HARRISBURG, PA – Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) has signed an articulation agreement with Cecil College, facilitating a pathway between the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Cecil College and the Exercise Science (EXSC) bachelor’s program at Harrisburg University.
This collaboration allows PTA students and alumni from Cecil College to advance their education with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Harrisburg University, with the option of continuing their journey in the Harrisburg University Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, now in development* at HU. The program features a hybrid model with limited on-campus requirements for learners, designed specifically with working PTAs in mind.
“Through the EXSC PTA pathway partnership between HU and Cecil College, we are creating a transformative opportunity for students by bridging academic excellence with practical application,” said Lori Portzer, Ph.D., ACSM-EP, Program Lead and Associate Professor of Exercise Science at HU. “This collaboration not only strengthens the educational foundation of future healthcare professionals, but also addresses the growing needs of the healthcare sector in the Tri-State area. Together, we are empowering students with the skills and knowledge to lead with compassion and innovation – ensuring a brighter, healthier future for our communities.”
Pennsylvania is experiencing a shortage of physical therapists and related professionals – a challenge that was nearing “crisis” levels even before the COVID-19 pandemic. This shortage is particularly severe in rural areas, including regions of Central Pennsylvania.
A 2021 report highlighted Pennsylvania as one of the states facing the most significant shortages of healthcare professionals, driven by an aging workforce and insufficient training infrastructure. This articulation agreement is part of HU’s ongoing commitment to tackling these challenges within this essential, life-affirming field.
“We are thrilled to welcome Cecil College as a partner and to create new opportunities for credit mobility for students in Pennsylvania and the surrounding region,” said HU’s Jacqueline Klaczak Kopack, PT, DPT. “As a physical therapist, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of educational debt on many Doctor of Physical Therapy graduates. My background as a Director in PTA education has shown me the importance of creating more affordable and achievable DPT educational pathways, like the one we’re developing here at HU. I’m grateful to contribute to a team that’s creating a distinctive opportunity for PTA graduates aspiring to advance as Doctors of Physical Therapy.”
Dr. Mary Way Bolt, President of Cecil College, added, “This dual-admissions transfer agreement between Cecil College and Harrisburg University marks a significant step forward in creating accessible, high-quality educational pathways for our students. Through this partnership, students in our Physical Therapist Assistant program can seamlessly transition to earn a four-year degree in Exercise Science, opening doors to further academic and career opportunities.”
Effective immediately, this agreement with Cecil College will:
1. Guarantee admission to HU’s Exercise Science program for all Cecil College Physical Therapist Assistant students or alumni who:
- Complete the electronic “Dual Admissions Intent” form with HU prior to completion of no more than 45 credits at Cecil College. This requirement can be waived for any alumni from the Cecil PTA program.
- Complete the HU admissions application and satisfy all other regular admissions requirements, including official transcripts and video essay.
- Graduate from Cecil College with a Physical Therapist Assistant associate’s degree and plan to acquire or have acquired a PTA license.
- Don’t attend any other institutions between Cecil College and HU.
2. Award a block of 53 transfer credits to students from the Cecil College Physical Therapist Assistant program for their PTA associate’s degree and evidence of their physical therapist assistant license. Students will receive an additional 3 credits for successful completion of MATH 127: Introduction to Statistics.
3. Require no additional diagnostic testing.
4. Remain valid through December 2028, subject to a new agreement.
Harrisburg University thanks Cecil College for joining us in this partnership! Together, we are making strides to improve workforce conditions and support public health throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and beyond.
ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Harrisburg University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is a private, nonprofit university offering bachelor’s and graduate degree programs in the fields of science, technology, and mathematics. For additional information about the University’s affordable, demand-driven undergraduate and graduate programs, please call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay updated by following Harrisburg University on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
*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.
