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
Mariesol Wallace, PT, DPT, CCI
Executive Director of Clinical Services
Dr. Mariesol Wallace joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in December 2017 as an academic coordinator of clinical education. Prior to joining the University, she was the program director for a physical therapy assistant program and a practicing clinician in the home care setting.
During her 19-year career, she has worked in the following practice settings: hospitals, outpatient clinics (both corporately and privately owned), skilled nursing facilities, and home health. Her work in a variety of practice settings has provided her with diverse experiences that enhance the educational experience of her students. Her experience in administration, fiscal management, and human resource management in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics has allowed her to understand both the clinical, financial, and management aspects of a physical therapy department.
She stays current with contemporary practices and innovations within the physical therapy community with continuous participation in continuing education courses that address the changes in practice, including fiscal changes and modifications in delivery. Through her clinical education instructor experience, she has been responsible for evaluating student learning objectives and assessing outcomes.
To serve the profession, she has become an item writer for the National Physical Therapy Examination. She has participated in several item writer workshops and the faculty workshop hosted by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. She is also a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the Florida Physical Therapy Association.
