• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • MyUSA
  • Library
  • USAHS Shop
  • Continuing Education
  • Request Information
  • Apply Now

University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

Clinical Excellence Through Graduate Education

Menu
  • Academics
    • DEGREE PROGRAMS ― Click here to browse all of our degree programs
    • College of Rehabilitative Sciences
      • Occupational Therapy Programs
        • Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)
        • Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
        • Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PPOTD)
      • Physical Therapy Graduate Programs
        • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
        • Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT)
      • Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP)
    • College of Health Sciences
      • Master of Health Administration (MHA)
      • Master of Health Science (MHS)
      • Doctor of Education (EdD)
      • School of Nursing
        • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
        • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
        • Post-Graduate Nursing Certificates
      • Continuing Education
        • Clinical Orthopedic Residency
        • Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship
        • Continuing Professional Education (CPE)
        • Physical Therapy Online Courses for International Students
      Close
    • Admissions & Aid
      • Admissions & Aid

        USAHS focuses on providing the best and more appropriate academic and financial aid counseling throughout the admissions process. Whether applying to a first-professional, campus based program or a post-professional distance program, an assigned Enrollment Advisor is available to assist you from application to acceptance.

        Admissions & Aid Home
      • Application Deadlines
      • Catalog/Handbook
      • Financial Aid
      • Academic Calendar
      • COVID-19 Information
      Close
    • About
      • General
        • History
        • Accreditation
        • B Corp Certified
        • Student Achievement Data
        • Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
        • News
        • Diversity and Inclusion
        • Partnerships
      • People
        • Alumni
        • Leadership
        • Board of Directors
        • Careers
        • Student Ambassador Program
        • Our Faculty
        • Contact Us
      • Campuses
        • San Marcos, CA
        • St. Augustine, Florida
        • Miami, FL
        • Austin, Texas
        • Dallas, Texas
      • Campuses and Locations
      • Admission Questions? Get In Touch
      Close
    • Events
    • MyUSA
    • USAHS Shop
    • Continuing Education
    • Blog

    June 2022 Leave a Comment

    Is DPT Worth It?

    Is DPT Worth It?

    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

    Recent University News

    The OT Pinning Ceremony: Marking the Move from Classroom to Pract … Video Included

    The OT Pinning Ceremony: Marking the Move from Classroom to Pract …

    Students Explore the Emotional Aspect of Stuttering Video Included

    Students Explore the Emotional Aspect of Stuttering

    Searching for Equity: The Library’s LGBTQIA2+ Resources

    Searching for Equity: The Library’s LGBTQIA2+ Resources

    A Day in the Life of a Nurse Manager

    A Day in the Life of a Nurse Manager

    More Like This

    • USAHS
    • All stories
    • Videos
    Home of USA.edu - Health Sciences
    Menu
    • Academics
      • DEGREE PROGRAMS ― Click here to browse all of our degree programs
      • College of Rehabilitative Sciences
        • Occupational Therapy Programs
          • Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)
          • Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
          • Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PPOTD)
        • Physical Therapy Graduate Programs
          • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
          • Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT)
        • Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP)
      • College of Health Sciences
        • Master of Health Administration (MHA)
        • Master of Health Science (MHS)
        • Doctor of Education (EdD)
        • School of Nursing
          • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
          • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
          • Post-Graduate Nursing Certificates
        • Continuing Education
          • Clinical Orthopedic Residency
          • Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship
          • Continuing Professional Education (CPE)
          • Physical Therapy Online Courses for International Students
        Close
      • Admissions & Aid
        • Admissions & Aid

          USAHS focuses on providing the best and more appropriate academic and financial aid counseling throughout the admissions process. Whether applying to a first-professional, campus based program or a post-professional distance program, an assigned Enrollment Advisor is available to assist you from application to acceptance.

