DPT Students Officially Transition to Professional Years in Induction Ceremony

Editor's note: This article was written prior to University of the Sciences' merger with and into Saint Joseph's University and does not reflect the current, combined institution. References to programs, offices, colleges, employees, etc., may be historical information.

64 students in USciences’ Doctor of Physical Therapy program have officially transitioned into the professional phase of the program in a ceremony held on August 9, 2021. These students will graduate with their Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees in the class of 2024.

Lora Packel, PT, MSPT, PhD, chair of the department of physical therapy, and Sinclair Smith, ScD, Dean of Samson College of Health Sciences, addressed the students during the virtual ceremony, sharing words of reflection from the past year’s hardships and hopefulness towards the future.

Alumna Erica Wald-Petrigno '15 (DPT) spoke to students, remembering when she was in their position. After graduating from USciences, Dr. Wald-Petrigno went on to work at top hospitals as she continued to hone her skills and developed a passion for orthopedics. She credits her time at USciences and the connections she made for her success.

“When the end of your student years become the start of your professional career, you want to be proud of your accomplishments and know that you spent each day with passion and purpose.” Dr. Wald-Petrigno shared. She continued, “Being a part of the USciences DPT program expands far beyond your three years as a student. It’s a network of support throughout your career.”