Nassau Healthcare Corporation and Nassau Community College recently celebrated the completion of another semester of clinical fieldwork training at A. Holly Patterson Extended Care Facility, continuing a partnership that has helped prepare rehabilitation professionals for more than 50 years.
The Nassau Community College Physical Therapist Assistant Program, which began in 1969 and graduated its first class in 1971, sent 28 students to A. Holly Patterson between January and May. Students received hands-on clinical training in physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language pathology while working alongside rehabilitation professionals and gaining experience in patient care.
“Partnerships like this are essential to building the future healthcare workforce,” NHCC President and Chief Executive Officer Thomas Stokes said in a news release on Thursday. “For decades, A. Holly Patterson and Nassau Community College have worked together to provide students with meaningful clinical experience while delivering high-quality rehabilitative care to residents.”
William O’Keefe, director of Nassau Community College’s Physical Therapist Assistant Program, said the partnership continues to provide students with valuable clinical learning opportunities.
“The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education on-site review team described this fieldwork education model as highly student-centered, with multiple opportunities for meaningful and rewarding educational experiences,” O’Keefe said.
Joe Benden, administrator of A. Holly Patterson Extended Care Facility, said one of the most rewarding aspects of the program is seeing students learn from staff members while helping residents work toward their rehabilitation goals.
The spring semester fieldwork program concluded in May, with leaders from NHCC, A. Holly Patterson and Nassau Community College recognizing the students’ accomplishments.
Holly Patterson Extended Care Facility, operated by NHCC in Uniondale, provides skilled nursing, rehabilitation and long-term care services to residents throughout Nassau County.
