Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Karen Jones, Professor-Physical Therapist Assistant
Dr. Karen Jones, Professor-Physical Therapist Assistant
Education:
- AAS Physical Therapist Assistant Herkimer College
- BS, DPT Physical Therapy Utica College
Professional Affiliations:
- American Physical Therapy Association
- Orthopedics, Sports, and Neurology Section member
- Faculty Liaison NYPTA and Herkimer College
- Alpha Eta Society: National Allied Health Honors Society
Board Memberships:
- PTA Program Advisory Committee Chair
Honors & Awards:
- SUNY Chancellors Award for Excellence in Teaching 2008
- Genesis Distinguished Service Award PTA program 2012
- Genesis Outstanding Program Award PTA program 2018
What inspired you to become an educator?
What inspired me to become an educator is that I truly love what I do as a physical therapist, and I am passionate about my career. By instilling knowledge in my students, I feel I can make a difference in the Physical Therapy profession as a whole. The more knowledgeable the Physical Therapist Assistant students are that enter the profession, the more people they can help in the field. I truly believe that to be a good teacher, you have to like what you do.
What do you find most rewarding about teaching and why?
I teach the Physical Therapist Assistant students for two years at Herkimer. I see them at the beginning of their college careers coming in with little to no knowledge of the profession. The part of teaching I find the most rewarding is watching their knowledge growth over the two years and realizing how much they have learned during their time at Herkimer. When I see them walk across the stage at graduation, or I get the phone call that they have passed their National Board Examination, or have gotten their first professional job I am so very proud of them.
What separates Herkimer from other colleges?
There are many things that separate Herkimer County Community College from other colleges. The top reason, I believe, is the caring faculty and staff. The faculty and staff truly want you to succeed. At Herkimer, people are there to help you each step of the way. The faculty gets to know you as a person; you are not just a face in the crowd. They are available to speak with and guide you in your chosen careers. One of the other really unique characteristics of Herkimer is that all of the buildings are connected. When it is cold, snowing, or raining outside, you can stay warm and dry inside. Additionally, Herkimer is a beautiful campus. The grounds and buildings are well kept, and the view from the hill is amazing.
What do students need to know to succeed in college?
To succeed in college, students need to realize that this is their preparation for their careers. They need to take it seriously and show up to their classes, be on time, and be prepared for class. They need to treat college as if it is a job to get ready for that next phase of their lives. Respecting their teachers and those around them is important as it makes for a good learning environment. Joining clubs and getting involved in campus activities are great ways to connect with other students and the campus. Students need to realize that there are many tools available to them on campus such as the Academic Support Center, where free tutoring is available. Most of all, they need to remember why they are here and what their goals are in life. If they want something enough and work hard, they can achieve what they set their minds to.
