Jace Clinkenbeard, DPT24

What inspired you to pursue your degree, and how has your personal journey shaped your career goals?

I have been through physical therapy myself as a patient and saw firsthand the impact a provider can have on someone recovering from an injury. Working as a physical therapy tech after undergraduate school solidified that this is a profession I felt called to pursue. Along the way, I have been fortunate enough to work with amazing coworkers and patients. I’ve tried to take something meaningful from each interaction and use those experiences to help shape the goals I have for my career.

How have your experiences at Tufts prepared you for your future career?

Tufts did an excellent job preparing my classmates and me for our careers. Through outreach services, onsite immersions, the curriculum, and clinical rotations, our faculty consistently pushed us to explore and step out of our comfort zones—while always supporting us along the way. These experiences have helped prepare me for the realities of being a provider, giving me lessons and tools to rely on when faced with different scenarios in my career.

Can you share a memorable moment or experience from your time at Tufts that has left a lasting impression on you?

A memorable moment that stands out is when our faculty invited volunteers to attend our on-site immersions. Meeting these individuals and hearing their stories was incredibly special. It reinforced the importance of what we do as physical therapists. We have the ability to leave a lasting impression on our patients, just as they leave one on us.

What advice would you offer to prospective students based on your own experience?

Don’t be afraid to fully immerse yourself in the experience! Being part of a Tufts DPT cohort is unique, challenging, and fun. What you put into it is what you’ll get out of it. The more involved you are, the more you will learn and grow as a professional.

What areas of physical therapy are you most passionate about and why?

I am most passionate about working with the orthopedic population. These are some of the most common conditions a physical therapist will encounter, depending on the setting. It’s a challenging yet enjoyable area where I can identify problems, implement appropriate interventions, and educate patients. I’ve found that patient education is incredibly valuable in building relationships. It’s rewarding to see patients understand their pain or deficits, watch them improve, and gain the confidence to manage their conditions independently.

What impact do you hope to make in the field of physical therapy?

I hope to help patients understand how beneficial physical therapy and movement can be. Since we can’t work with our patients forever, it’s essential to teach them how to manage their symptoms and emphasize the importance of staying active throughout life. My goal is to leave patients with lifelong knowledge and skills—and hopefully inspire them to share that education with others who may benefit from it.