Associate Professor
Please share a little bit about yourself.
I am a physical therapist and vice chair/clinical instructor at Creighton University. I am an Arizona native. I grew up in a small town in northern Arizona.
How did you decide to become a physical therapist? Do you have a specialty and/or favorite area of focus?
I became a physical therapist to combine my love of the human body with a career that has a lot of face-to-face time with patients. I specialize in geriatric and orthopedic physical therapy.
Can you share your education journey? We would love to hear about your coursework, practicum, boards, etc.
I went to Arizona State University for my undergraduate degrees (Psychology and Exercise Science and Physical Education). I then went to the University of Southern California for my Doctor of Physical Therapy. To be considered for physical therapy school, there are several pre-requisite courses, including anatomy and physiology, chemistry, and physics. Each school has their own pre-requisite list. My undergraduate degrees included almost all of the pre-requisites, so I did not have to take extra courses. Most physical therapy programs have coursework in anatomy, as well as neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, and cardiopulmonary conditions. We also learn about physical therapy in a variety of settings (e.g., in-patient, outpatient) and across the lifespan.
What kind of licensure is required to practice? Can you share an overview of how you prepared?
Physical therapists are required to take a national board exam after they graduate from physical therapy school. Also, most states require an exam related to the state laws and practice act, as these can vary from state to state. After I graduated, I spent approximately 6 weeks studying for the boards exam. There are several resources available, including practice exams and review books. These were helpful.
What led you to working with Creighton University?
I taught at another institution for almost 10 years. I was looking for a new opportunity when Creighton was building the new Phoenix campus. I was acquainted with the new chair of the department, and we met to see what Creighton had to offer. One of the biggest draws for me was the ability to continue volunteering my time an expertise at St. Vincent de Paul’s medical clinic. It was exciting to see a collaborative effort for all the health professions to volunteer.
Are you part of any professional organizations or interest groups?
I am a member of the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy, the Academy of Orthopedic Physical Therapy, and the Academy of Education.
What is your least favorite part about being a physical therapist? Conversely, what is your favorite part?
My least favorite part about being a physical therapist is the documentation. My favorite part about being a physical therapist is getting know patients and figuring out how best to help them.
What’s something that people might not know about being a physical therapist?
Physical therapists may choose to specialize in a particular area after graduation. For example, there are physical therapists that only treat pelvic floor dysfunction. We are in almost all practice setting, including the emergency department.
What advice do you have for someone who is interested in starting their own journey to becoming a physical therapist?
I recommend working or shadowing in a variety of settings. This will give you an idea of the scope of what a physical therapist does. These are also experiences that you can draw on for your interviews and as you become a physical therapist.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love to travel, read, and cook. My husband and I recently went to Italy.
Do you have a favorite book, television show, film, or podcast?
I like movies that have a good twist that I didn’t see coming, like Gone Girl and Usual Suspects. I don’t have a favorite book (too many to count) but Teach Yourself How to Learn by McGuire has been helpful for students transitioning to graduate school.