Essex County College Celebrates Physical Therapist Assistant Class of 2025

NEWARK, N.J.–  Essex County College celebrated the graduates of its Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program during a pinning ceremony held Thursday, May 1, at the Newark campus. The milestone event marked the students’ transition from learners to health care professionals.

Twenty-one students were honored for their academic achievements and were pinned by their instructors, family and loved ones. Vice President of Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Hamin Shabazz offered warm remarks to America’s future healers.

“It takes a very, very special person to care for someone who is sick and needs help. You have been chosen,” said Dr. Shabazz. “Keep going. Don’t let this be a stopping point for you. Go as far as you can go.”

A statement prepared by Dr. Lori York, chairperson of the Division of Nursing & Allied Health, was also shared with graduates and their guests in Smith Hall. The letter, read by physical therapy instructor and master of ceremonies Dr. Thomas Donofrio, offered words of encouragement.

“You are now ready to step into a rewarding profession that makes a real difference in people’s lives,” Dr. York wrote. “This achievement is a testament to your compassion, clinical skills and commitment to patient care.”

Dr. Christine Stutz-Dolye, PTA program coordinator, echoed similar sentiments, while highlighting the caliber of work graduates poured into the program.

“This pin represents more than a completion of coursework, lab hours and clinical rotations,” said Dr. Stutz-Doyle. “It represents their resilience and dedication to serve. It’s been an honor to witness your academic achievements. We are incredibly proud you’ve earned this moment. As you step into this new chapter in life, know that your work will matter.”

Additional speakers included ECC PTA alumna Brianna Hughes (Class of 2021), and Dr. Robert Ruffalo, a guest lecturer, continuing education instructor and owner/director of A T.E.A.M. Approach Physical Therapy Center. Dr. Ruffalo urged graduates to remain engaged and informed.

“Practice, practice, practice,” he said. “We must be committed to constant learning—for our patients and for ourselves. This is not your finish line. It’s your new starting line.”

ECC’s Physical Therapist Assistant program is an accredited, two-year, five-semester course of study featuring intensive classroom instruction and hands-on experience in all aspects of physical therapy. Students work closely with patients and other health care professionals. Admission to the program is highly competitive and merit-based.

PTA Class President Wady N. Mercado Garcia (Class of 2025) acknowledged both the graduates and ECC’s dedicated faculty during the event.

“Thank you to our professors, they really worked hard making sure we are prepared for the boards,” said Garcia. “This school ended up being my second home. I had to come here]to study, even on my days off. Thank you to my classmates. It’s been an honor. If I had to do it again, I’d do it again with you guys. This isn’t the end of the book– it’s the start of a new chapter. Today we graduate as PTAs, and in a few months, when we’re licensed, we’ll be changing the world for the better.”

Looking ahead, graduate Sara Ford reflected on her time in the program. A mother of two and former civil engineering site designer, Ford made a mid-career switch by enrolling at ECC.

“This is my second career—it’s exciting and full of emotion,” she said.

On why she chose ECC, Ford explained:

“It’s highly rated, and my county doesn’t offer this program. I was grateful there was a school close enough that I could attend. The teachers actually inspired me throughout my time here. We’ve developed friendships with them. They were definitely hard on you that first year, making sure you’re the cream of the crop—people who really want to do this as a career. But then, they really inspired me personally, and I think that will hold a special place in my heart here at ECC. I look forward to inspiring others and building relationships with my patients—hopefully making an impact on their quality of life for years to come.”