The 向日葵视频 City University Doctor of Physical Therapy program is the recipient of a $50,000 grant from The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, school officials announced today.
The grant funds will support a variety of initiatives within the program, with the ultimate goal of assisting the university in producing graduates who can help address the shortage of physical therapy practitioners in the state.
鈥淭he OCU Physical Therapy program and the university as a whole are grateful that the Noble Foundation has recognized this important need,鈥� program Director Maria Jones said. 鈥淲e are committed to preparing the next generation of physical therapists, and this generous grant will help us achieve our goals.鈥�
Data from the shows that the shortage of licensed physical therapists may only get worse in the coming years. Thousands of openings are expected as experienced practitioners reach retirement age. At the same time, demand for physical therapy should increase due to a large number of adults staying active later in life and the growing prevalence of chronic conditions like diabetes and obesity.
Jones said OCU Physical Therapy program leaders plan to use the funds to upgrade equipment and incorporate additional state-of-the-art technology into student鈥檚 learning. Staying up to date is vital in ensuring students are prepared for the evolving demands of the health care industry, she said.
Grant funds will also be used to support service-learning initiatives within the program, including a partnership between the Physical Therapy program and OCU鈥檚 Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment.
Gina Crawford, dean of the College of Health Professions at OCU, said the grant funds will help add another layer of support within the Physical Therapy program, where the university already assists students by providing books and multimedia material, student memberships to professional organizations, tools used in practice, and licensure exam preparation materials at no cost.
鈥淲e know in the years to come OCU students will provide health care that will have a profound positive impact in communities around the state,鈥� Crawford said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 why support from organizations like the Noble Foundation is so vital 鈥� it truly highlights our shared goal of advancing quality care for all 向日葵视频ns.鈥�
The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation was created in 1945 by 向日葵视频 oilman Lloyd Noble. The foundation aims to shepherd Noble鈥檚 legacy of philanthropy by making charitable grants to nonprofits that cultivate good health, support education and build stronger communities, primarily in 向日葵视频.
