Building Community in the Tufts DPT-Phoenix Program: A Q&A with Clinical Associate Professor Jeremiah Tate, PT, PhD

A strong learning community can make all the difference in a demanding graduate program. In the Tufts University Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program in Phoenix, faculty play an active role in fostering connection, mentorship, and support among students navigating the program’s accelerated hybrid format.

Jeremiah Tate, PT, PhD, Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, has been instrumental in building that community. Through coaching, mentorship, and hands-on engagement during Phoenix on-site clinical skills labs, he helps students stay connected to faculty, classmates, and the broader physical therapy profession.

In this Q&A, Tate shares how the Phoenix DPT community supports student success and what prospective students can expect from the program.

How would you describe the sense of community within the Tufts DPT-Phoenix program?

"The Phoenix community is close-knit and works hard to stay connected throughout the entirety of the program. From orientation to graduation, faculty act as coaches for their specific coachees, helping students stay connected as they move through the curriculum both in the classroom and during their clinical experiences. Faculty are readily accessible and committed to making sure students are successful throughout their time in the program."

In what ways do you work to foster connection and support among students?

"Despite the hybrid format, I keep an 'open-door' policy so that students feel comfortable reaching out day or night with any issues they may have within and outside our program! This support lets them know my commitment to their learning and helps provide them with the support to be successful."

How do students connect with faculty outside of coursework or lab sessions?

"When we are together in Phoenix, I often meet with my coachees to grab a bite to eat or even indulge in some ice cream. These moments allow us to get to know each other on a more personal level.

The program also organizes outings and gatherings during onsite lab sessions like attending a Diamondbacks game or spending time together as a cohort. Those shared experiences really strengthen the sense of community."

What is most rewarding about working with students in the Phoenix program?

"The most rewarding aspect of my job is getting to work with students from all over the United States! This diversity is our student body in unparalleled in the physical therapy educational community and allows us to appreciate the unique differences that we all bring to this program to make it a success!"

What do you look forward to most about visiting Phoenix for on-site lab sessions?

"Phoenix is a fantastic host city for our on-site lab sessions. The weather is always beautiful providing a great environment for learning! More importantly, the energy from everyone involved (administration, faculty, staff, and students) during on-site labs is off the wall and makes for a great learning experience."

What qualities make students successful in the Phoenix program?

"Students who are adult learners and maintain a growth mindset tend to flourish in our program. In addition, students who are well organized and willing to reach out to fellow classmates and faculty to develop the depth of learning required of our profession flourish both in the classroom and in their clinical experiences!"
 

Related Links:

Tufts DPT
Tufts DPT-Phoenix Requirements
Tufts DPT-Phoenix Location