Gretchen R. Prather, PT, DPT, EdD, NCS

Gretchen_Pfost
Co-Director of Clinical Education, Professor
Email: lane36@marshall.edu
Phone: 304-696-5608
Office Location: SOPT 145

Education:
MPT, West Virginia University, 1999
DPT, Chatham University, 2012
EdD, Marshall University, 2022

Curriculum Vitae

APTA Board Certification:
Neurology Certified Specialist
Clinical Expertise:
Neurologic & Pediatric Physical Therapy
Research/Scholarly Interests:
Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation, Hemophilia and joint care in adult and pediatric populations, Neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants
Teaching Philosophy:
For years I have enjoyed clinical education from the standpoint of a patient/family educator, clinical instructor as well as playing a key role in staff development. Transitioning to academics provides me with the opportunity to inject these practical clinical scenarios and necessary skills into the classroom environment. Emphasis must be placed on where the students are in their education and learning and being able to meet them there while facilitating their growth to independent, entry-level practice. Physical therapy education must produce independent, critical thinkers who can function in autonomous professional practice while meeting the ever changing needs of the patients and families they serve in today’s healthcare environment. My role as a professor is to engage the students in active learning, foster development of their professional character and attitudes, challenge their critical appraisal skills using their fundamental knowledge base, and instill in them the ideal of lifelong learning. It is my goal to approach academic education with the same degree of passion, focus and tenacity with which I approach patient care and advocacy. I look forward to supporting and working with the students during their journey through the DPT program at Marshall University.

Accreditation

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Marshall University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, VA 22305-3085; phone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org.

CAPTE Accreditation Verification

Marshall University’s School of Physical Therapy is a proud member of the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT).
American Council of Academic Physical Therapy

Program Reciprocity Status

Students who graduate from the Marshall University SOPT and pass the National Physical Therapy Examination are eligible for Physical Therapy Licensure in all 50 states.