Davis & Elkins, Marshall reach agreement for physical therapy study

Davis & Elkins College and Marshall University have signed an agreement that will offer seats to two D&E graduates in Marshall’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program each year. Representatives from Marshall University College of Health Professions School of Physical Therapy and Davis & Elkins College Sport Science Department are, from left, Yi-Po Chiu, PT, MHS, Ph.D., CEEAA, director of admissions/professor, MUSOPT; Melanie Lambert, PT, DPT, OCS, MTC, assistant professor, MUSOPT; Ashley Mason, PT, DPT, ATC, PCS, assistant professor, MUSOPT; Mary Ann DeLuca, Ed.D., chair of the sport science department and professor, D&E; Jennifer Riggleman, Ed.D., assistant professor of sport science, D&E; Virginia Liang, Ph.D., assistant professor, MUSOPT; D. Scott Davis, PT, MS, Ed.D., OCS, chairperson, program director, professor, MUSOPT; and Brad Profitt, PT, DPT, OCS, DC, CSCS, assistant professor. / Photo courtesy D&E

News Release
July 26, 2021

ELKINS – Davis & Elkins College and Marshall University have entered a collaboration that will benefit students pursuing graduate study in physical therapy.

The agreement offers two D&E graduates, who meet specific criteria, acceptance into the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Marshall University School of Physical Therapy.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market for physical therapists is expected to grow much faster than average for all occupations at 18 percent through 2029 as a result of aging baby boomers. While an increasing number of Davis & Elkins students show an interest in entering the field, Professor of Sport Science Dr. Mary Ann DeLuca and Assistant Professor of Sport Science Dr. Jennifer Riggleman worked with leaders at Marshall University College of Health Professions to reach the agreement.

“We’re pleased to partner with Marshall University’s Physical Therapy program and grateful to Drs. Riggleman and DeLuca for their efforts in helping to establish this articulation agreement,” said D&E Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Rob Phillips. “The agreement both recognizes the quality and rigor of a D&E education and broadens the educational and career opportunities available to our students.”

Davis & Elkins College students obtaining an undergraduate degree in the Pre-Professional Exercise Science major with an overall grade point average of 3.5 or higher and a 3.4 GPA in the required classes are qualified to apply for the Marshall Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

“I am excited about our partnership with Davis & Elkins College,” said Dr. Scott Davis, chairperson, program director and professor at Marshall University School of Physical Therapy. “Together we are forging a pathway for students to achieve their goal of becoming a physical therapist.”

Graduates of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Marshall University have a 100% employment rate. They’ve gone on to work in hospitals, outpatient facilities, in rehabilitation facilities and with athletics teams.

The first cohort of D&E students may apply for to the Marshall program this fall to begin the Doctor of Physical Therapy program in the fall of 2022.