Raising the bar
By Heidi Heater, a senior, from Jackson, Ky.
WILMORE, KY—Asbury College students now have a leg up with the new pre-physical therapy and occupational therapy majors offered this fall. By pairing a relevant major with a Christian college experience, Asbury College strives to prepare students to be a success in the workforce.
“A lot of students are looking for a Christian college like Asbury College and many are considering the physical therapy field,” Matt Lewis, head athletic trainer, said. “Now they can come to one place and get both of those.”
Students agree. Junior Jenny Shearer enjoys taking classes from Matt Lewis, who is doing a job similar to one she might like someday. She also looks forward to “testing the waters” by trying out the profession through internships and other hands-on activities.
“I enjoy science and I like the combination of learning about exercise and understanding how our bodies function,” Shearer said. “I wanted to be in a major that would challenge me and prepare me for the future, while allowing me to gain a foundation of the basics right now and still allow me to focus on people.”
Lewis believes that the College’s program is unique in that few colleges and universities offer a true undergraduate program in pre-physical therapy. This major combines the best of the various programs offered by the College into one. Students take classes in the math, science and physical education departments. In addition, Asbury College students are required to get hands-on experience through internships with organizations such as the Shriner’s Hospital.
“The advantage to a program like this is that it combines everything students need to get into graduate programs, plus the best of our exercise science program,” Lewis said. “Students go into graduate school with an understanding of basic science, chemistry, physical education, exercise physiology, sports nutrition and exercise prescription. This gives them a leg up on other students who have only studied the sciences.”
For more information, contact Matt Lewis at matt.lewis@asbury.edu or Ken Pickerill at ken.pickerill@asbury.edu.
Released: Oct. 3, 2008
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Tagged: occupational-therapy, physical-therapy, ptot, hpera and features
