CU Physical Therapy Program View Book 2022

Physical Therapy Program

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

About Our Program

DIRECTOR WELCOME

On behalf of the faculty, staff, and students, I welcome you to our University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program Viewbook. Our program is celebrating its 75th Anniversary as we continue to transform health and promote wellness through our education, research, and community engagement.

The Viewbook provides a snapshot of the distinctive features of the CU Physical Therapy Program and the Anschutz Medical Campus. Within these pages, you’ll learn more about our innovative curriculum, interprofessional learning opportunities and community environment. You will also see the commitment of our faculty and students to community service through a number of local initiatives. Our physical therapy students provide the reader with personal accounts of their educational experience, why they chose CU, and their interactions with their professors.

Additionally, the Viewbook offers a convenient overview of program requirements as well as our campus facilities and clinical partnerships with institutions such as University of Colorado Hospital and the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center. From the active lifestyle afforded by the Metro Denver area, to the cutting-edge facilities found at the Anschutz Medical Campus, the CU Physical Therapy Program provides an outstanding learning environment.

This is an exciting time to be a part of CU given our developing residency programs and new DPTMPH degree track. Our program mission includes serving as leaders within the field of physical therapy to improve movement, participation and health for individuals and society. I hope that you will choose to join us in achieving this worthwhile mission.

Sincerely,

Michael Harris-Love, PT, MPT, DSc, FGSA, FAPTA

Program Director

Joanne Posner-Mayer Endowed Chair in Physical Therapy

Associate Dean for Physical Therapy Education

Program Overview

The University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program (CU Physical Therapy) offers the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree (DPT) to graduates following eight consecutive semesters, or two and a half years. CU Physical Therapy readies physical therapists who are prepared to treat patients across the lifespan, in a variety of diverse settings and assume multi-faceted responsibilities for high-quality care in today’s healthcare environment.

Beginning in 1947 with a class of six students, there have been nearly 3,000 graduates of this continuously accredited CU Physical Therapy program. Graduates are 100% employed and pursue positions in outpatient clinics, inpatient hospitals, home care, schools, fitness centers and more. Our alumni contribute to the delivery of high-quality physical therapy services throughout the Rocky Mountain region and nationally. Our success is linked to the expertise and collaborations of our faculty, exceptionally qualified students, interprofessional colleagues, network of alumni and clinical partners, and beautiful facilities on the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.

Mission : The University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program leads discovery and innovation to improve movement, participation, health, and wellness for individuals and society through excellence in education, research, clinical care, and service.

Vision : We transform health and foster wellness in individuals and society through education, discoveries, engagement, and innovation.

Values : Our Program values serve to support our mission and vision, shape our culture, and reflect the physical therapy profession’s vision and core values:

Respect

For all individuals’ safety, rights, dignity, and perspectives

Integrity

Because professional behavior reflects who we are

Altruism:

In service to the individual, community, and organization

Diversity

For inclusivity in all endeavors

Accountability

To all those seeking care and providing care within our profession and health care systems

Passion

Because we are committed to lifelong learning, service, and community engagement

Collaboration

To leverage collective input from all individuals

Leadership

Within the university, profession, and community at large

Quality

To attain excellence in all we do

Branden Salomón, Class of 2022

“The ability to fully immerse one’s self in the human experience is incredible, and I believe that within medicine, physical therapy allows us to do that in one of the most holistic and rewarding ways that I’ve ever experienced. As Doctors of Physical Therapy, we are able to use this ability to our advantage in order to provide the most optimal care for our patients.”

On the Move!

Not surprisingly, many CU PT students are fueled by movement and enjoy being active in their free time. They truly embrace “practicing what you preach.”

PT students can always be identified on campus, as there’s nearly always a group getting a volleyball game going during the lunch hour.

