Demetrius Johnathan Amore was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. From t
he time he was a kid, he was captivated by comic books and larger‑than‑life superheroes—the kind who could lift buildings, save worlds, and inspire greatness. That love for strength and movement eventually led him into fitness, strength training, and competitive hockey. He played through middle school, high school, and college, and even had the opportunity to play semi-professionally in Canada. After his hockey career, he returned to school, graduated in 2016, passed the NPTE, and became a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant. His journey has always been fueled by movement, growth, and purpose—and he is just getting started.
What did you do before teaching at Carrington College?
Before stepping into the classroom at Carrington College Las Vegas, I spent nearly six years on the rehabilitation team at Advanced Healthcare of Summerlin, a Skilled Nursing Facility that became a second home to me. Those years were filled with growth, grit, and genuine connection.
But my journey in rehab didn’t start there. I had the privilege of working in Home Health and Outpatient Physical Therapy, where I learned to adapt, communicate, and support patients in every stage of healing. Each setting shaped me in different ways, rounding out my skill set and deepening my appreciation for the many paths rehabilitation can take.
By the time I arrived at Advanced Healthcare, I felt prepared—but I had no idea just how much I would learn. The team there was nothing short of exceptional. I was surrounded by mentors who challenged, supported, and inspired me. I truly cherished my time with them, and the lessons I learned will stay with me for the rest of my career.
Even though I loved where I was, I knew I was ready for my next mountain to climb. That’s when the opportunity with Carrington College’s Physical Therapist Program came knocking. To be honest, teaching was never something I had pictured myself doing. It wasn’t even on my radar. But the moment it was presented to me, I felt that familiar pull—the one that says, “This is your next challenge. This is how you grow.”
Leaving the comfort and stability I had built over the years wasn’t easy. But pushing myself to evolve, to reach new heights, and to step into a role that would stretch me professionally felt bigger than my comfort zone.
So here I am—teaching, mentoring, growing, and loving the journey more every day.
How long have you been with Carrington College?
I have been with Carrington College, Las Vegas, since May 2023.
What inspired you to become an instructor? What do you enjoy most about it, and what are some of its challenges?
What inspired you to become an instructor? What do you enjoy most about it, and what are some of its challenges?For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved showing and explaining things to people—not in a formal “teacher voice,” but in a way that empowers others to understand something new. Most of the time, the conversations revolved around the things I’m passionate about: health, fitness, nutrition, biology, body mechanics, or sports.
Looking back, the inspiration to teach was always there. I just never imagined stepping into a formal classroom setting. That shift happened because of the encouragement from my closest friends and family—my “inner circle.” They saw something in me long before I recognized it myself, and their push is ultimately what opened the door to education.
What I enjoy most about teaching are the “light bulb moments.” There’s something incredible about watching a student work tirelessly through a difficult concept, only to suddenly have everything click. Those moments are powerful—not just academically, but personally.
This program is tough. It demands sacrifice, grit, growth, and a level of commitment that most people never have to face. Watching students transform—not just into stronger clinicians, but into stronger human beings with new perspectives and newfound confidence—is something special. I’m genuinely proud of them every step of the way.
That being said, the challenges are real. Standing in front of a class and lecturing? Honestly, that’s the easy part. It’s everything happening behind the scenes—planning, prepping, adjusting, reworking, supporting, problem-solving—that students never see. There are days I think back to every teacher I ever teased or underestimated and want to call them just to say, “I’m sorry—I get it now!”
But here’s the thing: I thrive in the challenge. Pressure doesn’t push me down; it sharpens me. Every new obstacle I overcome makes me better, more prepared, and more deserving of the privilege to stand in front of my students and guide them.
Because teaching isn’t just what I do—it’s who I’ve grown to be.
How did you decide to study Physical Therapist Assisting? Were you inspired by anyone or by anything?
Hockey injuries introduced me to physical therapy early on, and I was inspired by the teamwork, knowledge, and energy of the rehab professionals who helped me recover. That experience planted the seed for my career. Today, my PTA background also supports my passion for bodybuilding, allowing me to train smarter, prevent injuries, and better understand my body.
What is your teaching style/academic approach?
My teaching philosophy is built around what I call “learning without consequence.” I want students to feel safe making mistakes, asking questions, and learning without fear. I strive to be the instructor I always wished I had—one who creates a supportive, judgment-free classroom where curiosity is encouraged, and real learning happens.
Do you have a positive story you could share with us regarding one of our students or graduates?
I don’t just have one positive story—I have dozens, and they all share a similar pattern. Many students arrive carrying self-doubt, personal challenges, or academic struggles. Watching them push through those moments and transform into confident, capable clinicians is incredibly rewarding. That growth doesn’t stop in the classroom—it carries directly into patient care. Seeing students trust themselves under pressure is one of the most meaningful parts of teaching.
