This October, in honor of National Physical Therapy Month, Western Iowa Tech Community College (WITCC) is shining a spotlight on its Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program, which is proudly celebrating 30 years of educating skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals. It is a milestone that highlights decades of impact, growth, and community care.
Since graduating its first students in 1995, the program has helped nearly 400 individuals launch meaningful careers in physical therapy. Graduates play essential roles on interdisciplinary healthcare teams and are employed in hospitals, clinics, schools, and rehabilitation centers throughout the region and in nearly 20 states across the country. Many are hired directly by one of the college's more than 60 clinical partners after completing their rotations.
The PTA program has built a reputation for preparing students to succeed both professionally and personally. Students benefit from a strong academic foundation, hands-on lab experiences, and opportunities to give back through service-learning, leadership, and community outreach. A defining strength of the program is its deep connection to local healthcare providers, rehabilitation centers, and other industry partners. Community collaboration is central to the learning experience. Guest speakers from the field regularly visit campus to share their expertise, and students engage with area businesses to see physical therapy in practice. These partnerships create valuable learning opportunities and help students build confidence, broaden their understanding of the field, and make meaningful professional connections before graduation.
"This program has grown in so many ways academically, clinically, and through the incredible impact of our students and graduates," said Linda Mercer, PT, DPT, longtime faculty member and mentor. "It has been amazing to witness students step into their professional identities and change lives, not just their patients', but their own."
The PTA program was first proposed to the Iowa Department of Education in 1988. The first class enrolled in 1993 under founding director Dr. Barbara Anne Huculak, PT, PhD. In 1995, the program celebrated its first graduating class and earned full accreditation from CAPTE. Over the years, the program has added key experiences such as a partnership with Briar Cliff University's Pro Bono DPT Clinic, a move to a new, modern physical therapy lab in 2019, and a 10-year reaccreditation reaffirmed in 2020.
Today, as the program marks three decades of student success, the faculty and leadership continue to look ahead. There is a strong commitment to enhancing the curriculum, expanding clinical opportunities, and supporting students as they prepare to enter a healthcare environment that continues to change and grow.
"This anniversary is a reminder of how far we have come and how bright the path ahead remains," said Amanda Heilman, PTA, MHS, Administrative Program Coordinator. "We aim not only to educate future healthcare professionals, but to inspire PTAs who bring care, compassion, and movement to the lives of those they serve."
As Western Iowa Tech celebrates 30 years of the PTA program, the college continues to fulfill its mission of elevating diverse learners and strengthening communities through inclusive and innovative education.
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For additional information, contact:
Amanda Heilman PTA, MHS
Administrative Program Coordinator
amanda.heilman@witcc.edu | 712-317-3483