Matt Ohm is a student in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. DPT graduates will be prepared to engage in evidence-based clinical care, understand the rights and responsibilities of members of doctoring professions, and possess the required knowledge and skill to change lives. The program endeavors to develop graduates who are "ethical leaders with moral courage" and prepared to assume a leadership role in addressing the health-related concerns that society faces.
Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
What is it about Alvernia that makes this a special place to be?
What first comes to mind is the community that they have fostered here at Alvernia. I played collegiate lacrosse and I would say we are arguably closer than I was with any of my teammates. You feel comfortable, you feel heard. You can express yourself throughout the physical therapy program and you can get involved in community efforts, pro bono clinics, things like that. It's just a great place to be.
What do you really enjoy about this program?
We're in a state-of-the-art facility. You can't get any better.
How much do you enjoy working with Dr. Wise and your other professors?
Very much so. Collaboratively, the amount of knowledge they have is overwhelming. And the amount that they care about us and help facilitate our learning, they pretty much lay everything out for you. They don't hand you anything. You have to work for it, but they give you everything you need to succeed here. And they're willing to do just about anything to help you succeed.
One of the nice things about Alvernia is program is you get clinical experience early on. How much does that benefit you?
Immensely. At the end of your first year, you go out on a six-week rotation. The end of your second year, you go out on a six-week rotation. And then the second part of your third year is two 12-week rotations. And then kind of sprinkled throughout, we do our pro bono clinic in Reading, where we offer services to the underserved communities in Reading. We also have to do volunteer hours with the Rise Up and Shine group at Tower Health, and those are patients suffering from Parkinson's disease. We also have to do volunteer hours at various outpatient clinics throughout the program.
If someone is on the fence about applying to the program, what words of encouragement would you give them?
I would say come check it out. That could be the deciding factor for you. For me, since I commute, the drive was a big thing. I drive about 40 minutes, but the environment here and the community that they fostered really made it worthwhile. And once you see the facility and our state-of-the art anatomy lab upstairs it might just put you over the edge.
