As a DPT alumni of 2021, I initiated and completed my postprofessional DPT from ATSU in a methodical, disciplined, and efficient manner. This allowed me to utilize the rest of my time for work, family, and play. I was always determined to complete a doctorate in physical therapy, and when I was presented the chance, I grabbed it.

Luckily, I didn’t need to change my daily routine to complete my weekly reading, assignments, and quizzes, as I was able to complete most of it during my free time at work. Additionally, being employed at a hospital allowed me to use hospital resources that enabled me to pick up the pace for my assignments (for example, I used Dragon Medical dictation, which enabled me to dictate my assignments into a word document rather than typing).

I was able to complete double the number of courses during the COVID years due to the free time that I had. Although the pandemic was and is still difficult for many, I considered it a blessing and a chance to enhance my education. To ensure success in my studies, I had all the resources (textbooks, software, e-books, access to the ATSU library, and medical databases) available at both my home and workplace.

The primary motivation that got me through my studies were my family, friends, and colleagues, and their support and help during tough times. I believe in prayer and blessings from my spouse, parents, siblings, teachers, colleagues, and friends. They are the best support system I have, and I leaned on them for a successful completion of my DPT. For example, I was able to use my senior colleague’s help to interpret certain radiographic and ultrasound images to double check my understanding. Also, I asked my wife (non-healthcare) for help with proof-reading my thesis after its final completion to learn any potential flaws that could have hampered its success.

My department supported me right from the start of my DPT until its completion. They ensured that I had access to documents, e-books, and even supported me with additional clinical database such as ‘UpToDate’ and access to the clinic library, where I could download and use the evidenced articles. My manager was happy when I decided to enroll in a full-time DPT study. Although no financial support was provided by my department, they ensured that my study did not affect my regular caseload nor hinder any patient services due to my enrollment. I was able to approach them with any help that I needed for the completion of my study.

My professors, seniors, and peers have been the biggest support and they provided key encouragement during my studies. One of the toughest subjects was research and evidenced practice, and I was able to approach my professor, Dr. Amie Marie Jasper, through email and phone or video call with ease to better understand the subject. She was also always accessible to me via email to answer any doubts I had in other subjects with reference to research.

ATSU’s DPT program was the best thing that happened in my professional educational career. I was surprised to find out how the entire educational curriculum was organized for students to actually make apt clinical judgment in their clinical practice. I found the integration of different subjects matched its relevancy to complete my final thesis. I was able to gather the inferred clinical knowledge in different areas such as orthopedics, neurology, cardiopulmonary, and evidence-based practice, which led me to undertake a research thesis for the completion of my DPT.

Evidence-based practice I and II were some of the more interesting and tough classes. Taught at the beginning and end of the DPT curriculum respectively, this ensured a continuum of the topic before the final thesis production. This type of distributed subject helped me strongly grasp the content during my thesis writing.

If you are planning to take the DPT at ATSU, I am certain that you are going to enjoy the learning experience. The staff and professors are very friendly and knowledgeable, and they are quick with responses to your questions or doubts. The online library and writing center provide excellent medical resources, e-textbooks, and help guide you to complete your assignments. As a tip, one thing that helped me save time while doing my assignments was to use a reference manager (End Note or Ref Works) to complete my references, and its wise to invest in a reference manager and get used to it before you start your courses. Also, ATSU takes into consideration your previous educational experiences, clinical experiences, online seminars, and other professional achievements that could advance the completion of your DPT. Good luck to anyone planning to do their DPT. You will truly enjoy it with ATSU.