What鈥檚 it really like to work behind the scenes in the NHL? For 好莱污视频 Institute of Technology graduate Chris Porter, it鈥檚 more than just a job鈥攊t鈥檚 the realization of a dream. A 2018 graduate of NEIT鈥檚 Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program, Chris now serves as Assistant Physical Therapist for the Boston Bruins, bringing his passion for sports medicine to one of hockey鈥檚 most storied franchises.
In his role with the Bruins, Chris handles the day-to-day treatment and care of players鈥� soft tissue injuries, oversees rehab and injury prevention programs, and creates individualized corrective exercise routines.
Chris鈥檚 professional goals are as ambitious as they are inspiring, he says: 鈥淢y career goals include winning a Stanley Cup with the Boston Bruins and someday working with the USA Olympic Team.鈥�
His path into physical therapy started with a personal connection. After accompanying his father to a rehab appointment, Chris became intrigued by the field. That interest led to an internship at a local clinic under mentor Dave Pezzulo.
Chris chose NEIT after a campus visit sealed the deal. He believes NEIT鈥檚 College of Health Sciences prepared him for his career. He says, 鈥渢he fun learning environment and knowledgeable professors made it easy to be passionate about the coursework, which helped new material stick.鈥� A crucial part was the clinical fieldwork, which allowed him to work with diverse groups of patients across a range of fast-paced clinics and hospitals that prepared him to work in high-pressure environments.
After earning his associate degree at NEIT, Chris went on to complete a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from the University of Rhode Island, followed by a Doctorate of Physical Therapy in Sports Medicine from the University of the Incarnate Word in 2021. After positions with the San Antonio Rampage and Converse University, he is now in his third season in the Bruins organization.
Reflecting on his time at NEIT, Chris credits the friendships and mentorships that helped fuel his journey. 鈥淐hris Bushell became one of my closest friends鈥攈e and others at NEIT constantly encouraged me. My clinical instructors gave me the confidence to push forward, and my professors, classmates, and family reminded me to never give up on my dreams.鈥�
鈥淲hat I loved most about NEIT was the close-knit community,鈥� Chris continued. 鈥淏etween my classmates and professors, it felt more like a family than a university. It鈥檚 a great learning environment where you have people in your corner who believe in you and hold you accountable.鈥�
Today, Chris is proud to recommend NEIT鈥檚 College of Health Sciences to anyone considering a career in physical therapy.
He says, 鈥淚 highly recommend the College of Health Sciences at NEIT because you will not only leave with the tools and confidence you need to succeed in your chosen field, but you will also leave with a new family and a lifetime worth of friends and support.鈥�
