Alumni Spotlight

Tim Thompson

Tim Thompson, a graduate of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program is our featured September Alumni! Tim really enjoys the diversity of his job and career, “this type of career is ALWAYS changing, and I love how we are always having to learn”. 

 Where have you worked since you graduated and where do you currently work? 
Tim graduated in November 2016 and is working at Physical Therapy West as a licensed PTA, CAFS, 3DMAPS; a company that believes that life is full of surprises, misfortunes, disappointments and challenges but they need not hold you back from living life your way.

Tim’s current credentials include licensed PTA, CAFS (Certification in Applied Functional Science), and 3DMAPS (Three-Dimensional Movement Analysis and Performance Systems).

What type of things do you do there day to day?
I work with a variety of injuries from sprains to total knee/hip replacements. From ACL reconstruction to lumbar fusions. There’s never a dull moment. 

 What do you like about your career?
I’m always working with a variety of injuries that make me think of new ways to get my patients better- faster. This type of career is ALWAYS changing, and I love how we are always having to learn. 

 What advice can you give current students and new graduates that can help them be successful?
Never stop learning or asking questions. e open to new things and go the extra mile. “The second you think you’re the smartest in the room, you’re the dumbest.” This quote holds true to so many areas. Accept constructive criticism and use it as a building block. Go to EVERY extra learning opportunity presented or offered to you. It will benefit you like you won’t believe.

What are your career goals for the future?
To become a GIFT Fellow, if the cards fall right, to work someday with a professional sports team.

(GIFT is a 40-week mentorship program in Applied Functional Science®. GIFT provides Certification in Functional Manual Reaction® (FMR) as part of the 40-week mentorship program, as well as being credentialed and recognized as a Fellow of Applied Functional Science® (FAFS).

How did Casa Loma College help you get where you are today?
Casa Loma definitely helped prepare me for this career. The teaching is great, and they do an amazing job at helping their grads find jobs.

What was your experience like getting a job after you graduated? 
I definitely needed to have my resume ready to go. Casa Loma was very helpful in providing leads for businesses looking for PTA’s. I was able to have several interviews lined up in the first few weeks after graduating and was lucky enough to get a great job in one of the first few interviews that I did.

Did you find a job right away? 
I was able to get a job within the first three to four interviews. I was very lucky to snatch up such a great job.

What are some highlights from your time at Casa Loma College?
Building such good relationships with my instructors – I can go to any one of them for advice or just swing by the campus to chat and it’s a great time! I am so thankful for EVERY single instructor and the knowledge that they passed on- it has helped me out in the field immensely!!

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to spend time at the Magic Castle. I have the opportunity to perform magic for others, I do that as well. I also try to stay as active as possible outside of work.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?
Never limit yourself to one thing. Whether that be a specific kind of job, style of treating or ability to absorb criticism. Always be open to new things – it may be something that opens new doors for you that you never thought possible.