Meet Sara: A Q&A With a Member of Our First Hybrid DPT Graduating Class
Meet Sara Thomasson, a member of the first graduating class of the Hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. In this Q&A, Sara shares why the hybrid format was the right fit for her and how she successfully balanced school and family life.
You are part of the first graduating class from NAU’s hybrid DPT program. How do you feel about this accomplishment?
As far as being part of the first graduating class from NAU’s hybrid DPT program, I am incredibly proud of this accomplishment. I am the first in my family to graduate with a bachelor’s degree, let alone a doctoral degree, so it is such an honor. I thank God for this experience and what He has given me through this.
What was it like being a student in the hybrid DPT program? (immersions, class work, raising a family, clinicals)
Being a student in the hybrid DPT program was both a challenge and a blessing. It was a challenge because I was still figuring out how to be a mother while simultaneously learning how to be a DPT student. Also, the content was rigorous, and I had to self-manage and pace learning content, as there was more flexibility in the schedule. However, flexibility was also the biggest blessing. It allowed me the time to prioritize both sides of my life: school and family. When clinicals began, a new challenge arose because, for the first time as a parent, I was away “working” a full-time job. I loved being in the clinic, but it was difficult for my daughter to adjust to me not being home as much. I was lucky, however, to have scheduled my rotations with four 10-hour days, which meant I had three days with my daughter. Although the days were longer, I was able to have longer periods of time with her.
Did you develop a bond with your classmates, even as hybrid students?
Even as hybrid students, we were able to develop bonds with classmates. With the way our program was set up, I think our bonds turned out almost stronger than they would have been in a residential program. Since we were not physically together daily, we really valued the time we had during residential immersions. Also, with our cohort being only 30 students, the smaller size meant we leaned on each other more. I think my strongest bond, however, has been with the only other student in my cohort who is a parent. We have bonded over parenting and milestones, and we have helped each other through the challenges of a rigorous DPT program.
What would you tell someone considering the hybrid DPT format?
To someone considering the hybrid DPT format, I would say that you must know yourself. If you can motivate yourself and focus in an environment that is more flexible, this program is perfect. If you are a parent of a young child but you still want to pursue this career, this program is perfect. If you are uncertain of what kind of program you would thrive best in, the NAU hybrid format is a great option; the faculty are incredibly supportive and will work with you to help you be as successful as possible.
What was something unexpected you learned about yourself in this process of getting your DPT degree through the hybrid program?
Something unexpected that I learned about myself in this process of getting my DPT through the hybrid program is that I can be a successful student outside of the usual classroom setting. For my entire life, I have been a student, learning in a traditional classroom. The hybrid program was very different since I could decide, for the most part, where my “classroom” would be.
Clinicals helped me transition from a classroom student into a professional. Before starting the clinical process, I was very uncertain of myself and whether I would be successful outside of the classroom, and I was proven wrong. I felt confident and gained excitement for developing a career.
What was it like raising a young child while in the hybrid DPT program?
Raising a young child while in the hybrid DPT program is similar to what it was like being a student. There were challenges and blessings. I had to ask for help frequently because there was no way I could have done it alone. Having a child forced me to take breaks, which in the moment felt like inconveniences, but in reality, were very needed. On days off, one of the things we tried to do the most was taking advantage of the beautiful Arizona scenery and going hiking. It was beneficial for my mental and physical health, as well as a bonding experience for my daughter and I. Something I really valued from this was being able to also learn applicable content that I was seeing right before my eyes, which is something I think only parents can understand.
What are your plans for after graduation?
After graduation, I plan on studying for my NPTE which I will take at the end of January. I have applied for licensure in the state of Arkansas, so, after the exam, I plan on moving with my daughter and husband there, hopefully with a pediatric physical therapy job in place. It is a beautiful area and much closer to our families. I am excited to where this new chapter will take me, and I am trusting God through all of it.