STUDENT LIFE

Our DPT students work hard to achieve academic and clinical goals but also work hard to find balance in their lives. Just a few of their preferred activities include:

• Playing volleyball and spikeball during lunch hours

• Working out, skiing/snowboarding, playing soccer, biking, running, swimming, dancing, yoga, meditating... and many more activities

• Volunteering for community-based programs

• Taking part in research initiatives as work-study students

• Camping and hiking together

• Being active with their dogs

• Pursuing spiritual activities

• Visiting the Anschutz Health and Wellness Center

Javier Gonzalez Plazola, Class of 2022

“My passion for this profession lies in leading others as a first-generation student and giving back to my family. It may also be tied to the inspiring future of physical therapy. This profession currently offers a vast area of practice settings with each driving into a new era of evidence-based practice and technological paradigm shifts. I am passionate and invigorated for the change we are living and will experience!”

Jenna Taylor, Class of 2022

“Denver is a great city full of coffee shops for studying during the week and activities on the weekends! As much as I love the city, I also love that I can easily drive to the mountains for a day hike and enjoy the fresh air!”

‘‘“CU’s promotion of community engagement, diversity, inclusion, comprehensive curriculum, and clinical experiences stood out to me as I was applying to DPT programs. My favorite aspect of the program is the people. The instructors are all so knowledgeable, kind, and dedicated to molding us into excellent clinicians. My classmates and peers have been both my teachers and friends throughout this experience, and I am grateful to be a part of such an amazing group.”

- Edric Zhan, Class of 2023

“I love being a part of our student government. Through my positions, I have interacted with our guest speakers, met prospective and new students, and shared my experiences in the Physical Therapy Program. This involvement has allowed me to form relationships with our faculty and share my love for this program with others!”

- Kara Lunski, Class of 2023

Community Feel

An amazing result of studying, collaborating, playing and going to class with 70 other students is that there is a strong feeling of community that develops. This feeling extends beyond students and includes faculty, administrative staff, students in other campus programs, as well as campus and healthcare leaders who all are focused together on achieving the goal of providing optimal healthcare for our communities.

“Our cohort began the DPT program at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing has made us reimagine how creating the connections we craved might look different. Overcoming this challenge together has in many ways strengthened the cohesiveness and camaraderie of our cohort. Today, we don’t take for granted the opportunities we have to play pick-up soccer together or enjoy a restaurant patio meal. I am proud to say I have made lifelong friends in this program and our closeness makes achieving our dream of becoming physical therapists together that much more rewarding.”

- Melissa Tran, Class of 2022

Campus Highlights

A graduate level campus, the CU Anschutz Medical Campus is the largest academic health center in the Rocky Mountain region, with 11.3 million square feet of state-of-the-art training facilities. The campus combines interdisciplinary teaching, research and clinical facilities, preparing future medical professionals to redefine the health care of tomorrow.

The campus consists of three zones that promote collaboration and innovation: an education zone with remarkable facilities for training future physicians and other health professionals; a research zone with groundbreaking, internationally renowned research; and a clinical care zone with the University of Colorado Hospital, The Children’s Hospital, the VA, the University of Colorado School of Medicine’s primary adult and pediatric hospital partners, nearby.

See the PT Program website for Graduation Rates, NPTE Pass Rates, and Graduate Employment Data.

CU Anschutz is home to six health professional schools offering over 40 degree programs

College of Nursing Colorado School of Public Health Graduate School School of Dental Medicine School of Medicine Skaggs School of Pharmacy

Curriculum

On-campus, year-round courses include both classroom and laboratory learning experiences, beginning with foundational science and clinical skill content, and progressing to patient management, advanced clinical skills, and professional topics over seven semesters. Faculty members use a variety of learning methods incorporating technology, learning modules, case-based, and small group hands-on experiences. Content learned in the classroom and laboratory complement the integrated and full-time clinical experiences, the last experience which occurs in the eighth semester of the program.

CLINICAL EDUCATION

• 38 weeks of full-time clinical experience, including Integrated Clinical Experience (ICE)

• Clinical sites throughout Colorado and the U.S.

