Bethany College has announced a new opportunity for students to pursue an advanced degree in the healthcare field. Wheeling University and Bethany College are joining forces to offer Bethany students a track into Wheeling’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. The DPT program, through Wheeling’s College of Health Science, will accept at least two Bethany College students each year.
Upon application, students must have completed an undergraduate degree from Bethany and have maintained an overall cumulative grade point average of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale.
Students may pursue any undergraduate route that meets the requirements of Wheeling University DPT. After completing a verified application with the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) and receiving the accepted Graduate Record Examination scores, students will continue through the interview process for potential program placement.
The new articulation agreement proves mutual commitment to the continued success of both institutions and their students’ futures. “Our articulation with Wheeling University will offer Bethanians a new graduate program while maintaining the integrity of traditionally small class sizes and connections with faculty,” says Bethany President Dr. Jamie Caridi.
“In offering a field with opportunities in various settings, students will work on developing professional skills while fostering their rich individual development that will translate into ethical care post-graduation,” expresses Caridi. “We are thrilled to be able to offer students a new opportunity that allows them to translate values instilled through their time at the College into hands-on work.”
Bethany College’s Provost and Dean of Faculty Dr. Anju Ramjee, expresses her optimism about the new agreement between the two Northern Panhandle schools. “This articulation is allowing Bethany College to offer students a higher level of education while maintaining the added value of being at a smaller institution,” says Ramjee., “We are looking forward to seeing the impact these students make in a world where we need more healthcare professionals.”
With 98.2% of Wheeling students graduating from the DPT program within two years and 100% of those students securing a professional position within two years of graduation, the University continues to produce strong statistics and professionals.
“Wheeling University is happy to sign this agreement with Bethany College, which will offer students from our neighboring institution a seamless transition into our Doctor of Physical Therapy program,” says Ginny R. Favede, president of Wheeling University. “This agreement will benefit those students seeking an advanced degree, while producing more physical therapists to meet the health care needs of residents in our local community and across the country.”
Enthusiasm is in the air at Bethany as the opportunities continue to expand.