David Gruber
Physical Therapist Assistant
Life took David Gruber away from his first college experience and into a 19-year career in video production. When he was ready to change careers, though, he returned to Delaware Tech.
Gruber had been a nursing student at the College in 2004. He decided to move to Maryland and started working in the video production field filming weddings and a variety of special events. He eventually even owned his own business.
"As I got into my mid-thirties, I knew I wanted a change in life," Gruber said. "Pursuing a career in healthcare was something I was still passionate about. I moved back to Delaware, and I sold most of my equipment from my business to help pay for school."
After initially enrolling as a surgical tech student, Gruber decided to turn his interest in fitness into a career through the physical therapist assistant (PTA) program.
"I researched different opportunities and having been into exercise and fitness my whole life, the PTA program was the perfect fit," Gruber said. "Before entering the program, students were given the chance to shadow PTAs at work and I knew this was something I would really enjoy doing."
Since it had been about 20 years since he had been in a classroom, Gruber had a lot of challenges to overcome. He had to balance his classes around studying and writing papers, and he utilized the tutoring and writing centers to help with his papers and to get back into the groove of being in college.
"I have learned that I can embrace change coming back to school after so many years," Gruber said. "Going back to school was on my mind but I was unsure of how to make it work. I've developed strong discipline and a study/work ethic that has helped me succeed in my classes. Completing my degree has been my focus the past few years."
Gruber is also a musician and said his dream job would be to make a living by playing music and touring the world. For now, once he graduates he will happily begin working as a PTA and wants to further his education within the PTA field.
