Doctor of Physical Therapy Program kicks off with open house
The University of Arizona’s Physical Therapy Program introduced advanced learning studios where students will train over the next three years to enhance community health.
On Aug. 18, students, faculty and invited guests had a chance to tour the newly completed Physical Therapy and Physician Assistant Learning Studios in the Health Sciences Innovation Building.
Photo by Kris Hanning, U of A Office of Research and Partnerships
The inaugural class of the University of Arizona’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program met and explored the studios where students will spend much of the next three years together.
The Physical Therapy and Physician Assistant programs in the School of Health Professions at the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health unveiled the newly completed Physical Therapy and Physician Assistant Learning Studios in the Health Sciences Innovation Building during an open house Aug. 18.
The Physician Assistant Program anticipates its first class in August 2026.
The open house included remarks from Kevin Lohenry, PhD, PA-C, vice dean of Health Professions Affairs and executive director of the School of Health Professions; Iman Hakim, MD, PhD, MPH, dean of the Zuckerman College of Public Health; and Jennifer Barton, PhD, interim vice provost for health programs and a member of the BIO5 Institute.
“This is a gorgeous building,” Barton said. “We’re so lucky. I walk into this building every day and say, ‘Wow. What did I do to deserve to be in this beautiful space?’ Well, you all deserve to have a gorgeous area that is inspiring.”
Students, faculty members and guests toured the roughly 8,000-square-foot studio that includes three lab spaces, including the main PT/PA lab, which features adjustable orthopedic tables and 19 screens that ring the circular room with footage from cameras that use AI image-recognition software to follow the instructor.
“It’s awesome, breathtaking, really,” said Brodie Garrett of Spokane, Washington, who graduated from the U of A in 2024 with a degree in molecular and cellular biology.
Garrett, who originally considered medical school before applying to the U of A’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, likened the area where students can stow their backpacks to what you see on TV during NCAA basketball tournament season.
“It felt like a Final Four locker room,” he said, smiling.
Additional information about the event and the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program can be found on the School of Health Professions website.
The first class of the University of Arizona’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program got to mingle with fellow students and faculty and tour their Learning Studios on Aug. 18.
Photo by Kris Hanning, U of A Office of Research and Partnerships
Iman Hakim, MD, PhD, MPH, dean of the Zuckerman College of Public Health, welcomes the incoming Doctor of Physical Therapy Program students.
Photo by Kris Hanning, U of A Office of Research and Partnerships
The Physical Therapy Program's Class of 2028 is evenly split with 26 men and 26 women.
Photo by Kris Hanning, U of A Office of Research and Partnerships
Jennifer Barton, PhD, interim vice provost for health programs, and Kevin Lohenry, PhD, PA-C, vice dean of Health Professions Affairs and executive director of the School of Health Professions, welcomed the new students.
Photo by Kris Hanning, U of A Office of Research and Partnerships
The Arizona Board of Regents approved the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program in 2022.
Photo by Kris Hanning, U of A Office of Research and Partnerships
Student Brodie Garrett, who received his undergraduate degree from the U of A, called the studio space “awesome.”
Photo by Kris Hanning, U of A Office of Research and Partnerships
Chris Childers, PT, PhD, founding director of the Physical Therapy Program, chats with student Ty Rodriguez.
Photo by Kris Hanning, U of A Office of Research and Partnerships
While Physical Therapy Program students will get the lab space to themselves this year, the Physician Assistant Program will also use the labs. That program's first class is expected in 2026.
Photo by Kris Hanning, U of A Office of Research and Partnerships
As students toured the space, photos and bios of the Class of 2028 appeared on the 19 screens that ring the main lab space. During classes, those screens will display footage from cameras that use AI image-recognition software to follow the instructor.
Photo by Kris Hanning, U of A Office of Research and Partnerships
Jon P. Davison, who founded Strive Physical Therapy and is a clinical site instructor with the program, investigates a manikin on display during the tour of the roughly 8,000-square-foot studio space. Doctor of Physical Therapy Program students will mostly work with people in the labs as part of their studies.
Photo by Kris Hanning, U of A Office of Research and Partnerships