EUGENE, Ore. — Lane Community College’s Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program proudly announces that its Class of 2024 has achieved an exceptional 100 percent pass rate on the National Physical Therapy Examination. This outstanding accomplishment, in which all graduating students passed, stands out significantly from the ultimate national pass rate for accredited U.S. programs, which is currently 85.3% percent.
Christina Howard and Marc Duyck, faculty instructors for the PTA program, credit this achievement to several program enhancements introduced to support students’ learning and preparation. “We implemented flexible timelines for assessments and assignments,” they explained. “Our goal was to offer the flexibility needed to help students focus on building confidence and readiness, even when they faced personal challenges during their studies.”
The program introduced structured self-reflection opportunities, such as exam item analyses and practice exercises with targeted feedback, allowing students to identify growth areas and adjust their preparation strategies over time. Additionally, a two-day webinar focused on evidence-based exam preparation was piloted to help students manage test anxiety and develop effective study plans. The response from students was overwhelmingly positive, underscoring the program’s impact on their confidence and readiness.
Throughout the PTA program, Lane emphasizes practice-based learning, with faculty consistently integrating reflective practices and low-stakes testing that mirrors the structure and content of the national exam. “From day one, we prepare our students not only for the exam but also for lifelong professional success,” said Howard. In addition, faculty members trained by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy contribute authentic, exam-modeled practice questions to ensure students have practical, exam-relevant experience.
The journey to this success was not without challenges. The Class of 2024 faced the ongoing effects of the pandemic, with many students balancing responsibilities as caregivers and managing financial pressures. To support them, faculty fostered a strong community within the program, prioritizing open communication and emotional support, which in turn helped students build resilience and mutual encouragement. This dedication to student well-being and connection has long been central to Lane’s PTA program, with faculty providing ongoing support through supervised labs, one-on-one tutoring, and peer recognition activities.
The Lane PTA program also provides extensive real-world experience. Students complete a minimum of 648 hours of clinical practice, partnering with diverse healthcare facilities across Oregon and the western United States. This hands-on clinical training, combined with academic support, ensures Lane PTA students are fully prepared for their professional roles.
Reflecting on the program’s future, faculty and staff remain committed to expanding diversity and inclusivity among students, establishing new recruitment and support strategies to reflect the diverse communities Lane serves. Plans are also underway to establish a community clinic that will provide both service to the community and additional hands-on learning opportunities for students.
“We are incredibly proud of the Class of 2024,” said Howard and Duyck. “Their success speaks to their dedication, resilience, and the supportive environment we strive to create at Lane. We look forward to seeing them make a meaningful impact as they advance in their careers, transforming lives and communities through physical therapy.”
Lane Community College educates over 15,000 students annually at six locations across Lane County and online. Students and alumni from all 50 states and 79 countries create more than an $675 million dollar impact on the local economy, helping to support more than 8,900 local jobs. Lane provides affordable, quality, professional technical and college transfer programs; business development and employee training; academic, language and life skills development; and lifelong personal development and enrichment courses.