Nicholas Istace

NorQuest student named province’s best

With a passion for learning and an eagerness to help people who have trouble helping themselves, NorQuest College graduate Nicholas Istace found his calling as a physical therapy assistant.

The profession is something Istace always knew he wanted to do, and now – thanks to his dedication, studious nature, and his ability to inspire fellow classmates – he is the 2016 Therapy Assistant Association of Alberta’s (THAA) Student Award winner.

The nomination form sent to the THAA by his NorQuest instructors had this to say about him:

Nick has been an asset to our program and displays a passion for learning that will carry him far in his career as a physical therapy assistant as well as any other endeavor he may seek. He is giving and hard-working, making him a well deserving candidate for this award. His inclusiveness and ability to connect with people will benefit his future employer and clients.

He was honoured at the association’s annual Education Day celebration last month.

“I really enjoy working with patients and helping them gain not only skills but confidence,” says the 20-year-old, who after graduation found employment at Edmonton’s Alberta Hospital.

Teaching confidence may seem strange from a person who describes himself as once being shy and quiet. However, it was his NorQuest education that helped him escape his own fears.

“At NorQuest a big part of the therapy assistant program is communication. Learning more about that really helped me gain my own confidence. The instructors all took the time to spend extra time with students, and my classmates helped me along the way. Everything I learned from NorQuest I have been able to take into my profession.”

At NorQuest the instructors all took the time to spend extra time with students, and my classmates helped me along the way. Everything I learned from NorQuest I have been able to take into my profession.