Student loans are changing — and 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for PTs, OTs, and other healthcare professionals. In this episode, Amirra is joined by Noah O’Dell, founder of the Personal Finance for Physical Therapists platform, to break down what’s happening with federal student loans and what it means for students and clinicians.

Inspired by the recent “PT and OT isn’t a professional degree” announcement, this conversation clears up common concerns, explores potential changes to repayment systems and loan caps, and offers practical guidance on controlling the controllables amid uncertainty.

Leaving a career you once loved isn’t just a job change—it can shake your identity, your confidence, and your relationship with money. And when you still have student loan debt tied to that career? The decision can feel overwhelming and almost impossible. If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, I don’t feel aligned in my work anymore, but how could I ever afford to leave?—you are so not alone.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by occupational therapist turned holistic nutrition practitioner, Cassaundra Lindsay. After years in traditional healthcare settings, she hit a point of deep burnout and misalignment that she could no longer ignore. Walking away from OT brought up guilt, fear around losing a steady paycheck and benefits, and a major shift in how she viewed money and security.

Cassaundra now runs her own business, Nourish Freely, where she helps clients overcome exhaustion, energy crashes, and digestive issues through a root-cause, holistic approach. She’s found joy, freedom, and a career that truly lights her up—and her story is such a powerful reminder that it is possible to rewrite your path, even with student loans and financial uncertainty in the mix.

If you’re craving more alignment in your work but feel stuck because of money, this episode will give you encouragement, perspective, and permission to explore what’s truly right for you.

Student loans are more than just a number on a screen. They impact the choices we make, the goals we set, and how we feel about our financial future—especially when that balance is well into the six figures. If you’ve ever looked at your student loan total and thought, how am I supposed to tackle this AND live my life?—you are not alone.

Today on the show, I’m joined by Sunny, a physical therapist who is currently paying off over $200K in student loan debt. As a physical therapist who started her journey with that mountain of debt, Sunny faced a challenge many would find overwhelming. But instead of letting the number define or discourage her, she leaned into mindset shifts, strategic planning, and a whole lot of self-compassion. And while the number was big, her determination has been even bigger. She’s been transparent and inspiring—sharing both her challenges and wins—proving that progress is possible even with a big balance.

If you’re facing your own student loan journey—whether it feels impossible or just overwhelming—this episode is for you. Sunny’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right mindset, strategy, and kindness toward yourself, you can make meaningful progress and create a path that works for you.