Blinn Physical Therapist Assistant graduates achieve 100% first-attempt pass rate on national licensure exam

Spring 2026 graduates also maintain a 100% employment rate

September 1, 2026

Sixteen graduates of the Blinn College District Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program have achieved a 100% first-attempt pass rate on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), demonstrating the program’s commitment to preparing students for successful careers in physical therapy.

The spring 2026 graduates also obtained a 100% employment rate following graduation, continuing a program record of 100% employment among Blinn PTA graduates since 2019.

“This accomplishment reflects the quality of Blinn’s Physical Therapist Assistant Program and the dedication of our students,” Program Director Kelsey Maki said. “Achieving a 100% first-attempt pass rate and 100% employment rate is an incredible testament to the dedication of our students, faculty, and clinical partners. Our graduates have risen to the challenge of a rigorous and highly specialized program, developing the knowledge, clinical expertise, and confidence needed to succeed on the NPTE and in the workforce.”

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 2026 graduates who passed the NPTE are:

• Lauren Bruce – Evadale, Texas
• Caleb Cavalier – Falls City, Texas
• Abby Cox – Longview, Texas
• Becca DeHoyos – Anahuac, Texas
• Jaylee Dodd – Maypearl, Texas
• Kendyl Metcalf – Zavalla, Texas
• Sarah Pack – Caldwell, Texas
• Camden Pembleton – Cypress, Texas
• Amanda Roesler – Huntsville, Texas
• Sydney Rutledge – Sugar Land, Texas
• Mireya Saucedo – Bryan, Texas
• Makenna Sherwin – Burlington, Wash.
• Nicole Soliz – Orange Grove, Texas
• Elizabeth Sylla – Bryan, Texas
• Michaela Wilke – Burton, Texas
• Haley Wilton – College Station, Texas

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. Students put their coursework into practice through hands-on simulation and participate in clinical rotations to gain real-world experience prior to graduation.

“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.”

The program’s 100% first-attempt NPTE pass rate for the spring 2026 graduating class builds on a strong record of student achievement. Blinn PTA graduates have maintained a 100% employment rate since 2019, demonstrating the continued demand for qualified PTAs.

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 maintains the highest level of employment for physical therapist assistants, with a mean annual income of $72,060.

The application cycle for fall 2027 admission to the program will open on Oct. 1. Three in-person and one virtual information session will be held this fall for those interested in learning more about the program and application process. For more information, visit www.blinn.edu/physical-therapist-assistant/information-sessions.html.

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.