BLINN PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT PROGRAM STUDENTS OFFER MEDICAL CARE ABROAD
Two students enrolled in Blinn College’s Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program used their talents to help others over Spring Break.
First-year PTA students Michelle Hicks (Tomball) and Britney Lee (Pflugerville) and Program Director Dr. Christy Gantt teamed up with St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Parish of College Station for a medical mission trip to Guatemala.
More than 45 doctors, physical therapists, dentists and students established temporary clinics in several villages each day to provide much-needed healthcare to local Guatemalans, free of charge.
“This is likely the only medical care they receive,” Hicks said. “It’s really touching to be able to use what we’ve learned to help people. What made it even better was how kind and appreciative the people were. Even though we didn’t speak the same language, we made connections I’ll never forget.”
Hicks and Lee stayed with a host family in San Cristobal Verapaz. From 6 a.m. – 5 p.m. each day, they helped physical therapists and physicians identify and treat muscle pain and other ailments. Hicks and Lee found that many health issues stemmed from intense physical labor and dehydration, as homes are often not equipped with running water.
“I realized how much we take for granted,” Lee said. “It was a great experience connecting with and caring for these patients. I learned so much and had to work through challenges I wouldn’t typically face in the states.”
Hicks and Lee were selected to attend the trip by Gantt and PTA professor Kelly Yendrey for their outstanding leadership and scholarship. The trip not only instilled in them a desire to give back, but also provided invaluable hands-on experience working alongside physical therapists and doctors in unique environments.
“I am beyond proud of these students,” Gantt said. “They endured physical and emotional exhaustion, all so they could help others. There is no doubt in my mind that they are going to make superb physical therapist assistants.”
Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, Blinn’s PTA Program is a two-year program that instructs students in various treatment procedures, including rehabilitation techniques, therapeutic exercises and patient training and education. After completing approximately 63 semester hours, students earn an Associate of Applied Science degree, and most students find employment and begin working as soon as they graduate.
The PTA Program is part of Blinn’s Division of Health Sciences, which offers associate degree nursing, dental hygiene, emergency medical services, physical therapist assistant, radiologic technology, fire science, veterinary technology and vocational nursing programs designed to train students for high-demand professions.
Story and photos courtesy of: Blinn Communications
