Tufts University Celebrates Inaugural Graduation of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program in Phoenix

Tufts University School of Medicine proudly announces the graduation of the inaugural class from its innovative hybrid, accelerated Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program in Phoenix, Arizona. Celebratory events took place on August 23-24; however, students will officially become graduates only upon the conferral of their degrees. The milestone hooding event marks a significant achievement not only for the students but also for the university as it expands its educational reach beyond the East Coast.

Addressing Arizona's Physical Therapy Needs 

Launched in Summer 2022, the DPT-Phoenix program was designed to meet the growing demand for skilled physical therapists in Arizona, which has one of the lowest ratios of physical therapists per capita in the nation, according to a 2020 report.

The program is poised to make a significant impact on the local healthcare landscape, contributing to the well-being of the community from which they received their education.

“I am a Phoenix native and have always planned on serving my community,” said Manuel Trejo, DPT24. “I have recently accepted a position with BodyCentral Physical Therapy at their Mesa clinic to work as a pelvic health physical therapist and will be serving a patient population in desperate need of more pelvic health physical therapists.”

When asked about specific community needs, Trejo emphasized the importance of Spanish-speaking providers.

“There are medical interpreters and translation services, but nuances can still be lost,” he said. “Direct communication with a provider who speaks their language empowers patients and helps them feel more comfortable and understood.” This is why Trejo is particularly enthusiastic about using his bilingual skills to support the Spanish-speaking community.

“Throughout my clinical rotations, being a native Spanish speaker allowed me to communicate directly with patients in their preferred language,” he said. “This not only made them feel heard and understood but also fostered an environment where they could fully express themselves without language barriers. My goal is to recreate this supportive environment for my patients in Phoenix.”

Celebration Highlights: Graduation Events and Hooding Ceremony

Graduation events on August 23 and 24 included an open house at the Phoenix campus, allowing students to reconnect with faculty and introduce their families to the facilities integral to their education. The highlight was the formal hooding ceremony at the Phoenix Sheraton Downtown, which marked the culmination of the students' dedication and hard work, as they prepare to embark on their professional journeys. 

“For a student, the hooding ceremony is a moment of immense pride, celebrating an achievement that required significant dedication and sacrifice,” said Tawna Wilkinson, PT, DPT, PhD, program director. “Seeing a student cross the stage and receive their hood reinforces the connection we’ve shared and highlights their journey and bright future. It’s a momentous occasion.”

The event included speeches from Helen Boucher, MD, dean of Tufts University School of Medicine; Eric Hegedus, PT, DPT, PhD, MHSc, department chair; and other faculty members, along with student representatives Sutiluck Boonsrisart and Michael Jeppesen, who served as  cohort leaders.

Shaping Future Physical Therapists

“Our inaugural Phoenix cohort represents a historic moment for Tufts University, as the first program established outside the East Coast,” added Angela Spontelli Gisselman, PT, PhD, DPT, director of admissions. “These students have demonstrated resilience and dedication, embodying the values of excellence, humanism, and lifelong learning that Tufts DPT strives to instill. We are excited to see the impact they will make in the physical therapy profession, particularly in Arizona, where their expertise is greatly needed.”

The program’s hybrid model, combining rigorous online coursework with in-person clinical skills labs, has allowed students to balance their education with personal commitments. This flexibility, along with a focus on humanism and diversity, has attracted a diverse student body, including first-generation college students, parents, and individuals from underrepresented communities in physical therapy.

The faculty and the program’s mission also play a crucial role in shaping students into skilled physical therapists.

“The faculty and curriculum have significantly shaped my preparation for a career as a physical therapist,” said Trejo. “They have instilled in me the understanding that learning is a continuous journey in this profession. That I should strive to continue my education and look to my peers and fellow clinicians for assistance in providing quality care for my patients. More importantly, to always reflect on the role I am privileged to serve in as a physical therapist.”

Class of 2024: A Legacy of Compassion and Humanism

The Class of 2024 holds a special place in the history of Tufts University, being the first cohort of the Phoenix program. The program is proud of them for exemplifying the School of Medicine's values.

“What I will remember most about the Class of 2024 is how they have embodied the TUSM value of humanism—treating all people with compassion, and respecting human dignity and autonomy,” said Gisselman.

As the DPT-Phoenix program continues to grow, Tufts University remains committed to providing top-tier education and training to future physical therapists, preparing them to meet the challenges of a dynamic healthcare environment.

Learn more about Tufts University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy programs.