BLINN’S PHYSICAL THERAPIST PROGRAM RECOGNIZES NEW GRADUATES

  

The Blinn College Physical Therapist Assistant Program recently welcomed 21 graduates to their new profession with a special celebratory luncheon.

Established in 1997, Blinn’s PTA program instructs students in the use of specialized equipment and personalized patient care. First-year PTA students spend most of their time in a classroom setting and in the lab, while second-year students participate in clinical rotations at area physical therapy facilities.

The 2015 graduating class includes: Shelly Acree-Haveron, Jacob Ashley, Haley Campbell, Shelby Gilbert, Kelsey Guelker, Danny La, Kara Lilie, Chelsea Lopez, Brittany Martin, Joel Mathai, Leah Odell, Kacie Ovard, Tomas Pansky, Matthew Ralston, Christopher Ree, Christopher Rivers, Angelina Rodriguez, Jodi Thornton, Timothy Trammell, Scott Woodbury and Carmen Yandell.

Students admitted to the PTA Program become members of SPTAA, where they lead and participate in a number of charitable fundraisers and activities, including the Special Olympics Texas meet and the Down Syndrome Association of the Brazos Valley Buddy Walk.

“These students become a family,” Gantt said. “Every year, they amaze me with their willingness to help others.”

Since 2009, PTA students have volunteered at Special Olympics Texas by staffing the FUNFitness athletic village, developed in collaboration with the American Physical Therapy Association. Students assess athletes’ strength, range of motion, balance, coordination and cardiovascular health. If a deficiency is identified, students outline an exercise plan for the athlete and teach them to execute the exercises safely.

During the holiday season, students collect donations, including gift cards, clothing, toys and food for families in need. In December, SPTAA members came together to wrap over $2,000 in gifts they collected for two families in Bryan-College Station.

For more information on Blinn’s PTA program, including application and admission information and upcoming information sessions for prospective students, visit: www.blinn.edu/twe/pta/.

PTA Graduation story 2015
The 2015 Blinn Physical Therapist graduating class

 

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