• Commitment to rural and underserved communities

CLINICAL EDUCATION SCHEDULE

(2 weeks)

(2 weeks)

(3

Education

(16 weeks)

(16

Kendell Baylor, Class of

“My clinical experiences so far have been incredible! I love that we have ICE before CE 1 because it allowed students to have the support of their team and get that early contact with real patients. Clinical education is such a great chance to apply some of the knowledge from the classroom and also reignites the passion for why we chose PT in the first place. CU has the perfect set up where clinical experience is spread out throughout the didactic learning which is so conducive to making the knowledge stick and keeping students engaged. I truly cannot imagine having it any other way! I also like that it serves as an opportunity to see some settings that otherwise may not be available to every student. For instance, I have only technically had ICE 1 and CE 1; however, I have had the chance through just these couple rotations to see the acute care elderly floor, medical ICU, occupational medicine, and the burn unit.”

Interprofessional Education

In order to provide the best quality of care for patients, health professionals must work together as an effective team. The Anschutz Medical Campus was intentionally designed to facilitate interprofessional education. Lecture halls and study spaces in the education buildings are shared by students from all areas of study – dental medicine, graduate school, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, and public health.

The CU Interprofessional Practice & Education (IPE) program integrates preclinical and clinical training for all students in three components: classroom team based learning, simulation experiences at the Center for Assessing Professional Excellence, and practicum experiences at clinical sites.

Students engage with a team of interprofessional students in courses and experiences in quality, safety, ethics, teamwork, and communication skills to prepare them for their roles as collaborative providers and team members.

The IPE program goal is to improve population health, quality of care, and reduce health care costs through the creation of a patient-centered, collaborative workforce.

DPT-PHD TRACK

For prospective students who have an interest in and experience in research and wish to ultimately earn a PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences following their DPT completion, the PT Program offers the DPT/PhD Pathway option.

For information, please visit: https://www.cuanschutz.edu/graduateprograms/rehabilitation-science

DPT-MPH TRACK

Students accepted to the PT Program who have an interest in public health and health promotion may wish to pursue the DPT-MPH degree track option. This dual degree track allows for 9 credits of approved DPT courses to apply to the MPH degree. The time to complete both degrees is also shortened by 1 year in comparison to completing each degree separately.

For more information regarding the DPT-MPH degree track, please contact Dr. Dawn Magnusson, the Director of the DPT-MPH degree track, by email at Dawn.Magnusson@cuanschutz.edu.

“The benefits of participating in IPE includes the opportunity to learn with other students on the Anschutz campus and to advocate for the physical therapy field with other professions.” - Isabel Lorimer, Class of 2022

Why CU Anschutz?

-

“The student:faculty ratio has been one of the biggest factors to allow me to grow throughout this program. There is always someone there, all my questions get answered and they help to refine my hands-on skills.”

- Edward Benitez, Class of 2022

“I chose to attend CU because I could tell from the first time I met the faculty and students that everyone is so close.

My interviews with faculty were conversations that were so natural, easy, and unscripted. You can tell from the atmosphere that the faculty cares about each student and wants to form a genuine relationship with us. Since being in the program, these feelings have not wavered. Our faculty are truly some of the most amazing people

I’ve ever met, and they put in so much effort to be available for us and create individual connections.”

- Kara Lunski, Class of 2023

Community Service & Engagement

WINTER CLOTHING DRIVE

Annually, the CU PT Student Community Service Officers lead efforts to collect warm jackets and other items as part of a Winter Clothing Drive for the Aurora Warms the Night program.

DAWN

The Dedicated to Aurora’s Wellness and Needs (DAWN) Clinic is an interdisciplinary, student-run clinic that serves the uninsured residents of Aurora. Every Wednesday, PT students, under the supervision of faculty mentors, provide physical therapy to patients free of charge. Since opening in March 2015, DAWN continues to be one of the most popular volunteer opportunities.

