Matt Glassoff, a dedicated student in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of Hartford, is on the path to remarkable success. Set to graduate this May, Matt has made significant strides in the physical therapy field and within the UHart community.
During his undergraduate years, Matt's focus on residential life honed his leadership and interpersonal skills. As an RA for three years and a graduate assistant, he developed a deep understanding of community dynamics and the importance of fostering connections.
Upon entering the doctoral program, Matt made a pivotal decision to join the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Serving as vice president of the student special interest group within the Connecticut state chapter, Matt quickly immersed himself in the profession, forging invaluable connections and gaining insight into the larger landscape of physical therapy.
Elevating his involvement, Matt was elected as the APTA student chief delegate by his peers, representing more than 30,000 physical therapy students nationwide at the prestigious APTA House of Delegates. “Representing the voice of students was by far one of the most humbling experiences of my life thus far and showed me how important professional advocacy is,” Matt says.
As the current chair of the APTA Student Council, Matt spearheads national initiatives to engage and empower physical therapy students. He also represents physical therapy students at APTA leadership meetings throughout the year. His dedication to advancing the profession and amplifying student voices highlights his commitment to excellence and service. Matt says, “My involvement with APTA, in combination with the graduate education I have received at UHart, has made me career ready and prepared me to become a leader within the profession of physical therapy.”
Matt has known that he would like to be a physical therapist since eighth grade. Inspired by his own experiences as a patient and fueled by a love for human movement and health, Matt found his calling in physical therapy. “This profession is the perfect intersection between medicine, personal interactions, and what I believe to be the solution to many health care issues we are faced with today,” he explains. “I think there is a lot more physical therapists can be doing in society and I’m excited to be part of it.”
Throughout his time at the University of Hartford, Matt says he has cherished the small class sizes, close-knit community, and personalized support from faculty members beyond the classroom, which have allowed him “to have quality interactions and easy accessibility to professional opportunities, research, community engagement, and building lifelong friendships.”
With a wealth of clinical experience acquired through rotations at various health care facilities, Matt has had the opportunity to experience different stages of the health care system and develop an understanding of the full scope of being a PT. “After having a diverse clinic experience, I feel prepared to enter any kind of setting knowing that I will be able to be successful in it,” Matt says. Whether in outpatient orthopedics, acute care, specialized rehabilitation, or beyond, Matt’s diverse skill set and unwavering dedication set him apart as a rising star in his field.
Beyond his academic pursuits, Matt finds fulfillment in coaching youth basketball teams and engaging in leadership opportunities within the APTA. His passion for his field has taken him to renowned physical therapy conferences across the country, where he continues to expand his knowledge and network.
As Matt prepares to embark on his career after graduation, his UHart journey has equipped him with the skills, experiences, and determination to thrive as a compassionate and competent physical therapist. With boundless potential and a steadfast commitment to excellence, Matt Glassoff is poised to leave an indelible mark on the field of physical therapy and beyond. He plans to enter the workforce in the Northeast region.
Matt Glassoff DPT'24, College of Education, Nursing and Health ProfessionsThe physical therapy program at UHart did a great job in finding me clinical settings that met my goals and desires. By the time I hit the clinic, I felt over-prepared to be successful in any clinical environment I was placed in—regardless of the situation.