Blinn recognizes 13 Physical Therapist Assistant Program graduates with celebration luncheon and awards ceremony

Blinn PTA graduates have maintained a 100% employment rate since 2019

May 9, 2024

Thirteen Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program graduates were recognized during a celebration luncheon and awards ceremony on Wednesday, May 8, after completing the Blinn College District’s highly ranked program.

“Our students are dedicated to healing and are drawn to this profession because of their desire to make a difference,” Program Director Kelsey Maki said. “The hands-on training they receive from our dedicated faculty provides them with the tools necessary to make a positive impact on the lives of their patients and our community.”

PTAs assist people of all ages with medical issues or health-related conditions that limit their ability to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. Among their responsibilities, PTAs teach patients exercises to improve mobility, strength, and coordination; train patients to walk with crutches, canes, or walkers; and provide treatments such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, heat, cold, and massage.

The spring 2024 graduation class includes Karleigh Flisowski (Brenham), Rachel Kallus (Waco), Mariah Lopez (Bryan), Lauren Loving (Conroe), Meagan Mankin (Beaumont), Mackenzie Maurer-McMillan (Brenham), Madisyen Miller (Gause), Cynthia Mills (College Station), Kinzi Nolan (Kirbyville), Megan Pugh (Fort Worth), Melanie Sanchez (College Station), Mercedes Smith (Franklin), and Chloe Weeks (Livingston).

Blinn’s PTA Program is located at the RELLIS Academic Alliance Complex at Texas A&M-RELLIS in Bryan. Part of a 16,000-square-foot health sciences simulation center, Blinn’s physical therapy lab provides students with innovative instruction and training. At the physical therapy lab, students can put their coursework into practice immediately through hands-on simulation. Blinn students also participate in clinical rotations to gain experience prior to graduation.

Blinn has a two-year National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) first-attempt pass rate of 94% and a 100% employment rate since 2019. PTAs can gain employment in hospitals, outpatient clinics or offices, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, education or research centers, schools, hospices, workplace environments, fitness centers, sports training facilities, and military settings.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Texas maintains the highest level of employment for PTAs with a mean annual income of $72,060.

To learn more about Blinn’s PTA Program, visit www.blinn.edu/physical-therapist-assistant.