Connection March/April 2025
In this Issue …
Early Care and Education Hosts First Discover Your Impact Student Conference.............................5
Students Showcase Projects to Industry Leaders ....................................9
BudgetCon Addresses Financial Literacy.................................12
College Announces New Workforce Development Program Officials from TCTC, AnMed and Elite Integrated Therapy Centers signed an agreement March 26 outlining a new Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) program that will launch at the College’s Easley Campus in fall 2027. The new two-year associate degree program aims to address a critical shortage of physical therapy assistants in the area and create a pathway into Officials from TCTC, AnMed and Elite Integrated Therapy Centers signed an additional physical therapy agreement March 26 outlining a new Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) program. Pictured from left are Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry, dean of TCTC’s Health Education education programs. What makes the program Division; Paul Hecker, owner and CEO of Elite Integrated Therapy Centers; and Scott Weiskittel, chief operating officer of AnMed. unique is that it is fully funded by AnMed and Elite Integrated Therapy Centers. In addition to covering the cost of equipment and program faculty, AnMed and Elite will provide internships, work placement and clinical rotations for students. “Rigorous, quality education and training for health care professionals are critical both for our not-forprofit health system and the community at large, and we’re grateful to be able to team up with wonderful partners like Tri-County Technical College and Elite Integrated Therapy Centers to make a program like this happen,” said William Kenley, CEO of AnMed. “Physical therapists and assistants are needed by neighbors, friends and family members throughout the Upstate, and that need is growing. With the help of this wonderful new program, we’re going to educate and train people to make a difference and launch rewarding careers in health care in the process.” Students enrolled in the PTA program will gain foundational knowledge in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and patient care with a focus on therapeutic exercises, modalities, and clinical skills for rehabilitation. They will also engage in clinical rotations to gain hands-on experience. Upon graduation, students must pass a national exam to become certified. Once certified, they can work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist in a variety of settings including hospitals, (continued on page 12) outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and schools.