SCC PTA Program Named "Outstanding PTA Program" by the Foundation for Physical Therapy

PTA graduating class of 2013: Seated: Angela LaDeur, Richmond; Bethany Smahaj, Winchester; Mckenzie Grey, Mount Sterling; Maegan Rogers, Hustonville; Brittany Terry, Thornton; Rebecca Jones, Somerset; Victoria Rose, Monticello. Back Row: Matt Clouse, Somerset; Tawana Eastridge, Campbellsville; Shawn Frazee, Whitley City; Debbie Lasure, Stanford; Kathryn Barron, Somerset; Jennifer Hanlon, Corbin; Emily Reddington, Mount Vernon; Kelli Edwards, Somerset; Megan Cox, Campbellsville; Justin Kinder, Lexington, and Caleb Shirley, Summersville.

The Foundation for Physical Therapy has announced Somerset Community Colleges Physical Therapist Assistant Program as the recipient of the Outstanding PTA Program nationally for 2013. The award is based upon the programs commitment to fundraising efforts for physical therapy research through the Pittsburgh-Marquette Challenge, a national fundraising competition for physical therapy research. More than 500 doctoral and associate-level programs are eligible to compete in the competition. This year, SCC placed among the top 20 programs nationally, receiving an overall Honorable Mention in the competition, and was the top PTA Program.

We are very excited to receive this recognition, states program director Ron Meade. Our programs faculty members stress the importance of being active participants within the profession and the community, and we have been fortunate that our students have accepted the challenges presented to them. We are excited that the class of 2014 has already begun fundraising efforts for next years challenge.

The Foundation for Physical Therapy supports the physical therapy professions research needs in scientific research, clinical research and health services research. Examples of projects funded through the foundation include research related to stoke recovery, cerebral palsy and low-back pain. More than 500 researchers have received grants totaling more than $12 million through the foundation.

This is the sixth time the program has received the Outstanding PTA Program recognition. This years award will be presented later this summer at the Foundation for Physical Therapys Gala in Salt Lake City, Utah. To date, the SCC PTA Program has raised over $22,000 to aid in physical therapy research.