PTA marks 25th anniversary

Sierra Barnes Reporter

AACC’s physical therapist assistant program turned 25 this year.

“It’s actually one of the top programs in the country,” Dave Snow, who graduated from the PTA program in 2005, said. “When I did it, it was relatively new. So it was very easy to get into. Now, it’s much more competitive.”

Students spend five semesters working toward their associate of applied sci- ence degree in physical therapist assistant. The program also prepares students for a national licensing exam.

Second-year physical therapist assistant student

Dianna Jimenez said the program is “very hard,” but added it is also “rewarding.”

“All the professors care about us learning and succeeding in the program, which I think is very hard to find,” Jimenez said.

Patricia Brady, the program’s director, said the “program is well respected in the community.”

“When we ask a hospital [to] take a student to do a clinical education course for six weeks, they say, ‘Yes, because we like your students; we like your reputation,’” Brady said. “That’s been an important factor in maintaining the longevity.”

Angela Bartoe, a second-year physical therapist assistant student, agreed.

“I think it’s awesome … the fact that it’s been going on so long [and] how successful it’s been,” Bartoe said.

Snow, who works in orthopedics, said the program has many graduates who “have become successful.”

“I work with a lot of co-workers that came to this program,” Snow said.

Tricia Haberlein, who graduated from the physical therapist assistant program in 2015, said the program was “hard,” but gave her exactly what she “needed to be confident in the field.”

“It’s definitely not for someone that’s not sure of what they want to do,” Haberlein said. “You have to be pretty sure of what your end goal [is].” ginning of the spring semester.

Kaiser added once the renovations of the Florestano building are complete, the college could potentially open a full-service dining option on West Campus.

The college’s three dining options, Chick-fil-A, Subway and the Hawk’s Nest, are all located on East Campus.

Some students said the fresh-food vending machine adds more food choices.

“I think it’s a new and interesting option for students,” first-year cybersecurity student Malcolm Huntley said.

AACC’s physical therapist assistant program has gained a top reputation since it began 25 years ago.