The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission approved a grant of $94,350 to aid Patrick Henry Community College (PHCC) with startup costs for a new Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program—a program not previously available in the PHCC service area. The projected start date is spring or summer 2018.
In order to start the program, PHCC will hire a PTA instructor, build a curriculum, assemble a PTA lab, and procure accreditation from a national accrediting body. The grant provides two years of funding with the potential for renewal in 2018.
“This is incredibly exciting for us. Many students come to PHCC hoping to pursue a career as a physical therapy assistant. Now these students will be able to stay local for their entire education,” said PHCC President Angeline Godwin. “Not only does this program meet the needs of students, but it also meets the needs of area employers who will benefit from a local physical therapist workforce.”
According to Virginia Employment Commission data, PTA is a growing field in the Martinsville area with an average annual salary of $58,471. Several area PTA employers have already expressed their support for PHCC’s proposed program and will likely become program partners—providing internships and job interviews.
For those interested in PTA classes and wanting to learn more about the coming program, contact Amy Webster, PHCC’s coordinator of health sciences (awebster@patrickhenry.edu; 276-656-0248).
