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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.
Timeline to Accreditation
2021: Inception
- $2.5M MEF to Kinesiology funds the start of the AUPT Program
2023: Start
- Hire of inaugural Program Director and Director for Clinical Education
- Program Development Approval CAPTE
- Start Renovation and construction in Kinesiology Building and Student Activities Center
- Faculty searches fall 2023
2024: AFC
- Application for Candidacy due May 1, 2024 (Site visit July 24 TBD)
- Faculty Hires for first 2 years
- 60 Clinical sites
- SACHSCOC Substantiative Change Submission
- Admissions – fall 2024
2025: Charter Class
- May 25 Charter class of 38 starts
- Fall 2025 open admissions for cohort 2
- Fall 2025 searches for 3 faculty specialists
2027: Site-visit
- Fall 2027 Initial accreditation self-study submission
- Fall 2027 CAPTE site visit
2028: Graduation
- April 2028 Initial 5-year accreditation
- May 2028 charter cohort graduates
- July 2028 National PT Board Exams
