Published February 14, 2017
Nick Chupick’s senior year of high school—including competitive sports—was interrupted by a medial meniscus tear in his knee. As he spent the time healing and going through physical therapy, he saw first-hand how physical therapy helped him get back in the game.
And he knew he wanted to give that same kind of care to others in his future.
Chupick came to Clarks Summit University upon recommendation of his sister, Amanda (Keay, ’14), who graduated from the Health and Physical Education program. Her experience helped Nick decide CSU was the place for him.
Career Experience
Even though CSU’s Pre-Physical Therapy program is a pre-professional track, Chupick is already working in his field.
Chupick works at the Hamlin campus of Physical Therapy Associates of NEPA as a Physical Therapy technician. He helps patients with exercises according to their treatment plan and prepares heat, ice and electrical stimulation units, as well as various office tasks. The experience gives him valuable hands-on experience that will give him a unique advantage in graduate school.
Caring for the Whole Person
Also, his ministry training affords a special type of ministry in the workplace. “The opportunities I have to care for people—and more importantly to build relationships with them over the extensive amount of time I see them—is a great platform to share my Christian worldview through casual conversation.”
Clarks Summit University prepares students with a remarkable combination of skills for making a ministry of whatever career they choose. Chupick is already seeing how he can take the beliefs he’s solidifying in the classroom and the mentoring he’s receiving all around campus to reach people in his career.
Mentors Weigh In
Professors in the Pre-Physical Therapy program teach students both in theoretical and practical ways. Science department associate professor Peggy Wright brings knowledge and passion to the classroom, providing students like Chupick the solid foundation in the biological sciences they need to be successful in the field.
“Peggy Wright is a brilliant woman, and a top-of-the-line science professor,” says Chupick. “She is so knowledgeable in her field and has prepared me with a very strong foundation in human anatomy, physiology, chemistry and biology.”
Head Athletic Trainer Ronnie Chastain helps give Chupick the practical, hands-on experience that will help him in continuing in the physical therapy field. “Nick is learning to combine his faith, personal walk and worldview with this health profession,” says Chastain. “Nick has shown that this type of combination gives the tools and experiences to make an informed decision about going into physical therapy school.”
Sherrie Holloway is a professor in the Pre-Physical Therapy program and has seen Chupick progress in his time at CSU and his job.
“Nick is a hard worker and is able to juggle people, sports participation and a difficult academic track. This balance is exactly why he will be successful. God has wired him to enjoy people and care for them as a whole, not just their injuries. He will find a good balance between knowledge and application as he seeks to help the people God brings his way.”
Plans for the Future
Chupick plans to graduate in 2017 and pursue graduate school afterward, chasing his dream of working as a physical therapist for a sports team. For him, physical therapy is more than just a job—it’s a way to help people chase their dreams, too.
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