News Article

NORTH EAST, Md. – James Brindley embodies the spirit of resilience and determination, having embarked on a new chapter of his life, balancing family responsibilities and academic pursuits. As a non-traditional college student, married with two young children, he faced unique challenges that many traditional students do not, but his journey has been nothing short of inspiring.

Mr. Brindley graduated in May 2024 with an Associate of Applied Science from the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Cecil College, but his journey was the less traveled path.

“At 29, I couldn’t see myself going to school for six years and accumulating a huge debt. The PTA program offered a great salary and only took a couple of years to complete,” said Mr. Brindley.

His story began in 2019 while he lived in North East, Md., and worked as an automotive service advisor. One day, his wife came home with a lucrative traveling nursing opportunity, which they seized upon and it opened Mr. Brindley’s eyes to new possibilities.

“We had our house here and planned to return,” he reflected. “We were just trying to take advantage of an opportunity for my wife.”

This decision allowed Mr. Brindley to return to school remotely, often while caring for their children. Throughout his research into academic programs, his path to becoming a PTA was motivated by personal experiences with physical therapy. He underwent treatment twice: once for a broken arm in 2009 and again for a torn ACL a few years later. These experiences ignited a passion for the field.

“I always found physical therapy very interesting. I am good at science, and I love sports. It felt like the perfect blend of my interests,” he shared.

However, the journey was not without its challenges. Balancing family life and school required incredible time management and support.

“There weren’t many hours in the day, so it was tough. My wife was incredible, ensuring I had time to study and even serving as a patient for my practice techniques,” he explained. The couple’s strong family support network was crucial, allowing Mr. Brindley to focus on his studies while managing parenting duties.

Despite the obstacles, Mr. Brindley thrived in the PTA program, which has achieved a remarkable 100 percent first-time pass rate on the national licensing exam for seven of the past nine years. “It wasn’t easy, but we (his classmates) supported one another,” Mr. Brindley recalled. His dedication paid off, and he looks forward to giving back to the community through his work.

Financially, he benefited as the proud recipient of the McCormick Memorial Scholarship for PTA students from the Cecil College Foundation. It played a pivotal role in Mr. Brindley’s educational journey.

“This scholarship alleviated some of the financial burden that school can carry,” he said gratefully. “I want to personally thank those who have contributed to the scholarship fund and those who awarded me this scholarship. It has truly contributed to my education, and I look forward to caring for others and giving back to my patients in the future.”

As community colleges gain recognition for their affordability and effectiveness in addressing student debt, stories like Mr. Brindley’s highlight their vital role in transforming lives. “The Cecil College PTA program serves the needs of the county and surrounding region by educating the next generation of rehabilitation professionals who improve the quality of life for residents,” said Assistant Professor Deanna Smith, Director of the PTA Program.

Mr. Brindley’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, family support, and education opportunities. He is already serving the community by working in a local outpatient clinic rehabilitating patients with a variety of conditions.