SCC alum Brandon Heilig’s path to success as a PTA

Published on Jan 15, 2025

Somerset Community College (SCC) graduate Brandon Heilig is passionate about helping people. After earning a 4-year degree from the University of Kentucky, the Fayette County resident was ready to advance his career in Health Sciences. In 2022, Heilig decided to enroll in the SCC award-winning Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program.

"The reason why I chose SCC is because of the great atmosphere," Heilig said. "I heard about the amazing PTA Program, the award-winning students, and how well-established the program is."

Heilig commuted from Lexington to Somerset for his PTA studies while attending SCC. "Once on campus, I realized how great the community is at Somerset and how much they cared and wanted to see all of us succeed as students and professionals," Heilig said.

During his time as a student, Heilig served as the President of the Physical Therapy Service Organization and was involved in various charitable and community service activities, including SCC’s Share and Care Center, Habitat for Humanity, and the Kentucky Special Olympics FunFitness event. He also was a part of SCC’s PTA Program being named the “Most Successful PTA School” nationally in 2023 and supported the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research through the Marquette Challenge. 

It was the encouraging atmosphere, the push for excellence, and his passion for helping others that helped Heilig succeed while at SCC.

In 2024, Heilig was nationally recognized in Boston with the honor of the American Physical Therapy Association’s Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Outstanding PTA Student Award. Additionally, he and one other SCC student received the prestigious 2024 American Physical Therapy Association Minority Scholarship.

Heilig is now practicing as a PTA professional at The Willows at Fritz Farms.

"It means something to other professionals when you say that you went to SCC and received a degree in PTA," Heilig said. "Wherever I go, SCC is recognized for its quality PTA program. If you want to help people and see a change in people’s lives, this is the career and school for you.”