          Admissions & Aid Home
        • Application Deadlines
        • Catalog/Handbook
        • Financial Aid
        • Academic Calendar
        • COVID-19 Information
        Close
      • About
        • General
          • History
          • Accreditation
          • B Corp Certified
          • Student Achievement Data
          • Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
          • News
          • Diversity and Inclusion
          • Partnerships
        • People
          • Alumni
          • Leadership
          • Board of Directors
          • Careers
          • Student Ambassador Program
          • Our Faculty
          • Contact Us
        • Campuses
          • San Marcos, CA
          • St. Augustine, Florida
          • Miami, FL
          • Austin, Texas
          • Dallas, Texas
        • Campuses and Locations
        • Admission Questions? Get In Touch
        Close
      • Events
      • MyUSA
      • USAHS Shop
      • Continuing Education
      • Blog
      • Request Information
      • Apply Now
      Categories
      Close
      • Physical Therapy PT
      • Occupational Therapy OT
      • Speech-Language Pathology SLP
      • Nursing MSN & DNP
      • Health Administration MHA
      • Editorial
      • News
      COVID-19 Updates
      Blog home  >  Physical Therapy PT  >  My Brother’s K…

      August 2018 San Marcos, CA Leave a Comment

      My Brother’s Keeper

      These brothers completed the DPT program together
      Joshua and Kyle Rasmussen

      They aren’t twins, but Joshua and Kyle Rasmussen share a bond that could rival any multiple-birth sibling closeness. Born just 16 months apart, the brothers became inseparable as kids growing up in Orange County, California. The tight bond they developed in their youth has carried them on a journey through graduate school, and today they both walked across the stage at the San Marcos commencement ceremony earning their doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degrees.

      “We did everything together. We had the same group of friends, played on the same hockey team in high school. It’s always been that way for us,” Joshua said.

      Whether it was on or off the ice, they were always together. They even share a matching tattoo. It wasn’t surprising then that they both decided to pursue undergraduate degrees in exercise sports science at Concordia University in Irvine. And they did it together.

      “We were athletes and very interested in physical health and well-being, and being in tune with the body so it just made sense,” Kyle said.

      It was during their undergraduate experience that they were both drawn to a career in physical therapy. After college the brothers worked as physical therapy aides and recognized that PT was something they wanted to pursue as a career.

      “Applying to PT school was the natural next step. We applied to the same schools but didn’t know if we would end up together or not; after we both interviewed here and we both got accepted, we decided yes let’s do it,” Joshua said.

      “It was an easy decision,” Kyle said, adding that the year-round approach at USAHS appealed to them. “We liked that going here would allow us to graduate faster than the other programs.”

      As they would discover, the decision to enter the DPT program at USAHS San Marcos was an easy one because they could do it together, but there was nothing easy about life as a graduate student, even with the support of such a close sibling.

      “It hits you fast—just how difficult it is. PT school is the hardest thing we’ve ever had to do, and to have someone there like my brother to support me—I honestly don’t know if I could have done it without him,” Joshua said.

      The brothers both agree that the dedication and support of the faculty at USAHS also played a large role in their success in the DPT program. “I’d like to thank all of the excellent professors here for everything they do to support students in and beyond the classroom,” Kyle said. “The curriculum is challenging for a reason; people’s lives are in our hands when we walk out the doors as graduates – that is not something to take lightly. The quality of the faculty really does set St. Augustine apart.”

      These brothers completed the DPT program together
      Joshua (left) and Kyle Rasmussen with their parents at the DPT White Coat Ceremony

      “It was apparent they have a close bond; they were supportive of each other yet independent and self-driven. Both brought positive energy to the classroom and were a pleasure to have in class,” said DPT faculty member Dr. Kayla Smith.

      Other students took note of the brothers and their attitudes, noted faculty member Dr. Edward Kane. “Both are leaders in their class and well-liked by their peers. They came to class with a thirst for continued knowledge and to perfect their techniques. Most important is that they always have a smile on their faces and a positive attitude,” he said.

