March 2022 - PTA Focus


By: Melissa Sell, PTA

My first glimpse into the world of physical therapy was when I was 15 and I knew from then that's what I wanted to do, but I wasn't quite sure how to get there. After high school I went off to a traditional 4-year college to get a degree in Exercise Science. Graduation came and went and at that point I was stuck with what to do next. Grad school wasn't quite in the cards for me at the moment, and I was limited with what I could do with my new degree. I worked as a rehab aide and even spent a summer in Yellowstone National Park.

I kept hearing about the Community College of Allegheny County- Boyce having a PTA program and thought that would be the perfect fit for me. Close to home, smaller class sizes, could still work part-time. Applied, got accepted, and any red light from my past suddenly became green. I fully committed myself to that program and learned what I could do to advocate for myself and my profession. Graduation and passing my license exam was the icing on the cake.

Fast forward a year ahead and bring us to today. I work at East Suburban Sports Medicine Center and treat neurological and orthopedic patients. I could not be happier. Each week I can see the effects of my efforts to help enrich people's lives by allowing them to live pain free, walk across a room safely or even get out of a chair.

Outside of the office, I am a board observer for Pennsylvania's APTA chapter. I believe that APTA is a great source for young professionals to grow outside of the classroom and make connections and I want to become a part of that. I try to keep a healthy and active lifestyle to practice what I preach to my patients. To really unwind, I love to bake cookies, cupcakes and other sweet treats.

It has been a long journey to get me to where I want to be professionally, but I'm so incredibly grateful for being able to take the ride. I am excited for my professional career to really take off.