Is a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree Worth It? If you’re dreaming about helping patients restore their mobility and quality of life, and you’re exploring what it would take to become a physical therapist, you may be wondering, “Is a degree in physical therapy worth it?” The answer to this question depends, of course, on your personal career goals. Some people choose to become physical therapist assistants because only a two-year associate degree is required. It’s true that pursuing a doctorate takes time and effort; however, there are countless advantages to earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. To that end, let’s look at some of the factors that make a Doctor in Physical Therapy (DPT) degree the best first step on an exceptional career Read more
Jackie Crossen-Sills, PT, PhD
Associate Dean of Physical Therapy for the College of Rehabilitative Sciences
Dr. Jackie Crossen-Sills is the Associate Dean of Physical Therapy for the College of Rehabilitative Sciences. She has been with the University since 2015 and served in varied capacities including a full-time Professor and Academic Program Director for the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program for the St Augustine and Miami campuses.
Dr. Crossen-Sills earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Education from Springfield College, Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from New York University, a Master of Science in Physical Therapy Neurology from the Northeastern University and a Ph.D. in Physical Therapy at Nova Southeastern University. Her dissertation topic was, “Using the OASIS to Predict Risk of Falls in Older Adults.”
Dr. Crossen-Sills is an experienced physical therapist with more than 30 years of clinical, instructional and administrative experience. Her experience as a physical therapist clinician, clinical instructor, manager and administrator is diverse providing care and services to all ages in the areas of acute, neurology, rehabilitation, home health and end of life services. Her research has been published in journals such as Home Health Care Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, and Nursing Clinics of North America.
Dr. Crossen-Sills has presented nationally on topics such as: Transforming Clinical Practice to Meet the Future, Integrative and Innovative Care for the Diabetic Patient on Telehealth, Implementing a Chronic Care Program Utilizing Self- Management, Evidence Based Principles and a Multidisciplinary Approach and Neurological Rehabilitation.
