PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College graduated six physical therapist assistants during an intimate ceremony on Thursday. 

 

"This is a meaningful and, I hope, memorable evening for you, your families, our healthcare partners, this college, your very proud faculty, and most importantly, your future patients," BCC President Ellen Kennedy said. 

 

"In the years ahead, you will implement plans of care for people who are overjoyed to regain movement, for those coping with diminished capacity, and for others who are angry and grieving the loss of function they once took for granted."

 

During their careers, the graduates will witness a range of people experience complex emotions, including gratitude, frustration, hope, and despair, she said. 

 

"Some will thank you profusely. Others may express their pain in ways that make your work and your life more difficult," Kennedy said. 

 

"Through it all, you will rely on the knowledge, skills, and compassion you've developed in this program, which you will continue to refine in practice and professional growth. You will represent the very best of what Berkshire Community College has to offer."

 

The celebration marks their transition from students to practitioners into the "incredibly rewarding field," said Nicole Tucker, PTA program coordinator.  

 

The students worked for two years to enter the field that is in need of skilled practitioners, she said. 

 

"These individuals will fulfill a critical role in advancing recovery, promoting physical independence, and supporting overall wellness," Tucker said. 

 

"In the state of Massachusetts, there are just about 23,00 PTAs in practice, so our graduates are joining an elite group of practitioners, and as a matter of fact, four out of the six of our students who are graduating already have job offers in the works." 

 

There are special qualities required to become a physical therapist. It is more than understanding exercises or intervention. It demands the ability to build meaningful rapport, problem-solve, and demonstrate unwavering resilience, she said.

 

"These are all special individuals, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart. They are incredible," Tucker said. 

 

"Tonight's celebration is a recognition of the exceptional commitment and perseverance these individuals have shown over the past couple of years."

 

Guest speaker Victoria Guy emphasized the importance of continuous learning in the profession.

 

Guy is the director of rehabilitation services at Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington. She began her career as a physical rherapist assistant and later returned to school to earn her doctorate in physical therapy. She is an active member of the college’s advisory board and supports the students' clinical education.

 

"We are fortunate to be able to spend time with our patients, get to know them as a whole person, rather than just a diagnosis. That's important. We're fortunate. We often get to help our patients navigate around roadblocks that they don't even see. Either they can't see them, or they have no idea how to get around them," Guy said. 

 

"And when they finally do and you see them moving with greater ease and even a big smile. It's a feeling that to this day, 36 years later, is incredible, and it never gets dull, and it never gets old." 

 

PTA assistant professor Jacqueline Bianco encouraged the graduates to keep their pins visible to remind them of their journey, resilience, and reasons for choosing their profession.

 

"You've put a lot of time, effort and sacrifice into your education, and the best part is that it will continue to show in everything that you do, every patient you treat, every continuing education course that you will take, every collaboration with, every colleague in your career — everything," she said 

 

"You are a strong, passionate group of individuals that will continue to make a difference in people's lives, not only because you've learned so much here at BCC, but also because you've had it in you this whole time. It's what brought you here in the first place." 

 

Bianco said one of the most common challenges that the graduates have to overcome in their careers is confidence. 

 

"It's something everyone struggles with. Even the most brilliant individuals will tell you that they once struggled with it and still do. I think we can all agree that confidence does not come with enrollment," she said. 

 

 "It comes with effort and time. You've all wrestled with doubt, mistakes, lack of sleep, among many other things, but you've all pushed forward, gaining belief in yourself and your ability to help take care of others." 

 

Graduates

 

Johanna Beguin 

Sharon Brown 

Carli Kipp 

Devin Kogut 

Madeline Lazarus 

Rosalyn Lincoln