I am a joyful graduate of A.T. Still University’s (ATSU) Postprofessional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. When I graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Health Science in Physical Therapy, only a handful of programs across the country had transitioned to awarding graduate degrees. Following graduation, I moved to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, for my first job. In addition to my role at Duke Sports Medicine, I worked as a lead therapist in a direct-access clinic model within the university. My team and I evaluated and treated conventional musculoskeletal pathology and identified clinical red flags, such as fractures and physical manifestations of other conditions that warranted further medical evaluation. My experience as a first-line musculoskeletal practitioner affirmed my conviction about the crucial role of physical therapists as preferred providers for movement and musculoskeletal problems.

In 2001, when the American Physical Therapy Association revealed the Vision 2020 statement, I was the mother of a newborn. I was intrigued by the notion of physical therapy moving toward an advanced degree designation, elevating the profession to a clinical doctorate. I began to consider how to attain the DPT credentials.

When searching for postprofessional DPT programs, I was impressed by the principles of ATSU’s program and the university’s strong academic credentials. Throughout the application process, I met with the program director, Dr. Roehling, and the assistant program director, Ms. Jennifer Beal. Their warmth, encouragement, and confidence in my potential affirmed that ATSU was the right choice for pursuing my postprofessional DPT.

Every member of ATSU’s DPT faculty wanted to see all students succeed. The professors and staff provided crucial support through several personally challenging circumstances, including a historic ice storm in January 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee, that left me and my family without power for 14 days. Juggling work, a yard full of dismembered trees, hotel living (without internet!), and school obligations was overwhelming. In particular, Dr. Roehling, Jennifer Beal, Karen Gerig, and my radiology professor, Dr. Wayne Smith, were reassuring and supportive during that stressful time. They helped me successfully move through the coursework at a manageable pace.

I valued collaborating with talented peers and built strong professional relationships and enduring friendships with my classmates. The global nature of the program enriched my learning experience as well. Possessing the PT, DPT designation from ATSU has bolstered my confidence in appraising academic research, enhanced my academic writing skills, and empowered me to explore teaching opportunities in the future.