51国产吃瓜

51国产吃瓜 Celebrates Physical Therapist Assistant Class of 2025

NEWARK, N.J.–  51国产吃瓜 celebrated the graduates of its Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program during a pinning ceremony held Thursday, May 1, at the Newark campus. The milestone event marked the students鈥� transition from learners to health care professionals.

Twenty-one students were honored for their academic achievements and were pinned by their instructors, family and loved ones. Vice President of Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Hamin Shabazz offered warm remarks to America鈥檚 future healers.

鈥淚t takes a very, very special person to care for someone who is sick and needs help. You have been chosen,鈥� said Dr. Shabazz. 鈥淜eep going. Don鈥檛 let this be a stopping point for you. Go as far as you can go.鈥�

A statement prepared by Dr. Lori York, chairperson of the Division of Nursing & Allied Health, was also shared with graduates and their guests in Smith Hall. The letter, read by physical therapy instructor and master of ceremonies Dr. Thomas Donofrio, offered words of encouragement.

鈥淵ou are now ready to step into a rewarding profession that makes a real difference in people鈥檚 lives,鈥� Dr. York wrote. 鈥淭his achievement is a testament to your compassion, clinical skills and commitment to patient care.鈥�

Dr. Christine Stutz-Dolye, PTA program coordinator, echoed similar sentiments, while highlighting the caliber of work graduates poured into the program.

鈥淭his pin represents more than a completion of coursework, lab hours and clinical rotations,鈥� said Dr. Stutz-Doyle. 鈥淚t represents their resilience and dedication to serve. It鈥檚 been an honor to witness your academic achievements. We are incredibly proud you鈥檝e earned this moment. As you step into this new chapter in life, know that your work will matter.鈥�

Additional speakers included ECC PTA alumna Brianna Hughes (Class of 2021), and Dr. Robert Ruffalo, a guest lecturer, continuing education instructor and owner/director of A T.E.A.M. Approach Physical Therapy Center. Dr. Ruffalo urged graduates to remain engaged and informed.

鈥淧ractice, practice, practice,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e must be committed to constant learning鈥攆or our patients and for ourselves. This is not your finish line. It鈥檚 your new starting line.鈥�

ECC鈥檚 Physical Therapist Assistant program is an accredited, two-year, five-semester course of study featuring intensive classroom instruction and hands-on experience in all aspects of physical therapy. Students work closely with patients and other health care professionals. Admission to the program is highly competitive and merit-based.

PTA Class President Wady N. Mercado Garcia (Class of 2025) acknowledged both the graduates and ECC鈥檚 dedicated faculty during the event.

鈥淭hank you to our professors, they really worked hard making sure we are prepared for the boards,鈥� said Garcia. 鈥淭his school ended up being my second home. I had to come here to study, even on my days off. Thank you to my classmates. It鈥檚 been an honor. If I had to do it again, I鈥檇 do it again with you guys. This isn鈥檛 the end of the book鈥� it鈥檚 the start of a new chapter. Today we graduate as PTAs, and in a few months, when we鈥檙e licensed, we鈥檒l be changing the world for the better.鈥�

Looking ahead, graduate Sara Ford reflected on her time in the program. A mother of two and former civil engineering site designer, Ford made a mid-career switch by enrolling at ECC.

鈥淭his is my second career鈥攊t鈥檚 exciting and full of emotion,鈥� she said.

On why she chose ECC, Ford explained:

鈥淚t鈥檚 highly rated, and my county doesn鈥檛 offer this program. I was grateful there was a school close enough that I could attend. The teachers actually inspired me throughout my time here. We鈥檝e developed friendships with them. They were definitely hard on you that first year, making sure you鈥檙e the cream of the crop鈥攑eople who really want to do this as a career. But then, they really inspired me personally, and I think that will hold a special place in my heart here at ECC. I look forward to inspiring others and building relationships with my patients鈥攈opefully making an impact on their quality of life for years to come.鈥