STOUT STREET

The Stout Street Clinic serves uninsured and unhoused residents in Downtown Denver. Once a month, students and preceptors provide services to patients free of charge.

“It is a privilege to provide PT services at the Stout Street Clinic for individuals experiencing homelessness. Not only can our students hear the amazing stories of patients, they can share their knowledge, skills, and compassion and make a difference during each encounter.”

- Jenny Rodriguez, Director of Clinical Education

-Isabel Lorimer, Class of 2022

“Participating in programs like Stout Street and DAWN Clinic has been a gratifying experience, as we have been able to provide access for those that are underserved and underrepresented. It is a great opportunity to practice physical therapy skills in a teamwork and interdisciplinary setting.”

NIGHT OWLS

On the first Friday evening of each month students have the opportunity to participate in Night Owls, which is a partnership with the University of Denver Fletcher Early Learning Center. At Night Owls, graduate students and faculty spend the evening with children with disabilities and their siblings while their parents enjoy a night out on the town.

RUSTY GLOVES

Another popular volunteer opportunity for PT students, Rusty Gloves, is a program that provides patients with Parkinson disease (PD) intensive, non-contact boxing workouts. Studies have shown that when patients with PD participate in a regular exercise program, their walking, balance, strength, and quality of life can improve.

“Outside of the program, I am a lead volunteer at Rusty Gloves which is a community program hosted by a local boxing gym for participants with Parkinson’s Disease. This volunteer experience has increased my passion for neurologic physical therapy and allows me to connect with members of my community through therapeutic exercise! I highly recommend students participate in organizations or service opportunities while in the DPT program because they enhance your learning outside of the classroom and you gain valuable leadership skills along the way.”

- Jenna Taylor, Class of 2022

Melissa Tran, Class of 2022

“On the Physical Therapy Outreach team, we engage with students in the local community, particularly of low socioeconomic status or diverse backgrounds, to promote physical therapy education and profession. I have become passionate about engaging with students of diverse backgrounds since my mother is a Korean immigrant and my father is a Vietnamese refugee. As a first-generation student, I distinctly remember the impact of noticing when and if minority women were successful in pursuing career paths that I aspired towards. As a PT Outreach student leader, I hope to continue to improve representation of minority backgrounds and empower young students, who may have believed higher education was not accessible or achievable for them.”

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Throughout their time in the program, students have the chance to share their love for physical therapy with the next generation. Many middle school and high school outreach events take place at the Anschutz Medical Campus and at other locations throughout the year. There are many opportunities for students, and later as alumni, to assist with CU Physical Therapy Program recruitment efforts.

LEGISLATIVE DAY

Each year students have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with state legislators to discuss current issues affecting physical therapy, health care, and access to care. Students are encouraged to become student members of the professional organization for PT, the Amercian Physical Therapy Association (APTA), which provides access to publications and information regarding current issues in PT, evidence based practice tools, career development and networking opportunities, and many discounts for members.

Diversity

The students, staff, and faculty of the CU PT program value diversity as a central component of the program’s educational, research, and service missions. Evidence suggests promoting diversity and inclusion within professional education enhances the quality of education, promotes student, staff and faculty achievement, strengthens community partnerships, and informs the development of innovative solutions that advance health equity. CU PT’s framework for diversity is in tandem with the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and recognizes historically underrepresented persons/groups in the areas of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status, and ability status. This framework is coupled with added recognition of dimensions that speak to nationality, religion, socioeconomic status, and other diverse experiences, perspectives and attributes that enhance our scholarly, clinical care, and learning environments.

The Physical Therapy Program is committed to:

• Increasing the diversity of its students, staff, and faculty

• Promoting a sense of belonging and inclusion in our scholarly, clinical care and learning environments

• Connecting students, staff, and faculty with resources to support their success

•

Advancing health equity in our communities

“I’ve had the opportunity to work with faculty to improve the delivery of our curriculum to ensure we have an inclusive tone that respects and supports all individuals.”

