Mega Doctor News
By Selene Rodriguez
A story of conviction, determination and a deep commitment to meeting the Rio Grande Valley’s health care needs—that’s how South Texas College’s Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program was born 25 years ago, and with a consistent ultimate 100% pass rate over the years, it has become a cornerstone of excellence.
Recently, STC celebrated this milestone by bringing together faculty, staff, students, alumni and health care partners, each of whom played a vital role in building and shaping the program into the success it is today.
“In 1997, I was presented with the opportunity to create a brand-new PTA program at STC, and I was unsure whether to take on such a challenge,” shared STC Program Chair Diana Hernandez, M.Ed. “It wasn’t until I attended a state-level meeting for PTA programs, where I shared my vision for the RGV, that I was met with disbelief. They didn’t believe our community could handle the rigorous demands of a PTA program. They didn’t understand the resilience, heart and work ethic of the people this program would serve. I smiled and made a vow to prove them wrong.”
Established in 1998, but officially accredited in the year 2000, STC’s program is now renowned for rigorous standards, graduating nearly 300 high-skilled clinicians who are now making a difference in countless lives across the region.
“Among 391 PTA programs nationwide, including over 20 in Texas, few—if any—can claim a 100% consistent pass rate and a 100% job placement rate throughout their entire existence,” she continued. “But we’re STC. We embody the spirit of community. This program was built and sustained by a relentless, hardworking community.”
Iris Duran, a graduate of the program’s first cohort, is just one of many success stories and lives impacted by the college’s outstanding PTA program.
Graduating in 2000, she began her career in orthopedics and school-based therapy before specializing in adult and pediatric rehabilitation. Certified in intensive therapy for children with cerebral palsy, she also learned American Sign Language (ASL) and now incorporates it into her treatment of patients with hearing impairments.
“It all started with STC’s vision,” said Duran during the event. “Signing up for a new program, not knowing what the future would hold, was a huge risk. But STC believed in us, and we believed in ourselves. And we were right to do so. Thank you, STC. Here we are, 25 years later — it was worth the journey.”
Over the years, STC’s highly skilled PTA graduates have played a crucial role in helping patients recover from injuries, surgeries and medical conditions that affect their ability to move and perform daily activities.
For most of its existence, STC was the only program of its kind in the region. Today, it also offers a unique opportunity for its graduates to advance their expertise within the profession.
Since 2015, STC has partnered with the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston to provide two guaranteed seats each year in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program for eligible graduates. This program offers a flexible, hybrid course format with minimal on-campus requirements, allowing graduates to complete their DPT in just two years and four months.
“This program has done an outstanding job of embodying STC’s mission to transform our community and contribute to the health and well-being of our loved ones,” said STC President Ricardo Solis, Ph.D. “It’s truly an honor to witness the impact of this program, its graduates and the dedicated individuals who make it possible. Beyond the impressive numbers, we celebrate the countless lives you’re changing and the positive difference you’re making in our health care system. Here’s to many more years of success.”
For more information on the Physical Therapist Assistant program or other Nursing and Allied Health programs offered at STC, visit nah.southtexascollege.edu/ or call 956-872-3100.
