Tuesday is the first day of classes at Fresno State. And many are excited about the University’s growing physical therapy program.
Crews are smoothing the path for the next class of physical therapists. The new Physical Therapy and Intercollegiate Athletics building is nearly complete and students can’t wait to get in.
“It’s exciting because we were a little bit more spread out,” said Physical Therapy student, Christian Lopez. “We had some classes off campus and the offices were throughout campus. At least now it’s all in one spot.”
Lopez is in his second year as a doctoral student. The Lemoore native is happy to be pursuing higher education at home in a growing program.
Dr. Peggy Trueblood, Physical Therapy Department Chair, said, “It’s very competitive. We actually had 500 and some applicants last year. We interviewed about 160 people for 32 slots.”
California has 13 physical therapy schools. But Dr. Trueblood said Fresno State’s hands on approach is attracting many students and so is the new building. The facility will help students learn in bigger lab spaces and utilize conference rooms for presentations.
Dr. Trueblood added, “Typically about 70 percent of our students stay here in the Central Valley, so we’re putting out P.T.’s here for the Valley. It’s a good thing in terms of upgrading the healthcare system here in the Central Valley.”
As for Lopez, he hopes to stay in the Valley after graduation.
“Just the patients, working with the patients,” said Lopez. “And it doesn’t feel like work most of the time because you have fun with them and you get to see them progress, and that’s what’s really fun about the profession.”
Doctoral students will have their first day of class in the new building on September 14th. Officials said it will mark a new chapter in education, not only for the students, but the university as well.
[ News Story via ABC30 Action News Reporter Amanda Venegas. ]
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The ribbon cutting ceremony for the Physical Therapy and Intercollegiate Athletics (PTIA) Building will take place on September 15 at the PTIA Building (5315 Campus Drive, Fresno 93740) at 11:00 a.m. Physical Therapy students and student-athletes will lead tours of the facility following the ceremony. RSVP and find out more information on the event at the LINK or view event invite below.
Fresno State College of Health and Human Services 