HARRISBURG, PA — Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) welcomed its inaugural Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) cohort this year, with 53 students bringing diverse backgrounds, ages, and experiences. More than half of the cohort are physical therapy assistants (PTAs), joined by fitness professionals, athletic trainers, and recent bachelor’s degree graduates.
Meet three students from this pioneering cohort as they share highlights from their first semester.
Eurona Tilley
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, in terms of your background and where you were before this program?
One of my favorite sayings is, “All roads lead to the same destination.” As an older student in the program, it’s been a rather long journey indeed. I was initially a researcher in microbiology and immunology but soon transitioned to medical writing and editing. I enjoyed a successful career as a medical writer and editor: covering breaking medical news, editing peer-reviewed research papers, developing continuing medical education content, tracking pharmaceuticals and medical devices in development, and crafting proposal responses for hospitals and private industry.
However, I realized my true calling when I discovered the Pilates Method and opened a Pilates studio in 2014. I currently teach both Pilates and the GYROTONIC® Method at my studio, which is located just outside of Washington, DC.
What made you interested in PT in general, and what made you specifically interested in HU?
I first became interested in becoming a physical therapist after taking a Principles of Movement workshop with Dr. Brent Anderson, a physical therapist and Master Pilates Instructor. Although becoming a physical therapist seemed rather unattainable at that time, walking out of the workshop ignited a fire in me. I became passionate about learning everything I could about the human body and how it moves so that I could become a better movement professional.
Later, I was fortunate to begin working with Dr. Justine Bernard, a physical therapist and Master GYROTONIC Trainer. Her encouragement allowed me to start believing I could make my dream of becoming a physical therapist a reality. Then, the final push came after attending an extensive workshop on the pelvic and shoulder girdles with another physical therapist and Master GYROTONIC Trainer, Uwe Herbstreit.
Once I decided to pursue this goal, the hunt for a program that would enable me to keep my studio running began. I was initially drawn to HU because it’s a hybrid program that is within driving distance of my home. The fact that it was welcoming to nontraditional students who work was also a major factor in my decision. However, the two things that actually sealed the deal were the application questions on social justice in healthcare and all of the amazing technology that the program has incorporated.
What has been your favorite (or most surprising) part of your HU experience so far?
I absolutely love the content. It’s like being at a buffet with all of your favorite dishes. It’s challenging to absorb it all at times, just like it would be challenging to try all of your favorite dishes at a buffet. With that said, it’s clear that a lot of thoughtfulness and effort went into developing the curriculum, and it’s presented in a digestible way that makes it possible to enjoy it all. My favorite part has been getting to know my fellow classmates and our faculty members as we navigate this uncharted territory at HU together.
Kyle Worrell
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, in terms of your background and where you were before this program?
I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and worked as a personal trainer and physical therapy technician throughout my PTA program. Since graduating from PTA school, I’ve been working as a PTA for the past three years.
What made you interested in PT in general, and what made you specifically interested in HU?
My interest in physical therapy grew from when I attended PT myself to rehab from an injury. Luckily for myself, my current job at Phoenix Physical Therapy informed me of this opportunity at HU, which has allowed me to reach my goal of being a DPT even with a family and working full time.
What has been your favorite (or most surprising) part of your HU experience so far?
My favorite part about the program so far has been the review and expansion of knowledge of physical therapy that I can use currently as a PTA. Even with this program being mostly hybrid, all the professors and staff at HU have made the transition smooth and are all readily available to assist us whenever we need it.
Michael Bennici, Jr.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, in terms of your background and where you were before this program?
I obtained my PTA degree and went right into Southern New Hampshire University, where I obtained my bachelor’s degree in one year. I plan on taking my PTA boards soon, which I’m excited about. I currently work for Select Medical in Camp Hill at the Holy Spirit Hospital as a nursing assistant (NA) to gain more experience in the inpatient setting and being exposed to wound therapy, since I have an interest in that.
In 10th grade, I had an unfortunate injury that held me out the whole season of track. Going through rehab made me really grow an interest in physical therapy. My entire family is also in the healthcare field, which impacted my decision.
What made you interested in PT in general, and what made you specifically interested in HU?
I first heard about HU during a clinic rotation as a student physical therapy assistant (SPTA), which grew my interest in the DPT program. What really caught my attention was the facility, the great curriculum, and the professors. Every professor in the DPT program has an amazing background, with many specialized in different areas. From my experience in undergrad, it taught me that having a great facility is crucial for helping students succeed. I also prefer the hybrid course format, since I like making my own schedule for the week that I can follow.
What has been your favorite (or most surprising) part of your HU experience so far?
So far, I mainly enjoy how close our cohort is with each other. We made a GroupMe, and classmates text daily on it and we’re all supportive towards each other throughout the week. It makes it feel like we’re all in it together, which helps it feel less overwhelming. I also find it a lot of fun to think like a clinician. I find it challenging, but in a good way. This pushes me to grow, which I’m glad about, because I have a passion for this field.
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ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Harrisburg University of Science & Technology (HU) is an independent, nonprofit university offering degrees in advanced manufacturing, engineering, robotics, nursing, cybersecurity, and other critical fields. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, HU serves a diverse student body through bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs that link learning and research with practical applications. For information about HU’s affordable STEM degrees and professional development programs, call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay in the know by following Harrisburg University on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
MEDIA CONTACT
Do you have questions about this story? Interested in lining up an interview? Please contact Dan Wilhelm, Communications Manager for Harrisburg University of Science & Technology, at DWilhelm@HarrisburgU.edu or 717.901.5100×1724.
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Effective October 29, 2025, the Harrisburg University of Science & Technology DPT Program has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone: 703-706-3245; email: Accreditation@APTA.org). If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call Tonya Y. Miller, PT, DPT, Ph.D. (717-901-5100 ext. 1630) or email TMiller2@HarrisburgU.edu.
Candidate for Accreditation is an accreditation status of affiliation with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education that indicates the program may matriculate students in technical/professional courses. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status does not ensure that the program will be granted Initial Accreditation.
CAPTE DISCLAIMER
Graduation from a physical therapist education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone; 703-706-3245; accreditation@apta.org is necessary for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination, which is required in all states. Candidacy is considered to be an accredited status, as such the credits and degree earned from a program with Candidacy status are considered, by CAPTE, to be from an accredited program. Therefore, students in the charter (first) class should be eligible to take the licensure exam even if CAPTE withholds accreditation at the end of the candidacy period. That said, it is up to each state licensing agency, not CAPTE, to determine who is eligible for licensure. Information on licensing requirements should be directed to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT; www.fsbpt.org) or specific state boards (a list of state boards and contact information is available on FSBPT’s website. Harrisburg University is seeking accreditation of a new physical therapist education program from CAPTE. The program is planning to submit an Application for Candidacy, which is the formal application required in the pre-accreditation stage, on May 1, 2025. Submission of this document does not assure that the program will be granted Candidate for Accreditation status. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status is required prior to implementation of the professional phase of the program; therefore, no students may be enrolled in professional courses until Candidate for Accreditation status has been achieved. Further, though achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status signifies satisfactory progress toward accreditation, it does not assure that the program will be granted accreditation. CAPTE accreditation site visit Summer 2028; inaugural cohort graduation December 2028; first licensure examination date available to graduates January 2029; and CAPTE accreditation decision expected in Fall 2028.
