#United States #Chicago #ATI Physical Therapy #Tufts University #DPT Program

Pioneering Accessibility in Physical Therapy Education

In response to an increasing demand for physical therapy services, projected to grow by 27% by 2030, Tufts University School of Medicine (TUSM) has partnered with ATI Physical Therapy, one of the foremost providers of physical therapy services in the United States. This collaboration seeks to expand the workforce of qualified physical therapists and make the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Programs at TUSM more reachable for aspiring students.

As a part of this landmark initiative, both TUSM and ATI will offer scholarships each semester to support up to 45 ATI employees enrolled in TUSM's DPT programs each academic year. The DPT programs feature a hybrid model that elegantly combines challenging online coursework with hands-on clinical practice in cities like Boston, Phoenix, and Seattle. The curriculum emphasizes both practical skills in clinical settings and a commitment to community service, taught by renowned faculty members.

Dr. Helen Boucher, the dean of TUSM and chief academic officer for Tufts Medicine, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "This alliance reflects our commitment to expanding access to health care education. By combining our training programs with ATI's clinical experience, we're creating new opportunities for aspiring physical therapists who will be valuable partners for patients and healthcare practitioners."

Additionally, ATI will also sponsor up to 20 of its employees who are eager to attend the TUSM-DPT's 12-week online course, the Accelerated Development of Excellence in Physical Therapy (ADEPT). This program is designed to provide personalized assistance to enhance students' learning experience. Importantly, all DPT students at TUSM will enjoy heightened access to clinical rotations within ATI's expansive network of over 850 outpatient clinics nationwide.

"This collaboration signifies a transformative step in supporting both the profession and ATI team members aspiring to become physical therapists," noted Sharon Vitti, CEO of ATI Physical Therapy. "By enhancing educational access, we are nurturing a dependable and sustainable source of skilled professionals for the future."

Dr. Eric Hegedus, professor and chair of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at TUSM, elaborated, "We aim to establish clear pathways from early career interests through advanced training stages like residencies and fellowships in physical therapy. By diminishing financial hurdles and offering early preparations through ADEPT, we're working to ensure that driven students have the educational resources necessary to meet the soaring demand for care."

This initiative stands as the first of its kind in the realm of physical therapy and for TUSM-DPT—merging academic insight with industry experience to enhance the financial accessibility of physical therapy education, especially for students from various backgrounds. This support is critical for the long-term success of the profession, as there is a notable lack of first-generation college students and those from lower-income families pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy, key to meeting the needs of underserved communities.

Moreover, TUSM and ATI are set to collaborate on enhancing residency and fellowship training opportunities. They are developing admission pathways that facilitate transitions from TUSM-DPT to ATI's multi-site sports and orthopedic residencies and are co-creating a primary care physical therapy fellowship. These initiatives will pave the way for advanced career opportunities and prepare professionals with specialized skills in the field of musculoskeletal care.

Dr. Chuck Thigpen, senior vice president for clinical excellence at ATI Physical Therapy, highlighted the unique quality of the training offered at Tufts, emphasizing the program's robust structure and innovative delivery formats. He added, "This multi-faceted collaboration will also open avenues for joint research initiatives and allow ATI clinicians to contribute to Tufts' programs—showcasing our joint commitment to bridging the gap between academic excellence and high-quality clinical practice."

About Tufts University School of Medicine

Tufts University School of Medicine stands out as a premier medical institution that is innovating health education while serving a diverse group of students. The school is dedicated to creating skilled and passionate healthcare providers and researchers, enabling them to make impactful contributions across communities.

About ATI Physical Therapy, Inc.

At ATI Physical Therapy, the primary mission is to engage and enhance every individual's quality of life through active living. The organization provides accessible and top-notch care to prevent and treat musculoskeletal ailments. With a vast network comprising over 850 locations across 24 states, ATI stands as one of the largest single-branded platforms committed to consistently delivering quality care and favorable patient outcomes. The services include preventative care, outpatient services, and online physical therapy available through the CONNECT™ platform.