National Physical Therapy Month: Celebrating the People Who Keep Us Moving

Meet the MCPHS physical therapy students, faculty, and alumni helping people regain mobility, build strength, and live healthier lives.

October, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) joins people across the country in celebrating The American Physical Therapy Association’s annual observance raises public awareness about the benefits of physical therapy and recognizes how physical therapists—including students and assistants—improve lives.

MCPHS established its Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program on the Worcester campus 15 years ago. Next fall, the University will also offer a Hybrid DPT, bringing trusted curricula and proven training methods to more aspiring physical therapists.

MCPHS alumni have gone on to lead meaningful careers across the physical therapy profession. They work at renowned institutions like Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. They have started their own businesses, opening outpatient clinics across New England and beyond. Some have worked with Division I athletes, like Anthony Videtto, ’23, and the Colorado Buffs. Others are pursuing innovation in physical therapy care. After graduating, Dr. Michael Vu, ’21, returned to his home state of California, where he uses a lower-body exoskeleton wearable robotic device to help patients with neurological conditions restore mobility.

Faculty train students to become providers they would trust. In the winter of 2025, that became Dr. Gina Powers’ reality when she tore her ACL while skiing and turned to Dr. Erin Hannon, ’21, a former student, to lead her recovery plan.

At MCPHS, students complete integrated clinical experiences starting in the first semester of the program. Students visit community-based clinics, like the Southern Middlesex Opportunity Council’s respite center, to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom with patients. Delaney Doucette, DPT ’27, described these as some of the program’s most meaningful experiences.

Physical therapy students are also immersed in the community. They treat residents in the Balance, Movement, and Wellness Center, providing pro bono services to improve balance, flexibility, and endurance. They also play an important role in interprofessional events and activities, such as educating community members during Falls Prevention Awareness Week.

The School of Physical Therapy faculty boasts experts and thought leaders in their fields, and many maintain clinical practices in addition to teaching the next generation of providers. They have shared insights on trending health topics, including the physical toll a World Cup match takes on the body, whether ice baths are worth the hype, and the physical ailments excessive technology use can cause.