Rebecca J.

Stevens
I am very interested and committed to pursue a Physical Therapist Assistant Associates Degree
through Allied Health at CCAC Boyce Campus. In 1997, I graduated from Richland High School in
Johnstown, PA. I then moved to Pittsburgh to attend Duquesne University where I graduated in 2002 with a
dual B.A. degree in English and Theater Arts. From 2002 until the present, I have worked at various theaters
in Pittsburgh and Western PA, KY, New York City, and VA. I have worked in many capacities, stage
manager, director, stage hand, actor, and designer positions. In 2006 I received my Actors Equity union
membership.
During the last two years, I concluded that the economy is not supportive of a full-time arts career for
me, so I began to evaluate other options that I am also passionate about. Looking back at my life, I
immediately thought of my own medical history to supply my answers. During high school, I repeatedly
dislocated my knees and eventually required surgery on both knees. Since those surgeries, I have spent many
hours at various physical therapy clinics. In addition, I was employed at the University Of Pittsburgh School
Of Medicine as a Standardize Patient. It was my responsibility to not only portray a variety of patients with
various complaints but to understand and demonstrate general skills such as the physical exam, patient history
interview, and basic life support. Physical therapy thus became a solid decision for me; I have personal
experience, can empathize with patients, and am always curious for more knowledge about healing.
Since returning to college, I have maintained a 3.86 GPA, attained Dean's List over the summer of
2011, and have joined several commendable organizations. Last semester I joined Psi Beta, the Psychology
Honors Society, which presents speakers, organizes events such as Blood Drives, and gives students
opportunities for volunteer work and scholarships. I also was accepted to Phi Theta Kappa at both North and
Boyce Campuses. Induction requires a high GPA as well as high self efficacy and desire.
I am interested in the Physical Therapist Assistant program for several reasons. In addition to helping
people heal physically from injury, I look forward to helping them find the inner strength to recover fully. I
am also looking forward to working with doctors, therapists, and other medical staff in the process of healing.
I have a particular interest working with younger patients with long term conditions, such as arthritis and
deformity. However, I feel I would be an asset working with any age group and condition, such as geriatric,
coma patients, athletes, and children. I am well-read, very outgoing and communicative, and I believe my
prior education and work experience will help me to connect with patients in a more holistic, empathizing and
healing way.
Overall, I am a confident, self-starter and willing to go the extra mile whenever necessary. I am not
afraid of both hands on "dirty work" or routine work; as both can be equally as rewarding if you put your
mind to it. And because I have undergone physical therapy myself, I have a great deal of empathy to offer
patients. I remain positive and cheerful, even when daunted with challenges. With these attributes, coupled
with the knowledge I can learn through the Physical Therapist Assistant program, I will be a "triple threat" for
any therapist team.
In summary, I am confident I will be an asset to the Physical Therapist Assistant program and the
field of Physical Therapy. Working in theater gave me the opportunity to work with a very diverse group of
people. I feel that this will be much the same in Physical Therapy, but rather than just providing an
intellectual and emotional experience as I did in theater, I will be also able to take part in a healing process.
Through a solid course of study and training followed by obtaining a job, I will be able to continue on my
journey of helping others heal.