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
Meghan Savage, PhD, CCC-SLP
Program Director, MS-SLP Program
Meghan Savage, Ph.D., CCC-SLP is the Program Director and an Associate Professor in the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program. Dr. Savage, who is located on the Austin, TX campus, was previously the Interim Program Director and served as core faculty, Clinical Director and Assistant Program Director since joining the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2018. Her previous experience includes serving as the Graduate Coordinator of the Communication Sciences Disorders Master’s program at Southeastern Louisiana University.
Dr. Savage earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2004 from Hendrix College in Conway, AR. She completed her master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2007 from Louisiana State University. In 2012, she earned her PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders, with an emphasis in Neurogenic Communication Disorders from Louisiana State University.
Dr. Savage has worked clinically with pediatric and adult populations. Her research interests are in adult neurogenic communication disorders, and specifically in conversational treatments with people with aphasia and their conversation partners. She also has a passion for interprofessional education and collaborative practice teaching and research. She has numerous presentations at the local, state, national and international level and has published book chapters and peer-reviewed articles. She has also directed several master’s theses and mentored students through the research process.
Dr. Savage was selected to participate in the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CAPCSD) Lisa Scott Leadership Academy. She is also a T3Training Grant recipient to attend the University of Virginia’s Train the Trainer Interprofessional Training Program. She serves on the Board for the Academy of Neurological Communication Disorders and Sciences (ANCDS). Furthermore, Dr. Savage actively participates in service at the University. She founded and facilitated a monthly community stroke support group at a local hospital and has served as a founding board member for a nonprofit pediatric clinic. Dr. Savage is the recipient of the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences’ 2020 Board Excellence ‘Student First’ Award.
