This is MCPHS: ‘You Prove Yourself Wrong Every Single Day’

For a second-year Doctor of Physical Therapy student, hands-on experience and teamwork are everything.

Name: Delaney Doucette
Degree: Doctor of Physical Therapy '27
Hometown: Fairhaven, MA

From Gap Year to Grad School

Delaney Doucette calls herself naturally outgoing—she loves talking to people and making connections. That’s a big reason she ended up in physical therapy, where being able to click with patients and peers is just as important as therapeutic technique. She finished her health science bachelor’s at Bridgewater State, took a gap year while applying to grad schools, and finally landed at MCPHS. Of the schools that wanted her, MCPHS stood out because you get hands-on experience right from the start. Just a few weeks into classes, Delaney was already face-to-face with patients, learning how to build trust and have real conversations. Sure, things moved fast, but the pressure turned out to be a confidence boost. “You prove yourself wrong every single day,” she says. “You realize you do belong here.”

Quick Takes

• Doucette was accepted into three Doctor of Physical Therapy programs.
• During her first year, she took advantage of peer tutors when the coursework became challenging.
• Doucette has learned physical therapy isn’t just one path—it opens up all sorts of career options.
• She enjoys collaborating with students from other healthcare fields, learning how PAs or OTs work together to treat patients.

Fun Fact

Outside the classroom, Doucette and her classmates make time to explore Worcester—from WooSox games to escape rooms and seasonal trips like apple picking.

Notable Quote

“I'm not going to claim to be the smartest person in the room, but I know my personality and my people skills will carry me far.”

Candid Conversation: Reflections and Advice

What has been the most meaningful part of your experience at MCPHS?
The integrated clinical experience. We get to work with different populations right away, and they really look forward to seeing us. Even though we’re still learning, just being there and giving them your time means a lot. Every time I leave my clinical site, I feel really good because I know I’m doing something that matters.

How would you describe the MCPHS Community?
It’s very supportive. Our classmates help each other, and the faculty are always there—even if it’s not something school related. They're always there to listen, give support, and just be a shoulder to lean on. They treat us like equals.

What are your career goals after graduation?
When I first thought about physical therapy, I thought it was a very narrow field. But being here has shown me how many opportunities there are. I’m open-minded going into clinicals, but I could see myself working in outpatient care—maybe even owning my own gym and working with my own clients.

What advice would you give to incoming students?
It’s OK not to be perfect. Not doing well on something doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be here. That doesn’t mean you won’t pass. If you put the work in and keep trying, you’ll move past it. One grade does not define you.

"This is MCPHS" is an ongoing series featuring future healthcare leaders from across the University’s 14 schools.