Stayed connected to Terra State by guiding current students through clinical experiences

Kristin Stacey credits Terra State for being her stepping-stone into her career. Stacey, from Delta, graduated in 2018 with an Associate of Applied Science from the physical therapist assistant program.

She now works as a PTA at Mercy Health Outpatient Physical Therapy Clinic in Maumee, while also attending Mercy College for her bachelor’s degree. Early in 2022, Stacey will be applying to the University of Findlay to work towards her Doctorate of Physical Therapy.

Stacey chose Terra State a few years after the PTA program gained accreditation, so she knew the curriculum aligned with her career goals. Terra State also offered smaller class sizes and one-on-one attention with faculty. As a student, she completed clinical experiences at Mercy Health and Fremont Ross High School.

When looking into what she wanted focus her career in, Stacey had mixed feelings between orthopedics and physical therapy.

“I just wasn’t sure if I wanted to be the one doing the cutting, or the one doing the return to daily function. After personally going through physical therapy my sophomore year in high school for tearing my ACL, I chose to take the PT route and I love it,” said Stacey, “It’s a great way to stay in shape, learn, grow, challenge yourself and make a difference in patient’s lives.”

• 
  DegreePhysical Therapist Assistant
• 
  Length of Study

  2 years

• 
  Cost

  Less than $20,000

 

• 
  Employer

  Mercy Health

• 
  Average Salary

  $59,000

 

During her time as a student, Stacey learned that life flies by and that nothing in life that is worth fighting for comes easy.

“When I found myself stressed and frustrated, I had to remind myself that it is just a phase,” said Stacey.

Stacey is able to stay connected with past classmates, many of whom also work at Mercy Health. She is also able to help guide current Terra State PTA students who are completing their clinical work at Mercy Health. This has given her the opportunity to give back and help students in the same position as she was just a few years ago.

“Don’t give up and find a career that interests you. You’ll never work a day in your life if you love what you do,” said Stacey.