Graduate of Physical Therapist Assistant Program Honored at Pinning Ceremony

Manchester, Conn., – (February 13, 2009)… Manchester Community College (MCC) student Sarah Fernandez, of Norwich along with 12 other students from the 2008 graduating class from the Connecticut Community College’s physical therapist assistant degree program, were honored in a January pinning ceremony.

The two-year program confers an associate degree in science. Graduates become assistants to physical therapists (PTs), and work in hospitals, school systems, private offices, home health agencies, industry, rehabilitation hospitals and nursing homes. Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) work under the direction and supervision of the PT while implementing treatment programs, training patients in exercises and activities of daily living, and educating patients. PTAs are currently in high demand and the need is expected to grow due to an increasingly aging population in need of medical and rehabilitation services.

The program is offered through a collaborative agreement that includes Capital Community College (CCC), Housatonic Community College (HCC), Manchester Community College (MCC), Naugatuck Valley Community College (NVCC), Northwestern Connecticut Community College (NCCC), and Tunxis Community College (TCC). Students accepted to the program take the general education courses at their home campus and the physical therapist assistant courses at NVCC.

In addition to the physical therapist assistant degree program, MCC offers several degree programs, certificates and credit and non-credit programs in allied health, including occupational therapy assistant, respiratory care, surgical technology and therapeutic recreation. For more information about the allied health degree programs at MCC, contact Aynsley Diamond, at 860-512-2720.

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Students of any age who possess the desire to pursue higher education are welcome at Manchester Community College. MCC is proud of its academic excellence, new facilities, flexible schedules, small classes, low tuition and faculty with both academic and “real world” credentials. The College offers over 60 programs, transfer options, financial aid and scholarships, as well as access to baccalaureate degrees through guaranteed admissions programs with several universities. MCC is situated on a park-like campus and is easily accessible from I-84.