About Us
History
WVU Division of Physical Therapy Celebrates 40 Years of Providing Outstanding Physical Therapy Education
The WVU Physical Therapy Program was established in 1970 as a Division of the Department of Neurology in the School of Medicine (SOM). For 27 years the Division offered a Bachelor of Science degree. In the late 1990’s the program joined with the Divisions of Exercise Physiology and Occupational Therapy to form the Department of Human Performance and Exercise Science, in the SOM. During this period the program transitioned to a Masters of Physical Therapy degree (MPT). In 2005, the Division once again responded to national changes in the Physical Therapy profession by transitioning to the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree (DPT). The first DPT class graduated in 2008. The Division has maintained continued CAPTE accreditation status over the 40 years of existence. To date, the Division has graduated over 900 physical therapists.
Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
A quality physical therapy education begins with a well-trained, diverse, and dedicated faculty who are able to integrate basic science with real-life clinical experience. The faculty consists of 14 dedicated educators (10 hold terminal doctoral degrees, and 6 are Board Certified Clinical Specialists). The faculty possess expertise in many aspects of the basic sciences including: neurology, anatomy, physiology, and exercise science. Two faculty members hold doctoral degrees in Education. The faculty also have clinical expertise and/or clinical specialization in hand therapy, neurology, orthopedics, sports medicine, cardiopulmonary PT, geriatrics, women’s health, pediatrics, adult rehabilitation, and acute care. All core faculty maintain clinical practice in his/her area of expertise as part of a faculty group practice or through affiliation with local clinics and hospitals. Additionally, all core PT faculty are actively engaged in clinical research and service within the American Physical Therapy Association.
The WVU Physical Therapy program is dedicated to the achievement of high standards in student outcomes including board pass rate, student retention and graduation, clinical performance scores, professionalism, employer satisfaction, and job placement. See Program Statistics.
To ensure that students are prepared for the National Board Examination, third year students must successfully complete a board review course and pass a comprehensive examination that simulates the national board examination.
Benefits of a WVU Physical Therapy Education
• CAPTE Accredited
• Full gross anatomy lab (hands-on dissection)
• School of Medicine resources
• Qualified and experienced faculty who are actively engaged in the APTA
• Diverse clinical education affiliations
• Excellent student outcomes (Graduation, Board, Employment)
• Moderate class size (40 students)
• Faculty maintain clinical practice
• Exceptional classmates (average admission GPA 3.6)
• Affordable in-state tuition
• A 40 year tradition of excellence in PT education
• National alumni network of over 900 graduates
Division of Physical Therapy Awards and Honors
Mary Lou Barnes Award for Distinguished Professional Service
 |
2012: Steven George PT, PhD
2011: Erin Barill PT, ATC
2010: Lori Lovern PT, OCS
2009: Sheyi Ojofeitimi MPT |
Sandy L. Burkart Award Clinical Instructor Award
2012: Erika Myers MPT
2011: Andi Mills PT, DPT
2010: Annetta Haddox PT
2009: Lisa Raber-Ammons PT
Clinical Pathways Award
 |
Class 2012: Sara Harvey
Class 2011: Amy Lancaster and Patrick Kennedy
Class 2010: Joey Swearingen
Class 2009: Lyndsay Shaffer |
Basic Science Award
Class 2013: Stephanie Bailey, Allison Toffle
Class 2012: Mary McClintic, Sara Harvey, Brad Dodson, Matt Bates, Renee Saffell
Class 2011: Noelle Isiminger, Ashley Piatt, Joshua Petersheim
Class 2010: Bobby Oliverio, David Felton, Jennifer Redmond, Lindsey Swaim, Joey Swearingen
Class 2009: Lyndsay Shaffer
Outstanding Student Clinician Award
Class 2012: Aaron Copeland
Class 2011: David Haynes
Class 2010: Casey Robinson
Class 2009: Rebekah Aranda
Research Award
Class 2012: Mark Karnoupakis, Ryan Santangelo, Jeremy Whiteman
Class 2011: Rachel Kolanko, Sarah Mohler, Ashley Wade, and Kaitlyn Barr
Class 2010: David Felton, Robert Oliverio, Casey Robinson, and Beau Wilson
Class 2009: Christina Davison, Dena Gossard Eye, Rebekah Aranda
WVU Graduate Teaching Assistants
Class 2013: Ryan Ruben
Class 2012: Sara Harvey
Class 2011: Amy Lancaster
Class 2010: Lindsey Swaim
Class 2009: Lyndsay Shaffer
National Student Awards
 |
Sara Harvey (Class 2012) APTA Orthopaedic Section, Outstanding Physical Therapy Student Award, 2012 |
Faculty Awards (School of Medicine Deans Award for Excellence)
Teresa “Tracy” Rice, PT, MPH, NCS School of Medicine, Deans Award for Excellence in Teaching (Professional Programs Degree – Jr. Level), 2012
Ralph Utzman PT, MPH, PhD, School of Medicine, Deans Award for Excellence in Education, 2012
Corrie Mancinelli PT, PhD, School of Medicine, Deans Award for Excellence in Clinical Service, 2011
Mary Beth Mandich PT, PhD School of Medicine, Deans Award for Excellence in Service to the School, 2006
John Petronis PT, MS School of Medicine, Deans Award for Outstanding Education, 2000
WVU Visiting Speakers
The WVU Division of Physical Therapy is committed to exposing students to outstanding Physical Therapy Leaders. Each of the following individuals has visited the WVU Campus to speak to students, faculty, alumni, and local clinicians:
 |
John D. Childs PT, PhD, MBA, OCS, FAAOMPT
Dianne V. Jewell PT, DPT, PhD, CC.S, FAACVPR
David A. Scalzitti MS, PT, OCS
Chad E. Cook PT, PhD, MBA, OCS, FAAOMPT
Marisa Perdomo PT, DPT
Jean M. Irion, EdD PT, SCS, ATC
Katherine J. Sullivan PhD, PT, FAHA
Lori A. Michener PhD, PT, ATC, SCS
Michelle M. Lusardi PT, PHD
Tania Lam BScPT, PhD
William G. Boissonnault PT, DPT, DHSc, FAAOMPT |