New York Medical College (NYMC) signed a new academic partnership agreement with Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains offering graduating students of Stepinac’s Susan and Daniel P. Mahoney ‘67 Health Sciences Honor Academy preferred admission to NYMC’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) Program.
The signing ceremony brought together representatives from both institutions, including Brian J. Nickerson, Ph.D., J.D., M.P.A., FACHE, dean of the School of Health Sciences and Practice; D.P.T. faculty; Rev. Thomas Collins, president of Archbishop Stepinac High School; and dozens of Stepinac students and alumni, to celebrate the launch of the new admission track.
According to the American Physical Therapy Association, demand for physical therapists is expected to grow to 14.7% by 2037, with the U.S. projected to face a shortage of more than 60,000 physical therapists by 2038. The partnership creates a streamlined pathway for Stepinac graduates to pursue careers as physical therapists, easing the transition between undergraduate and graduate study while keeping students focused on the education and training that future health professionals need.
“The demand for physical therapists is real and growing, and the students who fill that need often decide on this career path early. This partnership meets them at that moment, giving Stepinac’s most motivated students a clear pathway from high school to a doctoral degree, and giving our communities the skilled clinicians they’ll depend on,” said Dr. Nickerson. “We’re proud to partner with Archbishop Stepinac to open the doors for the next generation of health professionals.”
“At Archbishop Stepinac, we are committed to helping our students discover their purpose and preparing them to lead lives of service, compassion, and integrity. Our partnership with New York Medical College is an exciting opportunity to expand that mission by giving our students meaningful exposure to the world of medicine and healthcare. We are grateful to New York Medical College for sharing our vision of educating future leaders, and together, we are creating opportunities that will inspire our students to think boldly, serve generously, and pursue excellence in the classroom, in healthcare, and beyond,” said Father Collins.
To gain preferred admission to NYMC’s D.P.T. Program, Archbishop Stepinac graduates must:
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Earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
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Choose a major in sciences: Health Sciences, Biology, Exercise Science, or a related field
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Meet all standard NYMC D.P.T. Program requirements
