Offered through the College of Education, Nursing, and Health Professions, the DPT program is teaming up with Select Physical Therapy, a branch of Select Medical–one of the largest operators of critical illness recovery hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, and outpatient rehabilitation clinics in the country. Beginning in spring 2026, Select Medical is offering sponsorships to five second- and third-year DPT students—totaling $15,000—to help cover tuition expenses. Those students will be offered employment by Select Medical Group when they graduate.
“I am so pleased that our clinical partners at Select Medical recognize the quality of the University of Hartford’s DPT program and the clinical skills of our graduates,” says Brian Swanson, interim dean of UHart’s College of Education, Nursing, and Health Professions. “Their financial commitment in support of our students speaks volumes about the strength of our partnership, and I look forward to continued collaboration.”
Alumnus Cory Patterson ’05, Select Physical Therapy regional vice president of operations for New England, echoed those sentiments. “Select is proud to partner with the University of Hartford to lessen the financial burden of student loans while providing career placement in an organization that is committed to employee growth and providing the best outcomes to the patients and communities we serve throughout New England,” he says.
The close collaboration between the DPT program and Select Medical is already paying off for students. Recently one of Select’s physical therapists, Kevin Wilk, gave a presentation to a full audience of UHart DPT students and alumni. Wilk walked them through the latest developments in the treatment of patient injuries/dysfunctions of shoulder and knee joints.
DPT student Amanda Chester ’26 is positive about the opportunities the new sponsorship opens up. “It not only provides financial support while in school but also offers a clear pathway to step into a stable career after graduation," she says.
Amanda Chester ’26, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) UHart studentIt not only provides financial support while in school but also offers a clear pathway to step into a stable career after graduation.