SCC December Health Sciences Student of the Month sets the Barr high

Published on Dec 19, 2024

A student currently enrolled in studies in the Somerset Community College (SCC) Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program has been named the recipient of the SCC Health Sciences Division’s Student of the Month for December. Emily Barr of Smiths Grove received the award and is now a candidate for the Division’s Student of the Year Award, to be announced in May 2025.  

Excelling in academics at a young age, Barr earned her place in the competitive SCC PTA Program while still a senior in high school, graduating at the top of her class with an outstanding 4.00 GPA. She has continued to excel academically, maintaining a perfect 4.00 GPA while enrolled at SCC. 

Additionally, Barr has collected many accomplishments during her time at SCC. She was elected to serve as president of SCC’s Physical Therapy Student Organization and was named the recipient of the James H. Anderson Award for Outstanding PTA Student, a peer-selected award. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa International Honorary and represents the PTA Program on the Health Sciences Student Advisory Group. She was named to the APTA-Kentucky All-Academic team and has coordinated fundraisers for the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research.       

The SCC PTA Program is well-known regionally and nationally, with many students and the program itself recognized at local, state and national levels. The program prepares the graduate to work under the supervision of a physical therapist in a range of settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, home health, rehabilitation centers and school settings.   

Barr was recommended for the award by PTA Program Director Dr. Corey Moore and Director of Clinical Education Dr. Melanie Hines. “Emily is truly one of the best students that I have had the honor of teaching,” states Moore. “Her remarkable leadership, academic excellence, and dedication to serving others truly set her apart. She exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated, empathetic, and forward-thinking healthcare professional who will undoubtedly leave a lasting mark on the field of physical therapy. We look forward to seeing Emily's future success and the positive difference she will make in the lives of her future patients.”  

“I have always enjoyed helping people and this profession has given me a real sense of purpose,” states Barr. “The faculty are amazing and very supportive, and the program has helped me to grow as a student and a person.” 

Due to graduate in May 2025, Barr has plans to further her education by obtaining a Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Science from Western Kentucky University before pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree. She is the daughter of Chuck and Sabrina Barr of Smiths Grove.   

For more information about the PTA Program, contact the program’s director at corey.moore@kctcs.edu.