- Orlando Mosley, Class of 2022

Faculty

The 27 faculty members of the CU PT Program have multiple roles designed to support students in the DPT program. Faculty members create and manage courses which include classes and labs, create scholarly products, conduct research, work in clinical settings, and provide service to professional associations, campus groups and committees, and volunteer in numerous local, national and international activities. Like students, they work on finding balance and participate in many Colorado activities with family and friends.

Edric Zhan, Class of 2023

“Between the classroom, cadaver dissections, and hands-on lab practice, the CU DPT faculty have been instrumental in my didactic knowledge and psychomotor skills. Even with Zoom, the instructors were still able to teach effectively and engage with students. The faculty have so much experience and knowledge from decades of practice. Under the mentorship of my professors, I am more than confident that I will be prepared to enter the physical therapy field ready to treat patients. The instructors are also incredibly personable, caring, and understanding of all of us. They recognize the workload and stress our class has gone through and remind us to take care of ourselves. If we have issues that arise, the faculty is quick to respond and accommodate us as necessary. So many of the faculty also participate in community outreach, social advocacy, APTA efforts, and research, which is inspiring to witness. In terms of my professional development, character development, and sense of wellbeing, I am in excellent hands amongst the CU DPT team.”

Why Faculty Chose CU

‘‘“I feel so lucky to be part of such a dynamic, supportive, forward-thinking faculty at CU. Faculty interests are so expansive including PT interventions, population health, social equity and inclusion, innovation in admissions and education with faculty involvement is numerous service opportunities both in professional organizations and in the community. Such enthusiasm is infectious and ultimately results in faculty feeling uplifted, included and committed to excellence in our profession.”

- Lisa Dannemiller, PT, DSC, PCS

“I choose to work at CU because from the beginning, the authentic care and commitment the faculty demonstrated toward students – not just in the realm of PT – but for the whole person was obvious. There is a ‘can-do’ spirit to take on the hard work that needs to be done for the good of the students we serve, the communities we live in, and the profession of PT.”

- Joe Palmer, PT, DPT

“I chose to work at CU for the same reason I chose to be a student at CU, because the faculty show an unrelenting passion for physical therapy and unwavering dedication to the students and each other. I’m proud to be part of a faculty that strives to make innovative change and are leaders within the profession and community at large.”

- Lara Canham, PT, DPT, OCS

SPECIALTIES

Faculty members have a variety of specialty areas of practice and many are Board Certified through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. Specialty certifications include Pediatrics, Neurology, Cardiovascular & Pulmonary, Sports and Orthopedics.

Faculty Accomplishments

Lara Canham, PT, DPT, OCS

Appointed as Chair of Admissions of the CU Physical Therapy Program.

Michael Harris-Love, PT, DSc, FGSA, FAPTA

Named a Catherine Worthingham Fellow by the American Physical Therapy Association.

Meghan Hernandez, PT, DPT, PCS

Appointed to Pediatric Residency Director of the CU Physical Therapy Program.

Dana Judd, PT, DPT, PhD

Appointed as Section Director of Student Affairs and Faculty Residency Director. Dr. Judd was also accepted to the Colorado-Wyoming Network of Women Leaders 2022-2023 cohort for the Academic Management Institute.

Toby Kinney, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, MBA, PhD(c)

Admitted into the Grant Writing and Mentorship in Education Research (GAMER) workshop.

Dawn Magnusson, PT, PhD

Appointed to Coordinator of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement for the CU Physical Therapy Program.

Dan Malone, PT, PhD, CCS

Appointed as Associate Program Director of the CU Physical Therapy Program.

Mark Mañago, PT, DPT, PhD, NCS

Invited to be a clinical hub team member for ECHO MS, a new NMSS-sponsored initiative sponsored by the NMSS to improve community health outcomes for people affected by MS by increasing the knowledge and capacity of MS healthcare providers.

