A new partnership between ÎÞÂëȺ½» (RFU) and (PTS) will help meet the growing need for physical therapists and remove barriers to achieve greater access to healthcare education.
The PT Solutions Scholarship and Student Success Fund will support the academic journey of RFU PT students, including a $20,000 scholarship award and $15,000 to support student success through mentorship and career development programs. The partnership ensures hands-on clinical opportunities, mentorship and workforce support, all hallmarks of RFU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program that aims to ensure equitable access to the profession by recognizing the social factors of lived experiences that can influence a student’s education.
“We are incredibly grateful for PT Solutions' generosity and commitment to advancing health equity through physical therapy education and training opportunities,” said Matthew Nuciforo PT, DPT, PhD, chair and program director for RFU’s Department of Physical Therapy. “This support will help lighten our students’ financial burden while enhancing their educational experience and professional development.”
A 2023 report by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) shows that outpatient PT clinics continue to face staffing challenges, including an 11% vacancy rate for PTs. Physical therapists continue to be in short supply across many parts of the country. Employment for the profession is projected to grow 15 percent going into 2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“I am grateful to have been selected for such a prestigious scholarship,” said inaugural scholarship recipient Amanda Butler, DPT ’26. “Beyond the financial support and mentorship, this scholarship has provided me with a sense of validation. I am committed to honoring the investment through my achievements, contributions to the physical therapy profession and continuing service to my community.”
PT Solutions offers an APTA-accredited orthopaedic residency program with locations in 14 markets. Clinical growth and leadership opportunities await those who graduate. It is also supporting $15,000 scholarships, payable directly to RFU PT students in their final year of education who choose to practice with the company. This year’s recipients are Anthony Pulex, DPT ’24, and Sarun "Mac" Chanprung, DPT ’24.
Lisa Dutton, PT, PhD, dean of RFU’s College of Health Professions and professor of physical therapy, said the partnership brings value on two fronts. “It enhances workforce opportunities for our students and improves access to highly skilled, compassionate clinicians who are dedicated to promoting optimal mobility and health for all,” she said.
“We are thrilled to partner with ÎÞÂëȺ½» to address the critical shortage of physical therapists and enhance access to healthcare education. By supporting the next generation of physical therapists, we are not only investing in their future but also ensuring that communities across the country have access to the high-quality care they need,” said PT Solutions Physical Therapy CEO Dale Yake, PT, DPT, OCS, ACT. “Our commitment to mentorship, career development, and financial support aligns with our mission to advance the physical therapy profession and improve patient outcomes.”