Nelson Smith
Physical Therapist Assistant
After spending a number of years working as a nurse tech, Nelson Smith is ready for a career change. He found what he feels is the perfect fit with Delaware Tech's physical therapist assistant (PTA) program.
"Both PTA and nursing have their challenges and are different kinds of care," Smith said. "I like seeing people progress and get better. Therapy is a rewarding field and something I'll enjoy doing and is only a slight pivot under the same umbrella of healthcare."
Smith originally came to Delaware Tech 12 years ago but wasn't focused and didn't decide on a major. He attended part-time and his only focus was completing some pre-requisite courses while deciding on a major.
He eventually found nursing while also working as a personal trainer and serving as a youth sports coach. Smith feels he can draw on his experiences in all three of those jobs when he begins working as a PTA.
"I realized how much joy I receive from being a motivator and helping people make progress," Smith said. "Now going through the therapy program, it's helped me tune my ability to be that motivator, since different people respond to different types of motivation."
Smith has returned to the College with renewed focus and determination. When he first attended, he mostly kept to himself and didn't ask a lot of questions.
"This time around I am asking questions and getting more involved," he said. "My personality is more of an introvert, but that lone wolf attitude and personality didn't suite me well when I did need help or had a question because I didn't have the interpersonal relationships.
"Now being in the PTA program there's no other option. I have to succeed."
Smith is taking a tempered approach to his future success. He's not taking a future graduation for granted, and is just happy passing one semester in the program at a time.
"I've been humble and grateful that I've made it this far," Smith said. "So I'm not trying to count chickens before they are hatched.
"I definitely have a goal and a plan and my expectations are to get to graduation. I just want to figure out what I need to do to strengthen myself for each semester and get past the next challenge."