Amy McDevitt, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT

Elected to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT) Board as a Member at-Large.

Joe Palmer, PT, DPT

Promoted to Assistant Professor.

Andrew Smith, PT, DPT, PhD

Named a Boettcher Investigators Awardee. Dr. Smith was also named a ASCIP Jayanthi Award Lecturer for the 2022 ASCIP Educational Conference and Expo.

Jennifer Stevens-Lapsley, PT, PhD, FAPTA

Appointed to Section Director of Research & Development of the CU Physical Therapy Program.

Research Initiatives

Many of our faculty are involved in research initiatives advancing the profession that are funded both nationally and locally. Faculty collaborate with other departments on the Anschutz Medical Campus, the surrounding community and include student involvement.

Examples of current faculty research include:

• Finding innovative methods to improve rehabilitation of orthopaedic conditions with a specific focus on knee osteoarthritis and joint replacement

• Developing meaningful and innovative models of care that advance health equity for traditionally underserved populations of children with developmental delay or disability

• Clinical research in the field of rehabilitation in people with multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions

• Rehabilitation to improve functional outcomes after dysvascular amputation

• Clinical research in areas of general shoulder pain, biceps tendinopathy, regional interdependence, and dry needling

• Physical therapist education, professional development, and disability law and policy associated with the delivery of school-based PT and early intervention services

• Improving physical function of people with neurological and other conditions, particularly Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis

• Enhance the effectiveness of rehabilitation in older adult patient populations with an emphasis on joint arthroplasty and medically complex populations

HOLISTIC REVIEW

view competitive cumulative

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PREREQUISITES & OTHER REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY

While the road to PT school is different for each prospective student, the requirements are the same. Applicants must complete a bachelor’s degree prior to matriculation in the summer semester. Any major is acceptable, provided that prerequisite courses are completed. However, biology, kinesiology, and exercise science are the most common majors.

courses, many of which are science-based, must be completed prior to the start of the program. Only one science prerequisite course may be in progress in the winter quarter/spring semester prior to matriculation.

Tuition & Fees

The PT Program boasts some of the lowest, competitive tuition rates in the nation. Leadership has consistently worked with the University of Colorado Board of Regents to keep tuition rates as low as possible. Students in non-resident status (as determined by the Office of the Registrar at the time of admission), are typically able to establish residency after the first year of the program provided that specific requirements are met. If residency status is established, out-of-state students will only pay non-resident tuition rates for the first year (46 credit hours), and qualify for resident tuition for the second full year and third half year.

Total tuition (not including cost of living or other fees) for the 116-credit DPT curriculum is approximately $69,500 for students in resident status and approximately $98,900 for students in non-resident status for whom residency is established after the first year of the program. Tuition and fees are subject to change at any time.

Other associated costs and fees include, but are not limited to: cost of books, housing and student health insurance, public transportation fee, fees related to matriculation, and student activities.

Now, more than ever, as costs continue to soar across the nation, tuition and fees are an important area of research for prospective students. Most students apply for Federal Aid and pursue scholarship opportunities. The Financial Aid Office provides resources for prospective students to help them navigate the options for funding their education and also provides resources to help alumni manage debt after graduating.

Scholarships

SCHOLARSHIPS CHANGE LIVES

The University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program provides a variety of scholarships to both prospective and current students to make physical therapy education more financially feasible.

Prospective Student Scholarships

Prospective student scholarships are awarded to individuals based on merit, diversity, and commitment to practice in specific areas such as rural communities.

Diversity and Inclusion

The CU PT Program is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, embracing race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religion, political beliefs, and socioeconomic status. The definition of diversity also includes life experiences, record of service employment and other talents and personal attributes.

