Emory and Henry College Doctor of Physical Therapy students visited Wytheville Community College (WCC) on February 28, 2025, to participate in collaborative learning exercises with WCC’s second-year Physical Therapist Assistant students.

 The students from both colleges used the opportunity to practice physical therapist and physical therapist assistant teamwork. Tabletop exercises were used to help students become familiar with how the partnership of the two occupations might occur in a variety of clinical settings. The event also fostered networking opportunities among students who are likely to work together following graduation.

 "We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Emory and Henry students, as this partnership with WCC strengthens our shared commitment to preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals," said Dr. Sherry Phelan, WCC VP of Instruction and Student Development. 

WCC’s Physical Therapist Assistant Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The program was established in 1986 to provide students in the western part of Virginia with a career opportunity in Physical Therapy. Physical Therapist Assistants work under the close supervision of a physical therapist to provide therapy for patients to improve mobility, to relieve pain, and to lessen the functional limitations that occur as a result of a physical disability. 

Applications for WCC Healthcare Selective Admissions programs are due by March 17, 2025. For more information about the Physical Therapist Assistant program at WCC, visit www.wcc.vccs.edu/pathways/healthcare or contact Julia Jackson King, PT, WCC Physical Therapist Assistant Program Head at jjacksonking@wcc.vccs.edu.

                                                                                     ###