue further education sooner. In addition, the individualized approach means that students can receive personalized attention and support tailored to their unique learning needs and goals.

This can lead to a more effective learning experience and better outcomes for students. Overall, these advantages make the accelerated program attractive for students looking to quickly gain valuable skills and knowledge in a supportive and modern educational environment.

Larry: Having experienced instructors means students can benefit from their wealth of knowledge and practical insights. Instructors like us have real-world experience in the field, which can greatly enhance the quality of education and provide valuable mentorship.

Chrissy: A brand-new facility with modern equipment ensures that students have access to the latest tools and technologies relevant to their field of study. This can enhance the learning experience and better prepare students for the demands of the industry.

How do you think your program prepares students for their future career?

Chrissy: Our program prepares students for their future careers by equipping them with a comprehensive education in modern physical therapy. At Unitek, we focus on learning essential skills, treatment methods, and developing confident communication skills to improve patient outcomes. By fostering a deep understanding of physical therapy topics and emphasizing practical skills, our program ensures students are well-prepared to meet the challenges of their future careers in physical therapy while positively contributing to the well-being of their patients.

What would you like people to know about the program?

Larry: Our Unitek PTA program is a comprehensive educational experience using the most up-to-date therapeutic equipment and educational technology to prepare our students to pass the national board exam and enter the clinic as competent entry-level PTA. We have a professional, no-nonsense approach, deliver a quality educational product, and have high expectations for each and every student.  We, as faculty, are dedicated and committed to excellence.

Any words of advice or inspiration you’d like to share?

Larry: The road ahead may be intimidating and appear daunting at times, so intentionally choose success, and invest in yourself. Embrace the challenge and envision the accomplishment. Remember, challenges should be welcome, but the challenges are manageable. Your success is our success, and it comes down to effort.  Commit yourself, enlist support, and remain balanced. Albert Einstein once said, “Life is like riding a bicycle. In order to keep balance, you have to keep going.”

Thank You!

Thank so much to Beata, Larry, and Chrissy for sharing words of wisdom to the next generation of Physical Therapist Assistants. We appreciate their perseverance as well as the efforts of so many other healthcare workers across the globe. Throughout history, healthcare and EMS workers have always been the true heroes of our communities.

We’re so thankful for Beata, Larry, and Chrissy’s insight into the PTA program at Unitek College. Keep up the great work!