DPT Student Life
Help Me Become a Doctor of Physical Therapy — And Give Back Along the Way
PT • Purpose • Giving Back A personal story about my journey from PTA to DPT, why I chose this path, and how I hope to use my career to…
PT • Purpose • Giving Back
A personal story about my journey from PTA to DPT, why I chose this path, and how I hope to use my career to create meaningful impact in healthcare and beyond.
My Journey So Far
Hi everyone, I’m Iris — currently a Doctor of Physical Therapy student at Arcadia University. Before starting this journey, I worked as a Physical Therapist Assistant helping patients regain movement, confidence, and independence.
Working as a PTA showed me how powerful physical therapy can be. It isn’t just about treatment plans or exercises — it’s about helping people return to the parts of life they thought they might lose.
That experience is what led me here. Pursuing my DPT is my way of deepening that impact so I can serve patients with greater knowledge, stronger clinical skill, and an even bigger commitment to care.
At A Glance
Arcadia University DPT student
Former Physical Therapist Assistant
Passionate about service, healthcare, and access
Building a purpose-driven career in rehabilitation
A Bigger Purpose
This journey is about more than a degree.
I’ve always felt a strong responsibility to use what I learn in ways that give back. For me, healthcare has never just been about professional success — it has always been tied to service, compassion, and meaningful impact.
My hope is to carry that mindset into every part of my future career, whether that means supporting underserved communities, participating in pro bono work, or simply becoming the kind of physical therapist who treats people with both excellence and heart.
Why I’m Pursuing My DPT
I want the training, knowledge, and clinical depth to make a greater difference in the lives of the people I serve.
- Provide advanced evidence-based patient care
- Support underserved communities through rehabilitation
- Participate in pro bono or lower-cost service opportunities
- Help improve access to physical therapy services
- Build a career rooted in impact, service, and purpose
The Reality
This path is meaningful, but it’s also financially demanding.
Pursuing a DPT degree comes with real costs: tuition, books, living expenses, and the time commitment that comes with classes and clinical rotations. It’s a season that asks for focus, discipline, and sacrifice.
Any support I receive helps lighten that burden and allows me to stay centered on what matters most — learning well, growing deeply, and preparing to serve patients with excellence.
Support My Journey
Help me continue this path toward becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
If you feel called to support my education, I would be deeply grateful. Every contribution helps me continue this journey and move closer to the kind of impact I hope to make through healthcare.
DPT Student Life
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Built to Bloom · The life alongside school
My DPT journey, as it unfolds.
School, travel, opportunities, and the milestones along the way.
DPT student · Arcadia University · Expected graduation September 28, 2027
15 recorded moments
2026
HistoricalScholarship
National AMBUCS Scholarships for Therapists
Awarded. Ruttenberg Named Scholarship Recipient — 2026
Read more →August 29, 2026
CompletedStudy Resource
Upper vs Lower Motor Neuron Patterns: A Visual Study Guide
Published a visual study guide comparing upper and lower motor neuron patterns.
This date records publication of the resource. It does not establish a course, practical, or clinical completion date.
Read more →September 2026
HistoricalScholarship
Arcadia University Global Health Elective Funding
Awarded. Awarded September 2026
Read more →September 2026
CurrentSeptember 4, 2026 – September 7, 2026
CompletedTravel
Labor Day Rhode Island + Maine Road Trip
A weekend getaway through Rhode Island, Maine.
The trip article is in draft.
New York → Newport, Rhode Island → Kennebunkport / coastal Maine → Portland, Maine → New York
September 19, 2026
CurrentScholarship
CFHI 2027 Scholarship
Submitted. Submitted September 19, 2026; awaiting review. Global Health in Bolivia – La Paz, in person, 2027.
Read more →March 19, 2027 – April 3, 2027
UpcomingGlobal Health
Global Health Elective in La Paz
The program plans morning clinical rotations, lunch, then Spanish class or a lecture in the afternoon. Evenings and weekends include cultural activities or free time. Housing is with a host family.
PT887 program plan: outpatient pediatrics and NICU, combining observation and hands-on experience.
DPT Global Health Elective
La Paz, Bolivia
September 28, 2027
UpcomingGraduation
Looking toward graduation
Expected graduation: September 28, 2027.
An expected milestone, not a completed degree.
Date not recorded
HistoricalCareer
A foundation in inpatient rehabilitation
Before DPT school, Iris worked as a Physical Therapist Assistant. Her published About account places the beginning of her healthcare journey in inpatient rehabilitation.
Before DPT school; employment dates are not established by these sources.
Read more →Date not recorded
CurrentDate not recorded
CurrentDate not recorded
CurrentDate not recorded
CurrentDate not recorded
CurrentScholarship
First Generation College Student Scholarship / Kadzai Law
Submitted. Awaiting result
Read more →Date not recorded
HistoricalScholarship
Michael Moody Fitness Scholarship
Rejected. Applied → Semifinalist → Not selected. Semifinalist materials were submitted; final outcome confirmed by Iris.
Read more →