I first heard about ATSU’s postprofessional DPT program when I was working with a colleague who enrolled in it shortly after she graduated from ATSU with a MPT degree. I was very interested in the convenience of taking one class at a time while I was working full time. The application was lengthy, but well-worth the advanced credits that I received. I felt that the courses I was assigned were really important and covered topics that I was not familiar with.

Friends and colleagues of mine, including other PTs, as well as physician referring providers, all encouraged me to enroll in the program. My husband was also very supportive of my decision and volunteered to make dinner, clean the house, and step up to help me further my career and gain knowledge. I felt very honored to have colleagues and loved ones support me in this endeavor.

When I graduated from University of Southern California with my MPT in 1989, I thought that would be my terminal degree. I had always planned on learning everything I could from continuing education, but I realized that I had a knowledge gap when it came to reading, analyzing, and applying emerging evidence to my practice. Working with new graduates of DPT programs was eye-opening for me and I realized that to be the best clinician I could be, I needed to pursue more formal studies as well as take CEU classes. ATSU’s postprofessional DPT program came into my life at just the right time.

I was able to finance the tuition for the program with continuing education money, and I was able to make a payment plan with the school. I was not worried about earning the money back, as I was able to use my skills immediately to enhance patient care.

I didn’t realize that I would love online learning and interaction with peers so much when I started the program. Immediately upon graduating I applied for a teaching position with the postprofessional program and started as a teaching assistant before becoming adjunct faculty. I love the diversity of students and faculty in our program at ATSU! I feel that ATSU’s emphasis on serving underserved populations and enhancing cultural competency helped me to find my “dream job” working in a community health center. The curriculum and support that I received as a student definitely helped me refine my practice to a situation in which I can help all people without barriers related to health and financial disparities.

Before earning my DPT, I felt there was a lack of knowledge regarding how to help patients in various types of healthcare and housing settings. I found that the program really broadened my abilities in interacting with community health resources and providers of all types.

My expectations of ATSU's DPT program were exceeded by far! I expected to learn how to do better research on my patients’ conditions, but I did not expect to have the level of connection, shared experiences, and collegiality with colleagues from around the world that ATSU supplied. I am so happy that I had this amazing opportunity.

When I got accepted to the program, I felt very excited, but also somewhat anxious about how I was going to perform and learn in a completely online environment. My fears were quickly alleviated when I saw how engaged the instructors were in their students’ success. Ultimately, becoming an instructor in the program myself allowed me to pass on this gift of support, encouragement, and mentoring.