Madison Beckner, DPT24
Students don't have to give up having a sense of community when enrolling in our hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs. Hear from Madison Beckner, DPT24, about the supportive community in the Tufts DPT Phoenix program.
Why did you choose to pursue this degree?
"I have always had an interest in the healthcare field. As a former gymnast, I ended up in physical therapy and loved seeing the passion, enthusiasm, and support that these providers had. Those individual became role models and ultimately lead to my decision of wanting to pursue a dream of becoming a physical therapist. I eventually went to work as a rehabilitation medicine technician and found even more love and passion for acute care and inpatient rehabilitation. The experience I have gained from my job has only reinforced that this is something I am truly passionate about."
Why did you choose Tufts?
"I was immediately drawn to the hybrid and accelerated format. The hybrid format gives you the best of both worlds! I am able to be home and have my support system around me, but I also get to be in person with all the amazing faculty and other passionate students. Being from Pennsylvania, we are 2-3 hours behind Arizona. This initially was a challenge for me, but adjusting to following the Arizona time zone didn't take me long at all. The best advantage is getting to travel and see new places. I have never been to Arizona before this program, let alone I have never ventured this far out west before. It has been a goal of mine to travel and visit new places and this program gives me that opportunity!"
What has your experience it the DPT-Phoenix program been like so far?
"The experiences I have had this far have only reinforced that I made the right decision choosing the Tufts DPT-Phoenix program. Being a part of the inaugural cohort for the the DPT-Phoenix program has been challenging yet so rewarding. The students' voices are heard and we are all working together to build upon this amazing program. There may be some bumps along the road, but watching all the faculty and students work together to solve any issue that arise is something that I love to be a part of. Also, there is a sense of community among every faculty member and student in this program. I always feel welcomed and supported by anyone I engage with in this program."
What is your favorite aspect about the DPT-Phoenix program?
"The best thing is the sense of community in this program. The faculty are very supportive and are always there to help if needed. My fellow cohort members are all willing to help and guide each other too. Being a part of a community that works together for the success of everyone in it is something I am proud to be a part of."
What has been your proudest personal accomplishment while at Tufts?
"I decided to become an Academic Teaching Assistant for the neuromuscular practice management course. Though it initially was a challenge as the whole cohort was learning this material at the same time, I continued to push through and feel like I was able to help and guide some fellow classmates through this process."
What do you want a prospective student to know about Tufts?
"The hybrid program does not impact the sense of community. When we go to the in-person lab immersion, it's like we pick up right where we left off. When we are home and online, we are all together working together and that sense of community never leaves."