Physical Therapist Assistant Outstanding Graduate Jackson Finds Education, So Much More at Owens
As a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) student at Owens Community College, Alexis Jackson found her why, and so much more.
Not only did Jackson graduate in spring 2025 with her associate degree, she also made strong friendships that will last a lifetime. In fact, one of her classmates will be a bridesmaid in Jackson’s wedding this winter.
With 18 students in the cohort at the Toledo-area Campus and 12 at the Findlay-area Campus, Jackson said it’s easy to get to know each other extremely well.
“It was way easier to get through the classes when you have friends,” Jackson said. “I can help them when they don’t understand things and they help me the same way. It was definitely really special.”
Jackson was also named the program’s outstanding graduate. She felt like her desire to help her classmates and make sure no one was being left behind helped her receive the award, which is voted on by classmates and faculty.
“It was a voting process, so people submitted my name and provided reasons why,” Jackson said. “It feels even better than a normal award that just the director chose. I know these people, I spent all my time with them over the last two years. It was really gratifying.”
A Van Buren native, Jackson’s introduction to PTA came while still in high school. The athletic trainer and girls soccer coach were both PTAs, and they gave Jackson a glimpse into what their professional lives are like.
She originally went to a four-year university to pursue physical therapy, but after two years, she realized the patient interaction in being a PTA is what she was actually searching for.
Plus, the size of the school made Jackson feel like she was just another number. That was not the case at Owens.
“I think people discredit community colleges a lot. They want to go to the big state colleges with the sports, and that was fun, but I wasn’t getting the education I needed. The teachers didn’t have time for everybody,” Jackson said. “I needed to come somewhere like Owens.”
There was one more change in direction for Jackson. While she was originally introduced to PTA with more of an outpatient focus through athletics, her first clinical at Toledo Hospital was in acute inpatient care. She loved it.
She did one more clinical in acute care to make sure, and it only confirmed her love for that side, but it only confirmed what she already knew. She was hooked.
“I’ve seen people get up and walk for the first time in months. I’ve seen people break down in tears,” Jackson said. “It is so gratifying.
“It was not what I expected at all. I went to Toledo Hospital first, and I loved it. I had a lot of fun. I wanted to stay as long as I could. Coming into this four years ago, I never would have thought this is where I would be.”
Published May 2025