Nova Launches Hybrid Physical Therapy Program In Greater Brandon

The charter class of a unique hybrid-learning program in physical therapy is set to begin May 31 at the Greater Brandon campus of Nova Southeastern University, with students combining on-site instruction with online classes. 

Some 20 students are signed up for the first semester of the four-year Hybrid Entry Level DPT (HE-DPT) Program, which culminates with a doctorate degree in physical therapy (D.P.T.) from NSU’s College of Allied Health and Nursing. A second group of students will start the program next year, according to college officials.

The classes will take place at NSU’s Greater Brandon/Tampa campus off Falkenburg Road. The Tampa Student Educational Center is at 3632 Queen Palm Drive.

It's only the second program of its kind in the nation, said Mary Blackinton, associate program director of the NSU physical therapy program.

“Most professional education in the medical field is steeped in the tradition of face- to-face leaning,” added Blackinton, a physical therapist since 1983 and an educator in the field for the past 16 years. “We’ve taken the theoretical part and the introduction to skills and are delivering them using online technologies.”

The aim was to serve students who work and have family responsibilities and therefore do not always have the ability to attend college classes during traditional hours.   

“This format also allows students to live in other places and come here for four intensive days a month,” Blackinton said.

And the hard work will pay off if today’s salaries for physical therapists are any indication. The typical salary for a graduate in the field is between $60,000-$100,000, Blackinton said.

“This innovative program provides qualified, non-traditional students such as working adults the opportunity to become physical therapists,” Blackinton said. “Our blended learning design creates a strong, interactive learning community supported by the outstanding technological resources of NSU.”

The college plans to introduce an occupational therapy and cardiovascular sonography program at the campus next year.

For information about the program, call 813-574-5200.