ATSU’s Doctor of Education in Health Professions program opens new career paths for educator
Posted: June 21, 2024
A.T. Still University-College of Graduate Health Studies (ATSU-CGHS) Doctor of Education in Health Professions program student Rebecca Dobler, PT, DPT, has her eyes both on the present and her future.
“Practically, while I do not need a terminal academic degree to teach, it is helpful to our program accreditation standards,” Dr. Dobler said. “This will also be true if I ever decide to teach in a different program, as all DPT schools have this same need. More than that, I wanted to learn how to teach my students effectively. Since I am trained as a clinician in PT and not as an educator, this program has shown me current evidence and strategies for becoming an effective educator.”
Dr. Dobler, who plans to complete the program in December 2024, sought an online program because she wanted to be able to continue in her career while also advancing her skills, all while managing them both along with her family needs. In ATSU-CGHS, she found a program with a great reputation, confident it went beyond just checking some boxes and actually providing her with growth opportunities as a student and teacher.
“I am growing as an educator of emerging adult learners who have made the transition to graduate school, but are also earning a clinical doctorate,” she said. “The immediate ability to integrate what I have learned in my coursework into my classroom has been fantastic.”
The Doctor of Education in Health Professions (EdD) program at ATSU-CGHS is specifically focused on health professions education curriculum and instruction. This fully online EdD program prepares healthcare educators with the skills and knowledge needed to teach and inspire the next generation of health professionals.
ATSU-CGHS’ EdD program curriculum encompasses a 55 credit-hour program that’s 100 percent online. With 10 core courses and five research project courses, students will build a solid foundation for their EdD doctorate. No residency is required, allowing students to continue their careers without interruption as they expand their future professional options.
Dr. Dobler’s experience with ATSU-CGHS has been positive, full of support and great feedback.
“Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I have always received constructive and timely feedback in my courses,” she said. “I will give a special shout out to my advisor. She gives incredible feedback and support through this process and I am very thankful to have her in my corner.”