The American Business Club (AMBUCS) in Dodge City has awarded six $250 scholarships to Colby Community College physical therapist assistant (PTA) students.

Program director Pat Erickson, PT, DPT, presented the scholarship checks to Paige Gridley (Hays), Nicholas Martinez (Lyons), Amanda Rubottom (Stockton), Cody Smith, (Hutchinson), Jonnie Staub (Halsey, Neb.) and Shane Wilson (Ellsworth). The recipients will complete the physical therapist assistant program in August 2016.

Physical therapist assistants are a key member of the health care team, specially trained to work under the supervision of a physical therapist. PTAs are employed in hospitals, clinics, private offices, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and schools for children with disabilities.

Upon completion of the program at CCC, students receive an associate of applied science degree and are qualified to take the state certification examination.

The freshman year is open to all students and consists of prerequisite courses. Admission to the sophomore year is limited to 24 students. Applications are available in February and are due in mid-March.

Erickson is the director of the CCC program. She is assisted by Kathy Robert, P.T.A.

AMBUCS is a non-profit service organization dedicated to creating mobility and independence for people with disabilities.