Building a career in physical therapy
As a licensed physical therapist assistant, Patrick Butiong helps people move through pain and regain their confidence—one thoughtful exercise at a time. Now, with plans to pursue a doctorate in physical therapy, he's ready to do even more.
Discovering the Right Fit
After earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology from University of Illinois at Chicago, Patrick wasn’t sure where he’d find his fit in the health care industry—until a conversation with his uncle, a physical therapist, opened his eyes to the field. “He was so passionate about his work,” Patrick recalled. “The way he could use what he learned in school to help people get better through exercises and educating them on how to improve their daily function.”
Once enrolled in Oakton’s Physical Therapist Assistant program, it didn’t take long for Patrick to feel confidence in his choice. “Probably the first semester,” he said. “The stuff I was learning—I knew I’d actually use it later on. But it wasn’t just that. The people I met along the way, I’m still close friends with them. That really changed everything. It made it easier—sharing experiences, helping each other out, asking questions. That kind of community really made a difference.”
Clinical Experience Changes Everything
Oakton’s PTA program is intense—but also transformative. “The program was hard,” he said. “It’s a lot of content, and you can’t just learn it once and forget it. But if it’s something you want to do, then it’s worth it.”
What made the biggest difference for him? The combination of great teachers and hands-on clinical work. “The teachers gave us confidence in our abilities. They prepared us to become successful clinicians,” he said. “And clinicals are where you get to apply what you’ve learned. That’s where you really build your character as a clinician.”
His experience with clinicals inspired him to give back. Recently, he was able to serve as a clinical instructor for a current Oakton PTA student. “I was thankful for the clinicians who mentored me,” he said. “So I wanted to be that person for someone else.”
A Complex Career Keeps You Learning
Patrick enjoys working in an outpatient clinic because of its diversity and challenge. “You can treat stroke, neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, low back pain, plantar fasciitis… you name it,” he said. “Every patient is different. Even if they have the same diagnosis, what I do to treat them might be completely different. That’s what I love—it challenges me every day. I use my critical thinking and what I learned in school to help improve their function.”
One of the most rewarding areas for him is treating back pain. “It’s tricky, but I’ve done a lot of research and built confidence with it,” he said. “Even if I’m not always able to get rid of the pain completely, I can help people manage it and feel better.”
Looking Ahead with Purpose
Patrick is preparing to return to school to earn his Doctorate in Physical Therapy. “As a PTA, I can implement treatment, but I can’t diagnose,” he explained. “With a doctorate, I’ll be able to figure out exactly what’s going on with a patient, do special tests, and take the next steps. That will help me reach more people.”
The road ahead will require balance—working full-time while studying—but he’s ready. “One of my coworkers told me, study every night after work and just keep going. That’s my plan too,” he said. “It's never too late to chase your dreams. Anything worthwhile in life will take sacrifice and hard work but if you are ambitious and driven enough, anything is possible.”