Student finds success within the PTA family

Jaime is earning his Associate of Applied Science degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant, which he plans to complete this year.

After working as a physical therapy technician for five years, Jaime said he knew a career as a PTA was his calling in life.

“When I decided to become a PTA, I knew STC had one of the best Physical Therapy Assistant programs,” he said. “They have a 100 percent passing rate in the NPTE (licensure exam) and I knew this would be the right choice to achieve my goals.”

Physical Therapist Assistants are licensed skilled health care providers who work under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. They assist the physical therapist to provide treatment programs to help restore or improve function, relieve pain, encourage independence, and educate patients and their families.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at South Texas College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. The program has enabled 100 percent of program graduates to obtained positions as PTAs within 12 months of passing the licensure exam.

Once he completes his degree, Jaime said he is excited to hopefully begin work in a sports orthopedic setting, working with athletes to help them recover.

As a message to students looking to enter the program, he says it’s important to take college very seriously. Do not take opportunities you receive for granted, he said.

“My 4 yr old son Mateo and my wife motivate me each and every day. They are the reason I want to succeed and become a PTA to be able to provide them a good life,” he said. “My classmates have also become my family, and together we have been able to help each other throughout the program. Our professors are always willing to assist us when we need them.

“Now , being so close to graduating as a Physical Therapist Assistant(PTA), I am excited to do what I love best which is helping others,” Jaime said.