History in the making: First cohort of Auburn physical therapy students begin classes

For nearly five years, the School of Kinesiology in Auburn University’s College of Education has been working to develop a physical therapy program. The Doctor of Physical Therapy program was built from the ground up, including curriculum design, modifying spaces to function as classrooms and labs, hiring faculty, recruiting students, purchasing equipment and a lengthy accreditation process.

Today, 21 students began classes as the first cohort of physical therapy students. Representing 10 undergraduate institutions in four states, the inaugural group will carry the torch for the cohorts to come as the program aims to set the gold standard for physical therapy education.

“Today is more than just the first day of classes — today is history in the making,” said Harsimran Baweja, director of Physical Therapy. “These students are pioneers. They are not just beginning their journey into one of the most impactful and rewarding professions in health care — they are helping build something lasting, something transformative and something uniquely Auburn.”

The physical therapy program was developed out of a growing need for physical therapists across the country, and especially in Alabama, where rural health care needs are often unmet. The state of Alabama only has approximately 30 licensed, practicing physical therapists per 100,000 residents.

Auburn’s program will change that by graduating up to 38 physical therapists each year, starting in 2028 with the first class. The Doctor of Physical Therapy program will educate future physical therapists who are passionate about helping people live longer, healthier lives.

Baweja said the first group of students was selected carefully to consist of people who would be a solid foundation for the program.

“These students were chosen not only for their academic strength, but for their character, their commitment to service and their potential to lead,” he said. “We didn’t just want students to fill seats — we wanted individuals who could help define the culture, shape the identity and set the standard for this program for years to come.”

One of those students, Sarah Katona, came to Auburn from Samford University where she received her bachelor’s degree in biology.

“Physical therapy is a profession that has impacted my family, helping through various injuries, aiding me and my two siblings through college sports,” Katona said. “The profession is one of love and service that puts into action the foundations and values on which I was raised.”

When Katona was choosing a PT school, Auburn stood out to her because of the leadership from Baweja.

“His conviction and dedication to the program sold me on the true meaning of Auburn Family and his intention to make the program the best in the state — his goals were nothing short of the gold standard,” she said.

She said being part of Auburn’s first PT cohort has opened the door for her and her peers to form the foundation of an impactful profession at an esteemed university.

“I look forward to representing the program and establishing traditions that will hold through generations,” she said.

For the summer semester, students are taking Anatomy for Physical Therapy I with a lab component, Physical Therapy Biomechanics I and Physical Therapy Foundations, Therapeutic Exercise I.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program is a full-time, three-year (nine semesters) graduate clinical degree. This includes two years of didactics and 38 weeks of clinical experiences across various patient care settings.

Applications for the second cohort of students will open Aug. 1.