ATSU-ASHS Physical Therapy program soars to new heights in rankings
Posted: March 24, 2020
A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Health Sciences’ (ATSU-ASHS) Physical Therapy (PT) program has achieved a new national rank on the list of Best Physical Therapy Program by U.S. News & World Report Rankings.
This list compares all 239 PT programs in the country. ATSU-ASHS is currently the second-highest ranked PT school in Arizona.
Surveys are completed by industry peers, and each school receives an average rating on a scale from 1 (marginal) to 5 (outstanding). ATSU-ASHS’ PT program is currently ranked No. 57 (tied), far exceeding its rank of No. 139 (tied) in 2012.
“From my viewpoint, it means that the PT department faculty members are actively engaged in our profession at a national level and we are recognized and respected by our peers,” said Dr. Farris, PT, PhD, ASHS PT department chair and professor.
Additionally, students are actively serving at a national level. Many PT students are on boards for their specialty groups, participating in the design and implementation of the first PT Student National Honor Society, being selected as regional representatives for the national PT Pub Night, and receiving competitive scholarship grants to attend national meetings. Recently, Hunter Madich, PT, ’21, was awarded the Federal Advocacy Scholarship Award.
“Our national peer ranking increases are due to the hard work that our faculty, staff, and students put forth through service in key elected national leadership positions, research presentations, publications, national-level educational sessions, post-graduate education, and residency programs,” Dr. Farris said.
Dr. Farris explained that a strategic plan was designed in 2013 and core values were developed for the department to keep it focused on the plan. Along the way, faculty continuously monitor progress and determine if the plan is working and staying aligned with core values. The next survey will be conducted in 2025.
“Students who come to PT school at ATSU can truly believe that they are in a very strong Doctor of Physical Therapy program. The best part is, we keep getting better each year, and we have a great crew of energetic faculty and staff who are all experts in their respective areas, and an enjoyable working environment,” Dr. Farris said.
