Blinn recognizes 12 Physical Therapist Assistant Program graduates with celebration luncheon and awards ceremony

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

May 8, 2025

Twelve Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program graduates were recognized during a celebration luncheon and awards ceremony on Wednesday, May 7, after completing the Blinn College District’s highly regarded program.

“These graduates have completed a rigorous program that demands academic excellence and clinical competence,” Program Director Kelsey Maki said. “They have met every challenge with determination and have grown into confident, capable healthcare professionals. I look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make in the lives of their patients.”

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 2025 graduation class includes Abigail Bludau (Hallettsville), Paige Coburn (Wichita Falls), Mackenzie Deming (Cleveland), Sarah Denman (Bryan), Heather Faw (Midway), Sarah Gregory (Bryan), Shelby Salley (College Station), Lela-Kaye Scruggs (The Woodlands), Harrison Tanner (College Station), Taylor Termini (Galveston), Jasee Throwbridge (Call), and Shaye Woytek (Hallettsville).

“This program has challenged me to grow both professionally—by encouraging me to think critically, problem solve, and become a stronger clinician—but also personally, by inspiring me to be my best self and deliver the highest quality of care to every patient,” Termini said. “My professors and peers supported me every step of the way, and I’m truly grateful to say I’ve gained not only a solid foundation for my career, but also 11 lifelong friends.”

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 92.5% and has maintained 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.