When I graduated with my Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) from Satakunta University of Applied Sciences in Finland in 2021, I always intended to return home to Tennessee and begin my career as a physical therapist in the United States. Even during my undergraduate studies, I knew I eventually wanted to earn my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and pursue opportunities in teaching and professional leadership. What I did not realize was that my journey toward a DPT would begin much sooner than expected.  

As I navigated the FCCPT credentialing process required for international graduates, I learned that I would need to complete additional coursework before becoming eligible for licensure in the United States. Rather than viewing this as an obstacle, I saw it as an opportunity. After researching several transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs, A.T. Still University (ATSU) quickly emerged as the best fit. The program was affordable, flexible, and uniquely aligned with the coursework I needed to complete for credentialing.  

Those factors made the decision easy, but it was the people who ultimately confirmed I was making the right choice. From my earliest conversations with enrollment counselor Tim Flores, I felt welcomed and supported. That support continued from my very first course. I still remember taking the cardiopulmonary course and discovering that the instructor also taught at a university less than an hour from my hometown. Despite being an online program, ATSU immediately felt personal, accessible, and connected to the profession I hoped to build my future in.  

One of the greatest strengths of the program was its ability to adapt to students' individual circumstances. After completing the coursework required for FCCPT, I became eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). With the support of Assistant Director Jennifer Beal and the ATSU team, I was able to temporarily pause my studies to focus entirely on licensure preparation. ATSU even provided complimentary NPTE preparation resources, which proved invaluable during that critical period. After successfully passing the exam, I was able to seamlessly resume my coursework and continue progressing toward my degree.  

Not long after beginning my career as a licensed physical therapist, I faced an unexpected challenge. Approximately two months after passing the NPTE and only one month into my first professional position, I experienced a significant cardiovascular health event that required surgery. What could have easily derailed my educational goals instead became another example of the support system ATSU provides. The faculty and staff worked with me to arrange an extended leave of absence, allowing me to focus on my recovery without losing my place in the program. Knowing that the university genuinely cared about my well-being made a tremendous difference during one of the most difficult periods of my life.  

As I recovered and continued my studies, my professional career advanced in ways I never anticipated. During my time in the program, I received two promotions and was later recruited into a clinic director position with a new organization after being licensed for less than one year. While hard work and mentorship certainly played important roles, I am confident that the advanced knowledge, critical thinking skills, and professional development opportunities provided through ATSU helped accelerate my growth as a clinician and leader.  

Although my original goal of teaching in a classroom has evolved into a passion for mentoring, educating, and leading within the clinic, ATSU helped prepare me for that calling. The program challenged me academically while providing the flexibility and support needed to navigate licensure, career advancement, and significant personal health challenges.  

Looking back, ATSU was more than a degree program—it was a partner throughout some of the most transformative moments of my life. From international credentialing and NPTE preparation to career advancement and personal adversity, the faculty and staff consistently invested in my success.  

As I celebrate this milestone, I am grateful for the education, opportunities, and relationships that have shaped both my professional career and personal journey. Today, as a clinic director and Doctor of Physical Therapy graduate, I can confidently say that choosing ATSU was one of the most impactful decisions I have made. The program not only helped me achieve my goals—it helped me discover new ones.