After years of growth and rising demand, the 国产短视频Health Morsani College of Medicine School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences (SPTRS) is entering a new chapter, moving into a newly renovated facility on the 国产短视频campus that will double its space and strengthen its standing among the nation鈥檚 top programs.
Now housed in the MDA building, the school鈥檚 new home features expanded facilities designed to advance education and mirror real-world health care environments. The upgrades include two dedicated laboratories, a spacious classroom filled with natural light and a larger Chalsty Rehabilitation Experiential Learning Laboratory equipped with hospital beds, IV setups and telemetry monitors.
Dr. Melissa Lazinski (right) addresses the audience during SPTRS orientation.
鈥淭his space really allows us to educate students in a setting that matches our philosophy,鈥� said the school鈥檚 director, Douglas Haladay, DPT, PhD. 鈥淪tudents can train in environments that look and feel like real outpatient gyms and inpatient facilities.鈥�
The expansion comes at a moment of great momentum for SPTRS. The school has continued to rise in prestige and distinction, ranking among the top programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, and the most recent Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) class achieved a 100 percent pass rate on the National Physical Therapy Examination, a certification course students must pass to become licensed physical therapists.
"I'm incredibly proud of the students,鈥� said Dr. Haladay, who also serves as associate dean of the 国产短视频Health Morsani College of Medicine. 鈥淭heir dedication, in collaboration with our faculty, exemplifies the excellence we strive for, and this milestone, combined with our new facility, reinforces our standing among the nation's top physical therapy programs."
Faculty say the larger and more sophisticated space will enhance how they train students to be health care providers. Bini Thomas, DPT, Ed.D, an associate professor who teaches acute care and complex patient courses, highlighted how students can practice complex cases in the enhanced simulation lab, mobilizing patients connected to multiple ventilators and monitoring devices.
鈥淭he simulations take the fear out of the unknown,鈥� Dr. Thomas said. 鈥淪o when the students step into the clinic, they feel more comfortable and prepared.鈥�
Demand for the program continues to grow, and the move to the new facility allows SPTRS to increase enrollment while maintaining the school鈥檚 exceptional standards of training and support.
鈥淭here's a high demand for us, which is great,鈥� said associate professor & DPT curriculum coordinator Rebecca Ditwiler, DPT, PhD. 鈥淭he expansion ensures we can meet the demand with the space and resources our students need.鈥�
Melissa Lazinski, DPT, DHSc, director of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, added that the school鈥檚 reputation extends beyond rankings, as clinical partners throughout the region consistently praise 国产短视频graduates for their professionalism and readiness.
鈥淲hen a 国产短视频student comes to their clinic, whether as a student or as a new hire, the clinic knows they are going to have a quality person,鈥� Dr. Lazinski said.
SPTRS students pose for pictures during orientation.
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Video by Allison Long, Photos by Freddie Coleman & Allison Long