Elon DPTE History Milestones

Elon DPTE History Milestones

1996       

• Elon College Department of Physical Therapy (DPTE) established within the School of Education. Elon worked in partnership with Alamance Regional Medical Center (now part of Cone Health) and received funding from the Duke Endowment to start the program. The program was housed temporarily at Edgewood Campus.
• Founding chair: Dr. Elizabeth Rogers

1997       

• Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) candidacy approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Summary of Action included a special commendation; Elon became the first new program in accreditation history to achieve Candidate for Accreditation Status with no deficiencies.

1998

• Charter MPT class matriculates.

• Program moves to the McMichael Science building.

2000

• MPT receives CAPTE accreditation; charter class graduates.

2001

• Transition to doctoral program approved by Elon University, CAPTE, and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

2003

• Enrolled first DPT class.

2004

• t-DPT program established.  Six-month program primarily for Elon MPT graduates.

2006

• Center for Fitness and Human Movement Studies at ARMC established.

2008

• DPTE left the School of Education.  Temporary academic structural reorganization.

2010

• DPT Vision developed. The vision included a new faculty line, scholarship funding, support for global experiences, and funds for research equipment replacement.

2011

• School of Health Sciences (SHS) established. Founding dean: Dr. Elizabeth Rogers.
• Department of Physician Assistant Studies (DPAS) joined the SHS.

2012

• Moved to the newly renovated, LEED-certified Gerald Francis Center, named in honor of Gerry Francis, former Elon University executive vice president and provost.
• Global Learning Opportunities program launched. GLO Coordinator: Dr. Paula DiBiasio
• Journal of Physical Therapy Research established. Faculty Editor: Dr. Stephen Bailey
• Client and Standardized Patient Program established. Program Director: Ms. Nita Skillman

2013

• H.O.P.E. Clinic established. Faculty Advisors: Dr. Stephen Bailey & Dr. Daryl Lawson
• Research Coordinator position established: Dr. Srikant Vallabhajosula
• First GLO-FEST – Global Learning Opportunities Festival: Presentations by PT & PA students celebrating their global engagement.
• New Chair/Program Director: Dr. Stephen Folger

2016

• Accreditation reaffirmed for 10 years with no compliance reports.
• Anatomical Gift Program (AGP) established. Program Director: Ms. Dianne Person, Faculty Advisor: Dr. Janet Cope
• New SHS Dean: Dr. Becky Neiduski

2019

• ElonRUNS established. Lead Faculty: Dr. Shefali Christopher, Dr. Mary Kay Hannah, and Dr. FJ Goodwin
• Sports Physical Therapy Residency established. Candidacy Report: Dr. Stephen Bailey & Dr. Shefali Christopher. Residency Director: Dr. Shefali Christopher
• First SHS Global Learning and Research Forum
• First DPTE Pledge Ceremony – Initiated by the Class of 2021

2020

• COVID-19 pandemic. Teaching moved to a blend of online and in-person activities, clinical requirements were modified, and heightened infection control procedures were put into place
• Revised curriculum plan approved by Graduate Council
• Elon Sports Physical Therapy Residency accredited. First resident, Hannah Buckingham (Elon DPT ’19), enrolls.

2021

• COVID-19 pandemic accommodations continued
• First School of Health Sciences Graduation (PA and DPT). 

2022

• H.O.P.E. Clinic opens a second location at the CityGate Dream Center
• First School of Health Sciences Graduation with nursing (PA, DPT, ABSN)
• Interim Associate Chair: Dr. Charity Johansson

 2023

• New School of Health Sciences Dean: Dr. Maha Lund
• DPTE Professional Pledge Ceremony in Whitley Auditorium
• Full transition to the revised curriculum
• Interim Chair/Program Director: Dr. Charity Johansson