Jonathan Bird, Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Director for Carrington College, first had Daniel Vincent as his student in 2019. “He was great at studying and could memorize concepts very well,” Jonathan remembers. “Daniel’s application skills really blossomed while in our program.” Jonathan found some of Daniel’s greatest strengths to be his energy, enthusiasm, focus, drive, and teamwork. “Daniel spent many hours in the lab working to perfect his hands-on skills, and he succeeded very well,” Jonathan says. “He also has a very amiable personality that draws people to him. I believe these will be strengths as he works with patients in the clinic.” Daniel graduated from Carrington College in April of 2021. Here, he shares more about his time as a student and his career path.
What did you do before you decided to enroll in the Physical Therapist Assistant program?
I was a personal trainer. I graduated from Iowa State University in 2015 with a degree in Kinesiology and Health. This degree led to working at various health clubs, eventually discovering Rocksteady Boxing* and assisting the Parkinson’s Disease population with their fitness.
How did you decide to study Physical Therapy Assisting? Were you inspired by anyone or by anything?
A lifelong love of health and fitness inspired my decision to pursue physical therapy, particularly when working with Rocksteady Boxing. This population reminded me of the difference physical therapy professionals make and made me want to continue my education.
How did you decide to enroll in the Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) program at Carrington College?
I decided it was time for a change and looked for schools in Idaho. I’m from Iowa and had known for some time that I wanted to leave the state and give Boise a try.
What was your favorite part about the PTA program at Carrington College, and what did you find the most challenging?
My favorite part was the hands-on labs; we were able to practice our skills throughout Ortho and Neuro class. The program was challenging, but it pushed all of us to be the best we could be—on and off-campus. Covid was a particular challenge during the program, especially when we were relegated to online learning.
Where do you work now? What do you enjoy most about it, and what are the challenges?
I work for Intermountain Physical Therapy as a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant. I love working with a diverse range of ortho conditions. The most challenging aspect is balancing many different back-to-back conditions in a short time.
How did you find your job?
Through the referral of a friend who used to work for a neurosurgeon; this physician often referred patients to our clinic.
Did the PTA program at Carrington College prepare you for your current role?
I believe we were given the base knowledge that allows us to treat conditions of any kind. I felt confident stepping into my role with my Carrington education.
Do you have any words of advice for a person who is just beginning this program, or anything you wish you had known?
The best advice I can give is to take the program one day at a time, put the work in, and don’t stress. Manage your time well, and you will do just fine. *“The mission of Rock Steady Boxing is to equip our affiliates and empower the coaches to improve the quality of life of people with Parkinson’s disease through a non-contact, boxing-based fitness curriculum.” https://www.rocksteadyboxing.org/about/
