University of Mary Physical Therapy

Our absolute favorite thing is to witness the forever friendships that come from the time in our program! This group of ladies have stood the test of time 🧡💙

Friends for Life | University of Mary in Bismarck, ND Classmates demonstrate the power of authentic community across miles and years

This Saturday, the class of 2028 received their white coats! This signifies transition into the clinical stage of their educational journey. This is an exciting moment as we witness how their commitment in the classroom will help to change the lives of their future patients. Congratulations, and God bless you during your first clinical this summer!

💙 For Carlie 🧡

~ ExcePTional Grads ~
We’re proud to celebrate our newest doctors of the class of 2026!

The president of our class of 2026 Marin Ehrmantraut just started her dream job as a physical therapist at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago! She is working in their Day Rehab Program as part of their new grad summer registry program.

We sure love our graduates chasing their dreams! Congrats Marin!

A group of our third year students are hosting an adaptive field day for adults on July 11th! Spread the word!

Registration link:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdJ8DaoIXQQSxj6qTCciHPEje5qa_VbQ3QsmLS8_J4sTOHQeg/viewform

Thank you to Elizabeth Seifert our OT faculty and friend of Carlie for sharing about the cause this Saturday! All proceeds of the 5K walk/run go to support OT and PT mission trips!

ND Today: Carlie Malm 5K ND Today: Carlie Malm 5KFor more Local News from KFYR: https://...

We are proud to announce the Univ of Mary PT Clinical Educator of the Year is Jordan Backstrom from Backstrom Physical Therapy in Rugby, ND! Congratulations!

Learn more about Jordan below.....

What is your educational background?
My undergraduate was completed in 2011 with a bachelor of science degree majoring in health science and biology at Valley City State University. Graduated with a Doctor of Physical Therapy class of 2014 from the University of Mary with unforgettable teachers and classmates. My continuing education has primarily focused on advancing manual therapy techniques specifically dry needling certifications and pain neuroscience.

What interests do you pursue outside of the classroom?
FAMILY! My beautiful wife, Heidi and I have 4 children that bring a crazy joy to our lives. Also, I am a fixer! Just like in the clinic helping people get back to work properly, I enjoy doing the same with anything in life especially working on mechanical things. I enjoy the whole process of figuring out how things work and fixing the problem so the it can be used again and not thrown away. My greatest joy however is serving my Lord and Savior, Jesus by helping others in the community that God has me in and encouraging others in this faith journey together.

What is your philosophy for clinical education and your clinical teaching style?
I find students learn best by seeing and doing and sticking to the basics. Wise words that I still repeat to my students from Dr. Schulte are: “if it is tight, stretch it. If it is weak, strengthen it. and if it doesn’t move, move it”. Do what you know! Think through cases ahead of time and have a feedback discussion afterwards about what went well and what can be improved on. I usually tell students ahead of time to know their anatomy as it will guide their clinical reasoning just by knowing what structures we are dealing with. And most importantly, make it a positive experience for the patient as we can affect so much more than just their physical needs.

What do you enjoy most about your work as a PT and what is most rewarding to you as a clinical instructor?
I enjoy getting to know people well and sharing life with them. The ups and downs and keeping it real. The most rewarding as a CI is to see students do the same as they shift from just book knowledge to application in a natural way that is authentic and being true to themselves and others.

What is the greatest success you have had in teaching DPT students?
Getting students to relax and not overthink things. To think outside the box and not just stick to textbook answers. Smile, laugh, and enjoy the meaningfulness of each day.

What is the most difficult aspect of teaching DPT students today?
Oh boy! I always joke and say “hope you learned something today” or “I’ll teach you what not to do”! Haha no, the students are great. They are willing and eager to learn. I remind them that like anything in life, it takes time to get comfortable and gain experience. Don’t expect to know everything and be humble enough to learn from others, including your patients.

Describe your best professional development experience.
This one I would have to say would be my faith in God and the amazing truths he gave us in the Bible. It is our “protocol/guidelines” for all areas of life. especially the career that God has lead you to and placed you in for a reason. I think about the amazing people He has put in my life along the way that have taught, mentored, and lead by example that have had the greatest impact on my professional development.

What are your 5 year goals?
Continue to serve wherever the Lord has me! For now, it is in Rugby, ND. There are plenty of opportunities to expand and fill the healthcare needs in our rural communities.

Our 2nd year student Carsten Bergersen featured on APTA Orthopedics podcast!

What It’s Really Like Being a DPT Student with Carsten “Bergie” Bergersen Join hosts Jill Thein-Nissenbaum and Lori Thein Brody for the next ...