SMU DPT Program

10/09/2026

Our next PT Meet & Mingle is THIS SATURDAY at Cornerstone Berkeley from 1:00–3:00 PM. It’s a great opportunity to catch up with colleagues and meet others in our local physical therapy community as we celebrate PT Month!

Looking to fill your morning and brain? Before this event, we're hosting a continuing education course, "Unpacking Lower Extremity Cycling Disorder," held down the street at GSPORTS. The group in the class will be walking the short 2-block distance to Cornerstone after they wrap up the session.

Lunch/apps and a drink free for Golden Gate District members regardless of course attendance!

All others welcome to join in on the fun at regular restaurant rates. 😀

10/07/2026

🎉 Samuel Merritt University's DPT Program has been awarded HRSA Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students (SDS) funding, creating new scholarship opportunities for qualifying students entering the program in Fall 2027! 🎉

Beginning with the Fall 2027 entering cohort, qualifying students may be eligible for scholarship support to help reduce the cost of their DPT education.

This award reflects our commitment to expanding access to physical therapy education and supporting future physical therapists as they pursue their professional goals.

Prospective students interested in joining the DPT Program are encouraged to apply by the program deadline (October 15, 2027) to be considered for available funding. Eligibility requirements apply.

Learn more about the DPT Program and admissions requirements:

https://www.samuelmerritt.edu/college-health-sciences/doctor-physical-therapy

This program is funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

10/07/2026

Fall Prevention, memory health, and preventive care all in one place!
Our DPT II students Sean Rivera, David Santos, and Sergio Sigala at Kaiser Permanente’s Fall Prevention Awareness Event. Their team provided Fall Risk Assessments and fall prevention resources with Spectrum, memory assessments on dementia with Advance Directives, and connected participants with walk-up mammogram screenings through radiology.
Such a great way of making preventive care more accessible and helping our community take proactive steps towards their health!

10/05/2026

Faculty Highlights at the CPTA San Jose Annual Conference.
Photo 1: Dr. Tracy Wagner presenting research on a cooperative education program connecting high school students with DPT students through mentorship and hands-on exposure to the physical therapy profession.
Photo 2: Dr. Heidi Garske presenting strategies to distinguish and foster self-regulation and self-regulated learning, helping students strengthen metacognition, adaptability, and the skills needed to become Master Adaptive Learners.
Photo 3: Dr. Sharon Gorman representing the PRO side of the Oxford Debate, advocating for AI’s potential to support clinical decision-making, improve patient outcomes, and enhance education for future clinicians.

09/30/2026

Some awesome SMU DPT student representation at this year’s CPTA Annual Conference in San Jose last week!
These students got to experience the PT profession in action, with opportunities to network, explore up-and-coming research, and get a glimpse into the future of PT!

09/23/2026

This semester, all of our DPT II students are off on their first clinical rotation! 🎉
Here's a sneak peek of them in the clinic as they put their classroom learning into practice and gain hands-on experience with patients. ✨

09/15/2026

Right now, our DPT II students are out on their first clinical rotations! But before they stepped into the clinic, they marked an important milestone in their DPT journey – their White Coat Ceremony 🥼
Here’s a throwback to a couple of months ago, before they took everything they’ve learned in the classroom and put it into practice with real patients. We’re excited to hear all about their new stories, experiences, and knowledge when they return to campus!

🥼💙 Join us in wishing our DPT II students an incredible first clinical experience!

09/03/2026

WELCOME, DPT CLASS OF 2029, TO SMU!
We are so excited to have you on campus and can’t wait to see where this journey takes you as you begin your path to becoming DPTs! 🩺💪
And cheers to our 3rd-year DPT students as they enter their final stride before graduation! We are so proud of everything you’ve accomplished over the past two years. The finish line is getting closer; keep pushing!
Here’s to new beginnings, continued growth, and an exciting year ahead at Samuel Merritt University! 💙

07/14/2026

05/30/2026

Can you spot faculty you know?