Concordia’s inaugural Doctor of Physical Therapy cohort received their white coats on Friday, Sept. 15.
Concordia coated and pinned 21 DPT candidates during a ceremony held on Friday, Sept. 15 in the Chapel of the Holy Trinity. Campus Pastor Rev. Randy Duncan delivered a brief devotional message. Bob Frampton, PT, DHCE, MPT, assistant dean of the School of Health Professions and director of the DPT program, bestowed a pin to each candidate.
The white coat is meant to symbolize the weight of responsibility entrusted upon future health care professionals. This ceremony marks the beginning of the professional development and education as a graduate students, says Frampton.
“Learners in the physical therapy program are answering their call and vocation,” Frampton says. “As physical therapists, they will be assisting in the recovery and rehabilitation of the injured, impaired, or sick as, perhaps, one of the most vulnerable times of the client’s life.”
During Friday’s ceremony, DPT candidates jointly recited the oath of a physical therapist after receiving a blessing of their hands by Pastor Duncan. Besides their brains, the hands of a physical therapist are the single most valuable tool they possess, says Frampton.
“We bless their hands so that they may serve others as Christ served, offering healing and comfort,” says Frampton.
The DPT program at CUAA embodies the mission of the university by helping students develop in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and in the World. The DPT curriculum integrates a framework that supports not only the acquisition of foundational knowledge but prepares the learner to excel in problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication in the health care world.
This skillset will prepare learners to successfully manage patients within a dynamic health care environment. These future health care workers will transition to professional practice as Christ-centered practitioners prepared to serve others effectively and holistically.
Class of 2025
The inaugural cohort of DPT students will graduate in 2025. Members include:
- Nicola Abukhader
- Audrianna Bornamann
- Aiya Charara
- Caleb Comstock
- Angelia Daman
- Shayne Erni
- Caleb Frein
- Austin Green
- Tyler Groth
- Ryan Kotecki
- Matthew Mackey
- Megan Moriarty
- Mamta Patel
- Catherine Pinnell
- Rafael Reyes
- Alexis Russell
- Mallory Simmons
- Payton Taliaferro
- Lillian Walker
- Samantha Whitley
- Matthew Willett
Want in?
Concordia’s DPT faculty and staff are committed to developing health care professionals who have a sound foundation in movement science. Candidates will be prepared for safe, autonomous, and ethical practice as physical therapists within a changing health care environment. Click on the link below to learn more.