Mikayla Hakala
Lakeshore Bone and Joint Institute/Confluent Health
Valparaiso
1
Certification
9
years of professional experience
Doctor of Physical Therapy with nearly 10 years of experience in rehabilitation, advancing from Physical Therapist Assistant to DPT. Specializes in outpatient orthopedics and sports rehabilitation, developing individualized treatment plans and optimizing functional outcomes. Collaborates effectively within clinical teams and prioritizes patient education, empowering individuals to engage in their recovery through clear communication and tailored home exercise programs.
Work History
Doctor of Physical Therapy
2 Years 9 Months- Managed daily caseload of 15-20 patients
- Achieved dry needling certification through comprehensive training
- Provided rehabilitation for diverse post-operative ligament repairs, reconstructions, and joint replacements
- Educated patients on injury prevention, rehabilitation strategies, and post-operative care
- Diagnosed and managed complex orthopedic conditions using evidence-based practices.
- Setting: Outpatient/sports
Physical Therapist Assistant
6 Months- Treated a variety of patients from pediatrics to geriatric while managing time with 15 patients per day and double bookings throughout the day.
- Assisted in implementing individualized treatment plans for diverse patient needs.
- Collaborated with physical therapists to assess patient progress and adjust therapies accordingly.
- Educated patients on exercises and rehabilitation techniques for optimal recovery outcomes.
- Setting: Outpatient
Physical Therapist Assistant
1 Year 1 Month- Treated patients with musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, including amputees and post-operative individuals, in a high-volume clinic.
- Assisted physical therapists in implementing individualized treatment plans for diverse patient populations.
- Monitored patient progress and adjusted therapeutic exercises to enhance recovery outcomes.
- Educated patients on rehabilitation techniques and home exercise programs to promote self-management.
- Setting: Hospital-based Outpatient
Physical Therapist Assistant
1 Year- Treated patients in home settings for various conditions, ensuring timely documentation and adherence to productivity standards. Educated patients and families on effective home set-up and accessibility to enhance recovery and safety.
- Assisted in developing individualized treatment plans for patients recovering from injuries and surgeries.
- Monitored patient progress, documenting improvements and adjusting care plans as necessary.
- Setting: Home Health
Physical Therapist Assistant
1 Year 5 Months- Managed time across multiple skilled nursing facilities while maintaining timely documentation and productivity.
- Setting: Skilled Nursing Facility
Physical Therapist Assistant
1 Year 7 Months- Managed full caseload across multiple skilled nursing facilities, ensuring effective time allocation to meet patient needs. Treated diverse patient population, including memory care, MS, generalized weakness, strokes, and other conditions, enhancing overall patient well-being.
- Setting: Skilled Nursing Facility
Education
Doctorate Degree - Physical Therapy
Associate Degree in Applied Science - Physical Therapist Assistant
Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Management - Sports Management
Skills
Orthopedic rehabilitation
Sports rehabilitation
Dry needling certified
Injury prevention
Clinical reasoning
Patient safety
Focused on consistent
quality care
Patient relations
Certification
American Heart Association Basic Life Support Provider - CPR Certified Effective Date: March 2026 – March 2028
Dry Needling Certified
CLUBS/COUNCILS/AWARDS
Dean’s List – University of Findlay (2020-2023), Girls Varsity Assistant Basketball Coach – Hebron High School (2020-2021), Graduated Cum Laude - Finlandia University (2013-2017), Captain of Finlandia University Women’s Basketball Team (2015-2017), Student Athlete Advisory Committee – Finlandia University (2013-2017), Dean’s List – Finlandia University (2015, 2016, 2017), Honor’s List – Finlandia University (2014), Student PTA Club – Finlandia University (2013-2016)
Timeline
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Lakeshore Bone and Joint Institute/Confluent Health
11.2023 - CurrentRead More
Physical Therapist Assistant
Chesterton Physical Therapy
09.2022 - 03.2023Read More
Physical Therapist Assistant
Northwest Health Porter
07.2021 - 08.2022Read More
Physical Therapist Assistant
HRS Home Health
07.2020 - 07.2021Read More
Physical Therapist Assistant
UP Rehab Services
02.2019 - 07.2020Read More
Physical Therapist Assistant
Concept Rehab Inc.
06.2017 - 01.2019Read More
Finlandia University
Associate Degree in Applied Science from Physical Therapist Assistant
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The University of Findlay
Doctorate Degree from Physical Therapy
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Finlandia University
Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Management from Sports Management
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