Caring with Purpose: The Role of Christian Principles in SNU’s PTA Program

In honor of National Physical Therapy Month, this blog will describe the uniqueness that SNU’s Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program has in regard to equipping students to serve as healthcare professionals while also integrating Christian faith principles. While it is possible to see Christianity and healthcare work as completely different areas, we, at SNU, know that they are so beautifully intertwined and that physical therapy truly is a way to care for the beauty of God’s creation. We ensure that this perspective is instilled in our students throughout their academic journey. After all, we can’t develop truly effective healthcare professionals if we don’t also promote the value of selflessly loving and serving others.

In regard to working within Christian higher education, the SNU PTA Program Director, Dr. Loren McElroy, had the following to say: “As a future PTA, each student will be bringing their own story to the physical therapy profession. I believe it is our job as a Christian higher education program to be stewards of these stories and to help students ground their own perspectives in truth. I believe this approach of “sharing the journey together” fosters openness to learning, personal connection to one another, and empathy for their future patients.” During my time at SNU, I have discovered several ways that we promote Christian principles throughout the various stages of coursework. All are purposefully integrated during the 23 month duration of the program. Some of these include the following:

1. Faculty Testimony. SNU PTA faculty find value in sharing their own personal testimonies and faith journeys with students in the PTA program. We find that this allows us to relate to our students on a deeper level as it shows them our imperfections and the beautiful fact that God still loves and adores us regardless. Allowing students to truly hear about how we, as faculty, have changed after beginning a relationship with God and committing our lives to Him serves as an encouragement to them and reminds them that we are all very imperfect people and we are all in this together.
2. Integration of Christian Principles within Assignments/Activities. Throughout all courses in the program, faith principles are integrated in various assignments and experiences. Many case studies ask students to review a mock patient chart and develop an appropriate treatment plan, but they also encourage them to view the treatment through a faith-based lens. They are encouraged to reflect on how their personal faith experiences could impact the treatment and the overall care of the patient and to identify which faith-based principles they could incorporate to make the patient’s experience better. This is just one of many examples of faith and learning integration within our curriculum.
3. Open Door, Open Call, Open Text. The full-time faculty in SNU’s PTA program make sure students know that they are supported and they are loved, regardless of the circumstances. During their academic pursuit (and even after they have graduated), we want to mentor them and guide them along their faith journey. We also want to support them during challenging times that might arise. We realize that not everyone has adequate support systems and many students go through difficult times - times made even more difficult as they try to navigate the heavy course material. We find such joy in serving as a support system for our students. They are reminded that they can share anything with us, and that they can come to us if they need advice or mentorship in any area of their lives, whether related to school, faith, family, or friends. We do not want to see our students merely survive PTA school—we want to see them flourish! We are intentional to support students in any areas they may need to develop further so that they can become skilled, caring PTAs in any physical therapy setting.
4. Encouragement of Student Story Sharing. Some students are comfortable sharing their own testimony and their own faith journey during class time. In the SNU PTA program, in-class activities and devotionals are integrated to encourage this in those students who are comfortable. We have found that students often easily relate to other students. Hearing faith stories from their peers could make them more comfortable with seeking and sharing faith on their own. Students who would rather share their stories or seek guidance individually are frequently reminded to swing by faculty offices anytime!
5. Out of Class Activities. Plans are underway to begin a Bible Study outside of class hours beginning in January 2025. This will allow our students to connect with their peers and faculty members and develop a deeper relationship with God without the pressure of classes and coursework. We are hopeful that this will allow students a meaningful time to decompress and establish a solid faith routine. Additionally, service learning hours are integrated within the curriculum to provide students an opportunity to practice the skills they learn in the classroom while providing a valuable service to the community. Our values of refining character, creating culture, and serving Christ are demonstrated through service in the OKC community. Read more about service learning here.

Brooke Terry (pictured above), a PTA student who will be graduating this December, reflected on her SNU experience with the following statement: “SNU is so much more than just a school to me; it has been a place where my faith has been reignited when I needed it the most. Losing my mom before coming here left me feeling lost and disconnected from my faith. SNU provided me with the space and support to open up, navigate my struggles, and rebuild my faith in ways I never thought possible. As someone with a disability, I was initially nervous about joining a larger program and pursuing a career as a PTA. However, Dr. McElroy’s guidance before joining the program was instrumental in helping me overcome these challenges. This support profoundly impacted my decision to join the PTA program at SNU. It showed me that no matter the disability, it should never define what you can or cannot do. You are stronger than your disability, and this path truly feels like God has sent me to impact the lives of others.”

While the SNU PTA program is accompanied by a heavy course load and time commitment, it is also such an exciting time of growth for our students, both professionally and spiritually! As our very first group of PTA students complete their clinical education experiences this fall and near graduation, we are confident in every aspect of their practice and of their spirit. Ultimately, God has chosen each individual student for this profession and He has chosen each individual faculty member to guide them along the way. We know that they are well-equipped for all areas of physical therapy practice and that their knowledge, skill, confidence, empathy, integrity, compassion, grace, and love will touch so many lives.

For more information about the Physical Therapist Assistant program, please visit our website or email us at pgsadmissions@mail.snu.edu.