What’s your favorite thing about Carrington College?
There are so many things I love about working here that it’s hard to know where to begin—but the best place to start is with my PTA faculty and team. I’ve had the privilege of working with some truly talented physical therapy groups in the past, but this team? This one is special. The kind of once‑in‑a‑lifetime team dynamic people talk about but rarely get to experience.
We’ve grown into a genuine family—complete with respect, support, inside jokes, and yes, the occasional healthy bickering. But honestly, that’s the good stuff. Those little moments only deepen our bond and make us stronger. We call ourselves an “educational army” of five, and that unity, that energy, flows effortlessly into our classrooms.
And then there are the students. They’re the heart of it all. They’re the reason I get up in the morning, the reason I laugh throughout the day, and the reason this job never feels like “work.” They think I’m here to teach them—and sure, I am—but what they don’t realize is just how much they teach me in return.
Working here feels like being part of something meaningful, something joyful, and something worth showing up for day after day. And that’s a pretty incredible feeling.
Do you have advice for PTA students?
Absolutely! Whether you come into this program with years of medical experience or none at all, whether you’ve worked as a tech in a clinic or are brand‑new to the field, know this: this program is challenging for everyone. And that is exactly how it should be.
A career as a PTA isn’t meant to be easy. It’s meant to stretch you, test you, and make you take a hard look at how badly you want this. In my opinion, anything worth having in life should demand effort. It should ask you to prove yourself. Because if it were simple, everyone would do it.
When you walk into this program, come in with an open mind and a willingness to grow—not just professionally, but personally. This program has a way of reshaping you from the inside out. Students often graduate saying they’re not the same person they were when they started—and they mean it in the best possible way. They see themselves differently. They see the medical field differently. They walk away stronger, more confident, and more prepared for what lies ahead.
I like to say, “If it doesn’t break you, it doesn’t make you.”
Lean into the difficult moments. Work hard. Make sacrifices. Hold steady when things get tough. Because I truly believe that anyone can succeed in this program and become licensed—no matter how steep the climb feels.
I’m living proof. I didn’t get here because I was the smartest person in the room. I got here because I refused to quit. I am a product of relentless work ethic and a refusal to accept “no” as an answer.
And if I can do it, I know you can too.
How has your experience as a PTA shaped the way you train and compete in bodybuilding?//In what ways has your PTA background helped you in your bodybuilding journey?
How has your experience as a PTA shaped the way you train and compete in bodybuilding?//In what ways has your PTA background helped you in your bodybuilding journey?One of the biggest advantages I’ve gained from my background in physical therapy is a completely transformed understanding of how the body moves. Having a solid foundation in anatomy, kinesiology, and human movement has opened doors for me in the gym that I didn’t even know existed.
Suddenly, exercise isn’t just “exercise” anymore. I now understand why certain lifts are set up the way they are, how small changes in angles or lines of pull can completely change a movement, and how to position my body for maximum muscle activation and growth. It’s like unlocking the cheat codes for training—getting the absolute best return on every rep.
And let’s talk about injury prevention. In bodybuilding, tweaks and strains are almost inevitable. But instead of panicking or guessing, I can immediately identify what’s happening, what structure is involved, and what to do next. Knowing how to respond quickly not only prevents a small issue from becoming a setback but also allows me to recover faster and smarter.
Being part of the PT world has honestly given me a massive edge. I’m able to train harder with intention, grow faster with purpose, and avoid many of the injuries that slow others down. In a competitive environment, that knowledge becomes a superpower.
At the end of the day, knowledge really is power—and thanks to my PT background, I walk into every training session feeling fully equipped, confident, and ready to go.
What’s next? Are you currently training for any competitions?
The next chapters in my life—both personally and professionally—are clear, focused, and filled with purpose. On the professional side, I’m committed to continuing my growth as an instructor. That means sharpening my knowledge, refining my organization, and deepening my understanding of how the college operates from the inside out. My goal is simple: to maximize what I bring into the classroom so my students get the best possible return on the investment they’re making in themselves.
I truly believe I’ve found my calling. Standing in front of a room, motivating, shaping, and educating future professionals brings a level of excitement and fulfillment I’ve never experienced in any other job. It’s something I feel in my bones—I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
On the personal side, things are equally exciting. My next bodybuilding competitions are scheduled for Fall/Winter 2026, with prep starting around July or August. Last year, I missed earning my IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilding) Pro Card by one single spot—a heartbreak and a motivator all in one. But the journey isn’t over. After nearly a decade of work, I’m determined to finish what I started, and I WILL earn that pro card soon.
While I prepare for that, I’m also honored to have been nominated for the Mr. Health & Fitness competition through Men’s Health & Fitness Magazine. We’re currently in the first round, and I’m proud to be sitting in 2nd place out of 55 competitors. The top 20 move on, and voting continues round by round until one person remains on top.
