From Setbacks to Success: One PTA’s Road to Specializing in Pelvic Floor Therapy

Finding My Calling in Physical Therapy

My journey as a PTA has been filled with challenges, growth, and countless rewarding moments that keep me inspired. I was initially drawn to physical therapy because I wanted to help people regain their independence after injury. It wasn’t until I started learning about pelvic health in school that I realized how many people suffer in silence with conditions that deeply affect their quality of life. The idea of helping people restore such a personal and vital part of their health made me passionate about specializing in this field.

Discovering Pelvic Health Through Clinical Rotations

During my rotations as a student, I had the wonderful opportunity to shadow multiple PTs who specialize in pelvic floor. I was able to see firsthand the joys and wonders of helping someone who has been dealing with pelvic pain. I knew that once I was able to pass the NPTE, I wanted to specialize in that field. I made it a goal.

Facing the Challenge of the NPTE

Once I finished PTA school with a very high GPA, it was time to gear in for the NPTE. I studied my butt off until the day came. I took it and failed, missing it by just a few points. It was devastating. It was challenging for me to overcome the disappointment and self-doubt. I had to figure out what went wrong the first time and change my approach instead of just studying harder. I dedicated more time and money to get it right the second time. It was time for me to take the test again. Feeling a little more confident after the first time, I checked my results, and by just a few points, I failed again! I was in disbelief. I, with a bachelor's degree and having passed the PTA program with a great GPA, failed again!

Turning Failure Into Feedback

Even though I failed, I did not want to give up. I knew I was capable of passing. After giving myself some time to get over that emotion of failure, I went back to the drawing board! It was important for me to shift my mindset from seeing it as a failure to treating it as feedback. I had to be more strategic, practice under timed conditions, and focus on weak areas. I found 2 amazing programs that help you prep for the NPTE. I paid for those programs to use as a study aid for me and gave myself more time to study. I sucked up my pride and reached out to my classmates, mentors, and even students in the study aid course for additional help. I met a wonderful PTA named Bailey, who was in the same boat as much. The relief I felt when I knew I was not the only one who had failed. With Bailey's help and the others rooting for me, I created a more structured study plan and practiced under exam-like conditions. I dedicated, once again, more time and more money to pass the NPTE.  

The Breakthrough: Passing at Last

After many failed attempts at the NPTE, I finally passed in 2024, and so did Bailey! The joy I received after seeing that Green circle was incredible. Years of embarrassment and having to tell others around me that I failed came to an end. The process taught me resilience and showed me that setbacks can be opportunities to grow if I’m willing to adjust and keep going. A test result doesn’t define your capabilities or your future. Keep going and keep pushing! Stay focused on your goal, and I promise you, you will see the return!

Where I Am Now—and What’s Next

I currently work in an outpatient setting, averaging about 20 patients a day of all diagnoses. I have been there a little over a year now and have great mentors who have helped me expand my knowledge in the physical therapy world and support me in wanting to do pelvic floor.  My next goal is to specialize in pelvic floor, and believe me, I will even if it takes me multiple attempts.  

About the Author

Zakiyyah Bogan, PTA

Zakiyyah Bogan is a Physical Therapist Assistant based in Modesto, California. Born and raised in California, she graduated from Gurnick Academy's Physical Therapy Assistant School in San Mateo in June 2022. Zakiyyah is passionate about pelvic health and currently practices in an outpatient setting. Outside of her work, she enjoys traveling, attending comedy shows, and discovering great food.