PTA Program Announces Clinical Educator of the Year

Brian Bales, a physical therapist assistant with Saint Joseph Hospital in London, has been named the 2015 Outstanding Clinical Educator by the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program at Somerset Community College (SCC). The Outstanding Clinical Educator award is presented annually to one physical therapist assistant educator who demonstrates excellence in teaching and a commitment to the ideals of the physical therapy profession.  Bales was nominated for the award by Candice Tye, a 2015 SCC PTA program graduate. 

Bales is a 1999 graduate of Midway College.  He started his career at Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital where he served as a clinician for 12 years.  Bales is currently employed by Saint Joseph Hospital in London, KY where he has worked as a physical therapist assistant for the past 4 years. 

“I am extremely honored to receive this award,” said Bales. “I really enjoy having students and helping them apply the knowledge they have gained in the classroom.” 

“Brian was an excellent clinical instructor that provided me with a wonderful clinical rotation that challenged me and helped gain the experience to treat a wide variety of patients,” said Tye. 

Dr. Steve Hammons, the PTA program academic coordinator of clinical education said, “We are extremely pleased to recognize Brian with this award for the contributions he has made to our program and the physical therapy profession.”