      “Growing up I’m sure they had competitions with each other and I could see that competitive spirit when they were in one of my classes together,” said DPT faculty member Dr. Norman Belleza. “Not in a first-place or second-place competition, but more of pushing each other toward excellence.”

      Kyle agrees they inspired and pushed each other during the program, drawing on each other’s strengths. “It’s like having a built-in study buddy. We live together and are always studying or practicing practical skills together,” he said.  “With his internship experiences in outpatient settings, Joshua got more hands-on experience with manual therapy, and that in turn helped me.”

      “He’ll hold me accountable if I’m not focused on what I need to be focusing on—and vice versa. Especially when it comes to due dates for assignments. He is really good at keeping track of that. He can hold a lot more info in his big head than I can,” Joshua joked.

      With no more academic due dates to worry about, the brothers are relishing their accomplishment together, surrounded by family and friends from across the country who came to celebrate with them today.These brothers completed the DPT program together

      “It was definitely all worth it. We’ve made new friends here that we’ll have for the rest of our lives. It’s been great to have each other to rely on as brothers and roommates, but we also had a really good study group—if you don’t have that, then you’re toast,” Kyle said.

      While this chapter in their lives is over, the brothers foresee a future where they will continue to work together as a team. Their long-term goal is to open their own physical therapy practice back home in Orange County. For now, they are pursing full-time positions to gain the experience they’ll need. They also have some family inspiration to one day start a business together; their father, Kelly, has owned a successful landscape architecture firm for more than three decades.

      “We’ve learned a lot from our father and how he’s run his business, especially from his focus on how to treat people right –  especially employees,” Kyle said. “He’s definitely inspired us to think about our own business someday.”

      Blog Single Post: Sidebar

      Want to learn more?
      Contact an enrollment advisor.
      Request Information

      Latest Stories

      Is DPT Worth It?

      Physical Therapy PT

      Is DPT Worth It?

      The OT Pinning Ceremony: Marking the Move from Classroom to Pract … Video Included

      Occupational Therapy OT, Main Feature

      The OT Pinning Ceremony: Marking the Move from Classroom to Pract …

      Students Explore the Emotional Aspect of Stuttering Video Included

      Speech-Language Pathology SLP, Main Feature

      Students Explore the Emotional Aspect of Stuttering

      More Physical Therapy PT

      doctor of physical therapy students

      Physical Therapy PT

      Is DPT Worth It?

      Video Included

      Occupational Therapy OT

      The OT Pinning Ceremony: Marking the Move from Classroom to Practice

      Shayna, Colton, and their dog Zura Video Included

      Speech-Language Pathology SLP

      Students Explore the Emotional Aspect of Stuttering

      Footer

      • Schedule a Tour
      • Apply for Admission
      • Upcoming Events
      • News
      • Financial Aid
      • Faculty Directory
      • Social Media Guidelines
      • Library
      • Continuing Education
      • Careers @ USA
      • MyUSA
      • Webmail
      • Catalog/Handbook
      • Media Resources
      • Legal and Consumer Disclosures
      • State Licensure

      University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

      • Facebook
      • Twitter
      • Instagram
      • YouTube
      • Linkedin

      San Marcos, CA Campus
      700 Windy Point Drive
      San Marcos, CA 92069

      St. Augustine, FL Campus
      1 University Boulevard
      St. Augustine, FL 32086

      Miami, FL Campus
      Douglas Entrance North Tower
      800 S. Douglas Road, Suite 149
      Coral Gables, FL 33134

      Austin, TX Campus
      5401 La Crosse Ave
      Austin, TX 78739

      Dallas, TX Campus
      5010 Riverside Drive, Suite 120
      Irving, TX 75039

      General Inquiries: (904) 826-0084
      Media Inquiries: (760) 407-2301
      Fax: (904) 826-0085
      Registrations: (800) 241-1027

       

       

      Copyright © 2022 Legal & Consumer Disclosure  •  Title IX / Safety & Security  •  Privacy Policy  •  Program Data  •  Accreditation  •  Contact