Dr. Highsmith (fourth from left) poses for a quick photo during a training mission with his U.S. Army Reserve physical therapy and occupational therapy colleagues.] Jason Highsmith, PT, DPT, PhD, CP, FAAOP (USAHS DPT ’03), embodies the true spirit of being a force for good. As a physical therapist and officer in the U.S. Army
Neurodivergence refers to the variations in how someone learns, processes, or behaves.1 One type of neurodivergence is autism, a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges with social skills, speech, nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors.2 However, autism is not the only type of neurodivergence. Understanding the differences between neurodivergent vs autism—and recognizing each individual’s unique needs—is critical
Child development is a vital field for helping children progress through key developmental milestones.1 Without child development careers, there would be no teachers, therapists or coaches to help children with their mental, physical and emotional progress. A degree in child development opens doors to various professions that stem from an underlying desire to help children
Neurodiversity-affirming care is a practice founded on accepting each person’s differences and celebrating our individual strengths.1 For those who are neurodivergent, the shift towards neurodiversity-affirming practices can come with a significant mental health boost by celebrating diverse ways of thinking and fostering a sense of belonging, rather than framing differences as challenges to be fixed.2
Congrats! You’ve chosen a graduate program and are ready to begin your application. An important piece of the graduate school application is your statement of purpose, also called a personal statement or letter of intent.1 Admissions committees will review this statement to see if you are a good fit for their school. Your statement of
For Caprice Quinones, PT, DPT, NCS, CSRS, CNS, a board-certified neurologic clinical specialist, physical therapist and assistant professor at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) Miami, running isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way to connect, inspire and heal. Dr. Quinones owns PTRunners, a private practice physical therapy (PT) clinic in Miami, where
As a licensed physical therapist (PT), you’ll likely find that you’re not limited to working in one specific patient care office or rehab clinic. Once you complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree with a CAPTE accredited degree program in the United States and pass the NPTE, you can apply for a license in any
What is rehabilitation science? It’s an interdisciplinary area of study focused on understanding human function, participation and its connection to health and well-being.1 Rehabilitation sciences focus on addressing limitations in functioning associated with health conditions.2 It’s a broad term that includes science-based professions such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology and more. Types of
Is your current study method reading a textbook repeatedly, hoping something will stick? If so, do you find yourself stressed out because you can’t memorize such a vast quantity of information in such a short time? As a grad student, it’s imperative to develop effective time management and study techniques to help you retain the
Becoming a licensed physical therapist (PT) is a huge milestone—but it’s just the beginning of your career. The best practitioners are always looking for opportunities for advancement in physical therapy. That’s what PTs do—they encourage their patients to move forward, one step at a time. After earning your Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and practicing
Physical therapists (PTs) work with patients during their recovery process, after surgery or injury. By earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), you will learn how to help individuals regain or maintain mobility through treatments such as strength and stretching exercises, electrical stimulation and manual therapy techniques. To be successful, you should consciously cultivate several
Neurodiversity is an often misunderstood term. Essentially, the neurodiversity definition asserts that the human mind naturally works many different ways 1—no two brains are the same, and these differences, recognized as unique ways of thinking, shape individual perspectives and behaviors. As a result, the brain’s varied methods of processing information become a part of self-identity.