Audreana Lewis, SPT is a 1st-Year Doctor of Physical Therapy student. Audreana completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from Marshall University. She is one of 36 students in the DPT Class of 2024.
Where are you from?
Lesage, West Virginia (about 20 minutes from Huntington).
Why did you choose the Marshall University School of Physical Therapy for your DPT Education?
Not only was the Marshall DPT program close to home, but the program has a good reputation from current students and undergraduate professors at Marshall University in the Exercise Science department. Also, in my interview the faculty and current students made me feel relaxed and welcomed to the program which helped me decide.
What has been your favorite PT class thus far in the program?
My favorite class so far is the clinical skills class. It a class where you use your knowledge from anatomy and apply that material to what you would use in the clinic. I like that class more because it is more clinic-like.
What do you see as the strength of Marshall School of Physical Therapy?
One of the greatest strengths of the program is creating a welcoming educational atmosphere. The faculty members and graduate assistants teach the material that students can understand but also go out of their way to help the students learn the material.
How is PT school different from your undergraduate education?
PT school moves a lot faster than undergraduate education. In undergrad, you are taught the basic concepts and skills for each course so you can precede onto graduate level. PT school builds onto those concepts and skills but adds more necessary material for the profession in a short amount of time. It can be challenging but the information is more focused on the skills essential for the occupation.
What advice would you give to prospective students who are starting the application process?
My advice would be to plan ahead and do not procrastinate with the process. Set aside times to fill out the application, have work experience hours, study for GRE, and ask for references. The process can be overwhelming at first but if you set dates and times for each step then it becomes easier and less clustered.
