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John Austin, PTA
Physical Therapist Assistant, Assistant Clinic Director
I spent approximately 15 years working as a personal trainer, building a diverse and rewarding career within the fitness industry. Over that time, I gained experience in a wide range of roles, including developing and leading employee wellness programs designed to improve workplace health, reduce injury risk, and increase overall productivity. I also took the entrepreneurial route and owned and operated an independent personal training studio, where I was responsible not only for coaching clients but also for managing business operations, marketing, client retention, and program design. These experiences allowed me to develop strong skills in individualized program development, client education, motivational coaching, and long-term relationship building.
While I found great fulfillment in helping clients improve their strength, mobility, and overall health, I increasingly felt drawn toward a more clinical setting where I could play a deeper role in rehabilitation and recovery. For several years, I considered transitioning from fitness into the physical therapy field, recognizing how closely aligned it was with my passion for movement science and helping people regain function after injury. With the encouragement and support of my wife, I officially began pursuing that goal in the summer of 2023.
I completed my education as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) at Pima Medical Institute, where I developed a strong foundation in anatomy, therapeutic exercise, manual techniques, patient care, and evidence-based rehabilitation practices. Following graduation, I joined the team at Moore Physical Therapy in Gold Canyon. In this role, I have been able to combine my extensive background in fitness with clinical rehabilitation skills, helping patients recover from injury, improve mobility, reduce pain, and return to the activities that matter most to them.
Throughout my 15-year career as a personal trainer, I held the NSCA Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT) credential, which served as the professional foundation of my work in the fitness industry. During that time, I applied evidence-based principles of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and program design to help clients safely improve strength, mobility, and overall performance. Maintaining that certification required a commitment to continuing education and professional development, which strengthened my ability to assess movement, identify imbalances, and design individualized programs. Although that chapter of my career has concluded, the knowledge and experience I gained as an NSCA-CPT continue to directly inform my clinical reasoning and exercise prescription as a Physical Therapist Assistant.
Earlier in my professional journey, I worked in medical equipment delivery, where I assisted patients and families with the setup, instruction, and safe use of durable medical equipment. This role provided meaningful exposure to healthcare settings and offered insight into the challenges individuals face following surgery, injury, or the progression of chronic conditions. It helped me develop clear communication skills, patience, and empathy while reinforcing the importance of safety and proper technique—principles that remain central to my current practice.
I also served as a corrections officer, an experience that helped shape my professionalism, composure, and ability to function effectively in high-pressure environments. Working in a structured and often demanding setting strengthened my situational awareness, communication skills, and commitment to maintaining safety for those under my supervision. It required consistency, accountability, and teamwork—qualities that translate directly into collaborative healthcare environments.
Each phase of my career has contributed to the clinician I am today. From structured security work to healthcare support roles to a long-standing career in fitness, these experiences have provided a diverse and practical foundation that supports my ability to deliver compassionate, informed, and patient-centered care in physical therapy.
I believe leadership in healthcare extends beyond clinical skill; it requires mentorship, clear communication, and a commitment to supporting both patients and team members in reaching their highest potential. I value resilience in the face of challenges and work to create an environment where individuals feel respected, encouraged, and empowered throughout the rehabilitation process.
Above all, I am dedicated to delivering high-quality care that restores function, builds confidence, and helps patients return to the activities that matter most to them. I remain committed to professional excellence, team development, and lifelong learning, while honoring the foundational importance of family and personal integrity in all that I do.
“Leadership is Influence, nothing more and nothing less” — John C. Maxwell
Many patients struggle with pain and functional limitations that keep them from daily activities. I focus on rehabilitation strategies to reduce pain, restore function, and help them return to the activities they value most.
I enjoy treating all patient types with appropriate manual therapy.
I love working here because I enjoy the values and culture of our company and clinic.
What’s John Reading, Listening To, or Watching?
- It’s a Wonderful Life (Movie)
- Leadership (Book Genre)
When I’m not working, I love exercising, sleeping, and spending time with my wife.
