Hanover Launches Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
For the first time in more than 100 years, Hanover College will offer a doctoral-level degree. This summer, Hanover is launching an accelerated Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, which will connect the liberal arts with career preparation in a high-demand field.
The College’s distinctive hybrid approach combines online learning, on-site labs and in-person clinical experiences. Students will complete the curriculum in two years, rather than three years with a traditional path, which increases accessibility and reduces debt.
“Hanover College has delivered a high-quality, engaging educational experience for nearly 200 years and we’re excited to return to the world of graduate education with such a compelling program as DPT,” said President Lake Lambert. “The time for a true hybrid model in physical therapy education is now. Our students can complete the program from wherever they live and have the opportunity for hands-on lab instruction on our beautiful campus.”
Hanover’s academic blueprint requires six semesters of instructional content and hands-on training. Clinical education experiences occur during a 31-week period with full-time training at laboratory settings in metropolitan Louisville, Ky., and nationwide. Students can also extend their training into post-professional residency opportunities for specialization in orthopedics, sports, neurorehabilitation and acute care, among others.
“Hanover’s unique culture and sense of community will provide an engaging and meaningful experience for DPT students,” said Kerry Volansky, D.Sc., professor of physical therapy (clinical) and program director. “As we all adapt to a new normal, the impacts of the Coronavirus pandemic will change how we interact, communicate and prepare future physical therapists.”
This summer, the College’s program earned accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. Enrollment will open July 15. Classes are expected to start June 2021.
Hanover’s evidence-based course of study, developed by the College’s faculty, combines the latest research, personal clinical experience and individualized mentoring to help students reach their goals as licensed physical therapists. The academic program is powered by Evidence In Motion (EIM), a leading provider of online and hybrid health care education.
“We are excited to collaborate with Hanover College as it continues to innovate and bring new programming into their growing learning community,” said John Childs, EIM’s chief executive officer. “The program’s commitment to diversity and accessibility aligns perfectly with EIM’s mission to reimagine how health care education is delivered, with the goal of increasing access, reducing student debt and improving outcomes.”
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program represents Hanover’s first doctoral-level academic track since 1915. The College offered the Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Literature, and Doctor of Science from 1893-1915. The Master of Arts was also obtainable during this span.
The College has bestowed the Bachelor of Arts since its first degrees were conferred in 1834. The Bachelor of Science, offered since 2018, was originally presented from 1856-1912 and again from 1936-1965.
Learn more about the DPT Program at hanover.edu/dpt.
About Evidence In Motion
Evidence In Motion (EIM) provides accessible, lifelong education to health care professionals transforming their communities. They offer specialty certifications, post-professional programs and continuing education courses. EIM also partners with leading universities to provide accelerated graduate programs in health care, including physical therapy, occupational therapy and others.
EIM is reimagining health care education through hybrid learning, which integrates evidence-based practice, top faculty from across the country, and a leading curriculum that combines online learning and collaboration with intensive hands-on lab experiences. Their reimagined health care education model increases access, reduces student debt and improves outcomes. Learn more about Evidence In Motion at evidenceinmotion.com.
Graduation from a physical therapist education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; phone; 703-706-3245; accreditation@apta.org is necessary for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination, which is required in all states.
Hanover College is seeking accreditation of a new physical therapist education program from CAPTE. The program is planning to submit an Application for Candidacy, which is the formal application required in the pre-accreditation stage, on 12/01/20. Submission of this document does not assure that the program will be granted Candidate for Accreditation status. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status is required prior to implementation of the professional phase of the program; therefore, no students may be enrolled in professional courses until Candidate for Accreditation status has been achieved. Further, though achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status signifies satisfactory progress toward accreditation, it does not assure that the program will be granted accreditation.
