Blinn Physical Therapist Assistant alumna finds joy in patients’ small victories

Amanda Roesler is pursuing her passion for orthopedics and neurological rehabilitation

September 24, 2026

Growing up in Huntsville, Amanda Roesler remembers feeling drawn to a career in the sciences for as long as she can remember.

“I bounced around from thinking I’d be a high school biology teacher to a marine biologist,” Roesler said, “but my brother grew up going to a lot of physical therapy appointments and I have vivid memories of being a kid and playing with the exercise equipment and thinking it was fun. That feeling just stayed with me.”

After earning a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology with a concentration in motor behavior from Texas A&M University, Roesler shadowed a physical therapist assistant at her hometown clinic, setting her on a course to join Blinn’s Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program.

“One of the therapists I worked with was a Blinn graduate and spoke about how wonderful the faculty were. I went online and saw how successful the program was and knew it was where I wanted to be,” Roesler said.

Blinn’s PTA Program prepares students to 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. Located at the RELLIS Academic Alliance Complex at Texas A&M-RELLIS in Bryan, the program features a 16,000-square-foot health sciences simulation center, where PTA students receive innovative instruction and training. While Roesler appreciates the rigor of Blinn’s program, she credits the faculty with making it exceptional.

“They are fantastic. I was in a car accident and broke my collarbone, which made it hard for me to learn physical therapy skills with one hand,” she said. “They supported me through the process and never let me fall behind or fall through the cracks. They got to know me as a person, not just as a student, and held my hand through the process when I didn’t believe in myself.”

That support extended to preparing Roesler and her classmates for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), which PTA graduates must pass to earn licensure.

“I felt very prepared for the NPTE,” Roesler said. “I remember talking to students in other programs, and they were blown away by the number of practice exams my cohort took at Blinn before we even graduated. Even though it was the most stressful exam I’d ever taken, I walked out of it knowing I did what I needed to do and that’s thanks to all the preparation and support from the faculty.”

Roesler’s class recently posted a 100% first-attempt NPTE pass rate, building on the program’s strong record of student achievement. Blinn PTA graduates also have maintained a 100% employment rate since 2019, demonstrating the continued demand for qualified PTAs.

Roesler is following her passion for orthopedics and neurological care at an outpatient clinic in The Woodlands, a position she learned about through a guest lecturer in one of her classes.

“I wouldn’t be sitting in this chair at my desk right now if it wasn’t for Blinn’s program. Roesler said. “For me, it’s all about building connections with my patients. My favorite moments as a PTA are when my patients come in and they’re able to roll over in bed without pain or they can put a jacket on without hurting their shoulder. It’s those little moments we take for granted that become hard after surgery or an injury. I’m there for the small victories and the big ones, which is an absolute joy for me.”

PTAs can pursue careers in hospitals, outpatient clinics and offices, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, education and research centers, schools, hospices, workplace environments, fitness centers, sports training facilities, and military settings.

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

“Blinn gave me such a fabulous step forward and so much support,” Roesler said. “To this day, if I had a question or concern about anything, I know I could pick up the phone and call any of the professors, and they would talk me through it.”

The application cycle for fall 2027 admission to the program will open on Oct. 1. To learn more about Blinn’s PTA Program, visit www.blinn.edu/physical-therapist-assistant.

About the Blinn College District

With innovative programs and award-winning co-enrollment partnerships, Blinn’s academic transfer rate ranks No. 1 among Texas community colleges. For more information, visit www.blinn.edu.