St. Ambrose University Physical Therapy Department

11/24/2025

Read about our current Student Physical Therapy Organization President and her journey in physical therapy education.

👏 We couldn’t be prouder of the hard work and heart she brings to our program and interprofessional health clinic!

As a young athlete, Sara Haller’s ’25, ’26 DPT life was changed by a physical therapist. Now, Sara is wasting no time paying it forward by pursuing SAU’s accelerated DPT program. Learn about Sara’s experience: https://bit.ly/3M3TM2K

11/24/2025

👏 Join us in celebrating Oscar and his journey toward becoming an exceptional physical therapist!

Eager to get a jump on his career, Oscar Mejia ’27 DPT is paving the way as the first accelerated pathway student in SAU’s physical therapy program partnership with Loras College. Read about Oscar’s experience in our accelerated pathway, https://bit.ly/4a2azx7

11/14/2025

Celebrating St. Ambrose Excellence at American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT) 2025!

We are proud to showcase the incredible work of St. Ambrose University residents and alumni at the AAOMPT Annual Conference in Reno, Nevada!

From innovative research to thought-provoking presentations, our Ambrosians are making an impact in advancing orthopaedic manual physical therapy.

Highlights include:
👏Bryan Hurd, current Resident - Poster Presentation
👏Bob Wiederien, Faculty Member - Poster Presentation
👏Joey McEachern, Associate Faculty Member and Residency Mentor - Poster Presentation and Platform Presentation
👏Spencer Schlarmann (2024 Resident) - First place in 5x5 Case Report Presentations in collaboration with Candi Gardner, Laura McEachern, and Jill Hipskind from 2024 presentation
👏Kyle Cottone (Residency Alumnus) - First place in 5x5 Systematic Review Presentations from 2024 presentation
👏Devin Hartman (Residency Alumnus) - Poster Presentation
👏Resident Alums and retired faculty (Kyle Sellers, Jacob Braun, Colin Besch, Candi Gardner, and Kevin Farrell) - Poster Presentation

We couldn’t be prouder of our past and present residents, as well as, faculty for representing St. Ambrose University on a national stage!

11/10/2025

Do good by eating out TONIGHT! 25% of event sales get donated to SPTO! Order online or show this flyer at the store.

11/10/2025

🎉 Residency Spotlight: November Edition! 🎉
This month, we're thrilled to shine a light on one of our outstanding residents who exemplifies dedication, compassion, and excellence in every aspect of their training.
👏 Let’s give a round of applause to our November spotlight Kyle—your hard work and passion inspire us all!

11/10/2025

🎉 Happy First-Generation College Day! 🎓
Today, we proudly celebrate the incredible students and faculty in our Doctor of Physical Therapy program who are blazing trails as first-generation college students and graduates. Your resilience, determination, and passion inspire us all!

11/09/2025

Our amazing physical therapy students are making a difference—one trike at a time! Through Mississippi Bend Trykes, they helped build an adaptive tricycle that brings mobility, joy, and independence to kids in our community.

11/05/2025

Engaging in research with heart and purpose! Emily Brodbeck, Pediatric Physical Therapy Resident, proudly presented her project “Come Roll With Me: Using Experiential Inclusion to Assess Children’s Attitudes Towards Wheelchair Users” at the APTA Pediatrics Annual Conference in Colorado Springs, CO.

Teaming up with SAU faculty and a DPT student, Emily helped lead inclusive community activities that brought kids together, and explored how shared experiences can shape empathy and understanding. 💙

This powerful study highlights how connection and play can shift perspectives and build a more inclusive future, one roll at a time.

11/01/2025

🎃👻 Spooky season was in full swing in the Physical Therapy Department this week! Our halls were buzzing with a variety of costumes as students went trick-or-treating, and the pumpkin decorating contest turned the building into a gourd-geous gallery of creativity.

And yes... fall treats were devoured with zero regrets. 🍁🧁

10/29/2025

Check out our Student Spotlight Becca Ramp!! 🎉

10/28/2025

🎉 Celebrating PT Month with Purpose! 🏡

Our amazing physical therapy students rolled up their sleeves for a day of service with Tapestry Farms, helping welcome a refugee family from Africa into their new home! 💪🌍

Not only did they lend a hand with the move, but they also gained meaningful insight into the family's culture and the challenges refugees face in our community. 💬❤️

We’re incredibly proud of their compassion, teamwork, and commitment to making a difference. These students exemplify the Ambrosian spirit!