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Welcome Message from the Director
Dear Aspiring Physical Therapists,
I am thrilled to extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you to the Auburn Family as you embark on this incredible journey as the charter cohort of the Auburn University Physical Therapy Program. This marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in your academic and professional lives, and I am honored to be your Program Director.
Your decision to join our program reflects your dedication to the field of physical therapy and your commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others. As the inaugural class, you have a unique opportunity to shape the culture and traditions of our program, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations of students.
Throughout your time here, you will be challenged intellectually, encouraged to think critically, and supported in your pursuit of excellence. Our distinguished faculty members are not only experts in their respective specializations but also passionate educators who are committed to your success. They will serve as your mentors, guiding you through coursework, clinical experiences, and research endeavors.
In addition to academic rigor, we place great emphasis on fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with peers, learning from each other's experiences and perspectives. Together, we will cultivate a community of lifelong learners dedicated to advancing the field of physical therapy.
As you embark on this journey, remember that you are not alone. You are part of a close-knit community that is here to support you every step of the way. We are your Auburn Family. Whether you need academic guidance, personal support, or simply someone to talk to, know that our doors are always open.
I sincerely encourage you to embrace every opportunity that comes your way, to challenge yourself, and to never stop pursuing your dreams. Your passion for physical therapy has brought you here, and I have no doubt that you will leave a lasting impact on our profession.
Once again, welcome to the Auburn University Physical Therapy Program! I am excited to witness your growth and achievements over the coming years.
WAR EAGLE!
Harsimran S Baweja PT PhD
Director, Physical Therapy
Mission Statement
The Auburn University Physical Therapy Program is committed to establishing a gold standard in the advancement of physical therapy and promoting the health of our society. Fueled by Auburn’s land-grant mission, we cultivate a community that is dedicated to enhancing the practice of physical therapy through innovations in education, research, outreach, and advocacy. We do this by preparing clinical physical therapists who are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to provide exceptional patient-centered care, contribute to the advancement of the physical therapy profession, and address healthcare disparities in the communities we serve.
Aligned with the mission of Auburn University and the School of Kinesiology, our program is committed to promoting inclusive excellence in our workforce and communities. We accomplish this by creating a supportive learning environment that embraces and celebrates all perspectives, and by recruiting and retaining a student body, faculty, and staff who can best care for the communities we serve. Our program is grounded in evidence-based practice and integrates innovative teaching methods to prepare graduates to adapt to the evolving healthcare landscape. We foster critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and problem-solving skills through hands-on experiences in diverse clinical and research settings, particularly those that serve under-resourced communities.
Physical therapists play an important role in promoting health and wellness, preventing disease and injury, and restoring function and mobility across the lifespan. Our graduates are prepared to work collaboratively with healthcare teams and engage in lifelong learning to provide high-quality care and contribute to the advancement of the profession.
Accreditation
Effective May 13, 2025, Auburn University has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org. If needing to contact Auburn University's Doctor of Physical Therapy program directly, please call 334-844-4483 or email dpt@auburn.edu.
Candidate for Accreditation is an accreditation status of affiliation with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education that indicates the program may matriculate students in technical/professional courses. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status does not assure that the program will be granted Initial Accreditation.
