SCC’s PTA Program sets the stage for another successful class for Kentucky communities
Published on Jul 10, 2024
Somerset Community College's (SCC) Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program has
had a significant impact on the industry by preparing the next generation of exceptional
PTA professionals.
The latest 22 PTA students, representing 14 Kentucky counties officially signed with SCC on July 8, aiming to set the stage for another successful PTA graduating class that will positively impact our communities in Kentucky like those before them.
Total Rehab Center proudly sponsored the inaugural PTA Signing Day. This event allowed
those accepted into the highly competitive program to celebrate the start of their
educational journey at SCC. Incoming students were able to connect with their peer
mentors, who were second-year students in the PTA program, gaining valuable guidance
and wisdom as they embark on this new chapter.
SCC PTA Program Director and Instructor Corey Moore spoke about the enduring success of the SCC PTA program.
“The bar is set high for you,” Moore said.
- In 2024, SCC PTA students achieved significant personal milestones, such as graduating from the award-winning program and helping others reduce their pain and improve their function through the science of Physical Therapy.
- The 2024 SCC PTA Program has also given back to the communities in which their students practice and reside. Students participated in several community service activities including: Parkinsons in Motion Events, March for Dimes, Kentucky Special Olympics and Foundation for Physical Therapy Research.
Through their academic achievements and service, many students were recognized on a national level.
- Second-year students Ashley Marcum of London, KY and Brandon Heilig of Lexington
were both recognized as 2024 American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Minority
Scholarship winners.
The APTA Minority Scholarship is granted to students in PTA studies who are committed to advancing and positively impacting minority affairs, demonstrating academic excellence, dedication and service to the profession and association, and providing evidence of contributions in the areas of minority affairs and services, as well as high scholastic achievement.
- Marcum was also named the 2024 APTA Mary McMillan Scholarship winner. This is one of the top PTA awards a student can receive nationally and recognizes students who exhibit superior academic ability and potential for future professional contribution within 12 months of completing all requirements for graduation.
- The SCC PTA program was named the “Most Successful PTA Program” for the 2024 Marquette Challenge, with students raising more than $3,100 for the Foundation of Physical Therapy Research. SCC PTA has received this recognition 15 out of the last 16 years.
- Rachel Begley of Springfield, Destiny Coomer of Columbia, and John Meador of Lexington, second-year students, have been recognized by The PTA Student Honors Society, Phi Tau Alpha. Phi Tau Alpha recognizes physical therapist assistant students who have not only demonstrated high academic standards but have also embodied the core values of the physical therapy profession.
- John Meador's outstanding academic achievements led to his recognition on the 2024 KCTCS All-Academic Team. He proudly represented SCC as one of two highlighted students from SCC, showcasing academic success across the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.
The Dean of Health Sciences and former PTA Program Director, Ron Meade, shared some wisdom inspired by Henry Ford with the upcoming PTA class.
“Whether you believe you can do it or not, you are right,” Meade said. “Those that have come before you will tell you this program is hard but extremely worth it. Persevere through the challenges.”
SCC President and CEO Carey Castle welcomed the new students to campus at the event.
“We are here for you to learn, to grow and figure things out,” Castle said. “You are an exceptional group of students.”
As new students are admitted to the competitive PTA Program, Meade commented on the direction the SCC PTA Program is heading.
“I am so proud to have been part of this program over the past 23 years and am excited to see the exciting direction it is moving under the leadership of Dr. Moore and Dr. Hines,” Meade said. “It continues to be a regional and national model of excellence.”
Moore gave recognition to SCC students for the PTA program’s success.
“The success of our program could not be sustained without high-quality students. We have been blessed with many hard-working, compassionate and intelligent students that continue to raise the bar for future classes, just like the Class of 2026 coming in,” Moore said. “I am so proud of each of our students and cannot wait to see the difference they make in the lives of their future patients.”
