MARIETTA, OHIO — For Washington State College of Ohio (WSCO) alumnus Ryan Graham, helping people has always been at the heart of his career goals. What began as an interest in sports medicine and rehabilitation has grown into a career dedicated not only to helping patients recover, but also to mentoring future healthcare professionals.
A graduate of WSCO’s Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program, Graham chose the College because it offered everything he was looking for while staying local. “I chose WSCO because it was close to home, had the program I was interested in, offered small class sizes, and was affordable,” Graham said.
His passion for physical therapy began through athletics and seeing firsthand how rehabilitation could help injured athletes return to the sports they loved. That inspiration evolved into a broader purpose of helping people regain their independence and quality of life. “I wanted to help people regain their prior levels of function and return to doing the things they love, whether that was an athlete returning to sport or a grandmother being able to play with her grandchild,” Graham explained.
While at WSCO, Graham found a supportive learning environment that prepared him for success both in the classroom and in the clinic. He credits the college’s knowledgeable faculty and hands-on approach with giving him the confidence to begin his career immediately after graduation. “I had knowledgeable professors who were always available to answer questions and prepare me for my future career,” he said. “The smaller class sizes gave us more one-on-one opportunities while learning hands-on skills and treatment techniques, which made me much more confident in my abilities.”
The hands-on clinical experiences built into the PTA program helped bridge the gap between the classroom and real-world patient care. Graham says he felt prepared to enter the profession from his very first day on the job. “WSCO gave me the educational foundation to feel confident entering the clinical environment,” he said. “When I completed my clinical experiences as a student, I felt I had the knowledge to perform at an entry level, and upon graduation I felt prepared to perform the duties of a PTA from day one.”
Today, Graham serves as a PTA, Center Coordinator for Clinical Education (CCCE), and Assistant Director of the Belpre Clinic for First Settlement Physical Therapy. In his leadership roles, he not only treats patients but also coordinates clinical experiences for PTA students from colleges across the region, including WSCO.
As a clinical instructor, Graham often reflects on his own experience as a student. “When working with students beginning their journey as PTAs, I often think back to my time at WSCO,” he said. “I understand how challenging it can be to learn everything required to become a PTA, and I’m grateful for how well my professors prepared me.”
In his role as CCCE, Graham works closely with colleges to place students in meaningful clinical affiliations and serves on advisory committees that help shape PTA education. His goal is to ensure future healthcare professionals receive the support and experience they need to succeed. “I am proud to help new generations of students gain the tools they need before graduation and enter the profession ready to provide outstanding patient care,” Graham said.
Every day, Graham continues to apply the knowledge he gained at WSCO, using his understanding of anatomy, rehabilitation, and patient-centered care to help individuals achieve their recovery goals while investing in the future of the profession.
Graham’s journey reflects the lasting impact of a WSCO education. Through personalized instruction, hands-on learning, and dedicated faculty mentorship, he built the confidence and expertise to advance his own career while helping prepare the next generation of Physical Therapist Assistants to make a difference in their communities.
