Fairmont State, Wheeling University Announce Partnership | News, Sports, Jobs

Wheeling University has partnered with Fairmont State University to help produce more quality health care professionals for West Virginia and abroad.

The agreement will allow for up to three students each year from FSU’s exercise science program to be accepted into WU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, pending qualifications and academic requirements.

That, Wheeling University President Ginny Favede said, will allow for a seamless transition into WU’s doctoral program.

“More importantly, by producing well trained physical therapists, there will be more health care professionals grounded in our mission to serve others in Appalachia and in our region,” she added.

According to Alison Kreger, director of Wheeling’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, the agreement will help bring more graduates from West Virginia colleges and universities into the Wheeling University DPT program.

The Fairmont State exercise science program integrates the theories and practicalities of exercise physiology in preparing graduates for a career in the field of health and fitness, while also providing the foundation required for the successful application into several professional pathways, including physical therapy.

“We are grateful for the efforts from both institutions that have brought this partnership to fruition,” said Fairmont State University Health & Human Performance Department Chair, Jan Kiger. “We’re excited to work together to engage our students in further professional degree programs, physical therapy in particular, which is a highly sought-after degree.”

Wheeling University’s DPT program emphasizes a whole person approach to the investigation of clinical issues using a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) format.

PBL encourages teamwork, open discussion, and researching appropriate resources to acquire the essential didactic knowledge.

Through that learning format, WU officials said, Wheeling’s physical therapy graduates demonstrate exemplary professionalism, exceptional skills and problem solving, as well as the ability to access and utilize knowledge, reflective of a commitment to life-long learning.

“At Fairmont State University we center student success at the heart of everything we do,” Fairmont State University Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost Dianna Phillips said.

“Engaging in this partnership with Wheeling University allows us to continue providing a transformative impact to our students, while also strengthening health care throughout our region and beyond.”