• Physical Therapy Program Diversity Scholarships

• Joanne Posner-Mayer Diversity Scholarships

• University of Colorado Medicine Diversity Scholarships

• Kenda Fuller Fund to Enhance Cultural Balance in Physical Therapy

• DPT Diversity Scholarships

• University of Colorado Medicine Scholarships

Rural Scholarships

The CU PT Program is committed to improving the access to health care in general, and in particular, physical therapy services in rural communities.

• Physical Therapy Program Rural Scholarships

• University of Colorado Medicine Rural Scholarship

• Patrick and Carla Grant Physical Therapy Rural Scholarship

Merit Scholarships

Merit scholarships recognize individuals for exceptional academic achievements, volunteer and work experiences, leadership and extracurricular activities.

• Physical Therapy Program Merit Scholarships

• University of Colorado Medicine Merit Scholarships

Current Student Scholarships

Current student scholarships recognize individuals based on academic and clinical excellence, involvement in professional activities and financial need.

• Herbert J. and Sandy Levy Endowed Memorial Scholarship

• National Western Stock Show Physical Therapy Scholarship

• University of Colorado Medicine Scholarships

• American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) Scholarship

• Patrick and Carla Grant Physical Therapy Rural Scholarship

• Bookstein and Krapfl Endowed Physical Therapy Scholarship

• Denise Stelzner Endowed Scholarship

• Hutchison Scholarship Endowment

• Physical Therapy Alumni Association Scholarship

• Hutchison Scholarship Endowment

“I appreciate receiving the DPT Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion scholarship because not only has it allowed me to pursue my education, but it has allowed me the platform to further develop my passion for diversity, equity and inclusion.”

- Tori Serna, Class of 2023

“Receiving financial support allowed me to focus on my DPT studies and become more involved with CU PT opportunities. Unique opportunities included engaging as a student research assistant, student clinician at DAWN Clinic, and member of the CU PT outreach team. What was listed does not extensively highlight what I was able to participate in and how I was able to immerse myself in the program. The impact of a financial award holistically enhanced my CU student experience and made being a member of this community so much easier!”

- Javier Gonzalez Plazola, Class of 2022

SCHOLARSHIP AND ENDOWMENT BOARD

The Physical Therapy Scholarship & Endowment Board was established in 2012, providing robust scholarships in perpetuity for students enrolled in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the University of Colorado. Members of the Board include University leadership, program staff, alumni, and community members.

MISSION STATEMENT

Ensure money is never the obstacle to bringing the best students and leading-class faculty, research, and practice to the CU Physical Therapy Program.

SCHOLARSHIP GROWTH

in 2012 $230,000 in 2021-2022

“I received the Denise Stelzner, Endowed Physical Therapy Scholarship. Receiving the scholarship made me feel recognized for my accomplishments in the program and it relieved my financial stress for the semester.” - Jenna Taylor, Class of 2022

HOW DO I APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS?

Prospective student scholarship application information is sent out in invitations to interview. Current student scholarship application information is sent out to all students as available.

Colorado & Denver

With 300 days of sun, endless outdoor activities, a thriving cultural scene and beautiful scenery all year, it’s no surprise that the Mile High City attracts potential PT students. Whether it’s hitting the slopes, hiking as the leaves begin to change in the fall, or watching the sunset at a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater – there’s truly something for everyone in Colorado.

‘‘

“I think a huge benefit to studying at the CU Anschutz campus is that we have access to so many great minds in the Denver metro area. Children’s Hospital Colorado, the VA Hospital, UCHealth inpatient, and outpatient are all on our campus which gives us as students the chance to have guest lectures from people who are laying the groundwork for innovation in healthcare. By having this unique access, we learn not only how to be clinicians now, but how to be forever learners in the field of medicine that is ever changing.”

- Kendell Baylor, Class of 2023

“Such a beautiful state near the mountains allowing you to always have something to do when you need some time away from school.”

- Edward Benitez, Class of 2022

Inquiries

Physical Address

Physical Therapy Program Education 2 South 3rd Floor, Room 3106 Mail Stop C244 13121 E. 17th Avenue Aurora, CO 80045