Building the Rural Physical Therapy Pipeline: UofM Researchers Launch $1.6M Career Pathway Initiative

State-funded RHCPE project establishes a research-driven Pre-Physical Therapy pathway to strengthen West Tennessee’s rural healthcare workforce

 

The University of Memphis has been awarded a $1.6 million Rural Health Care Pathways Expansion (RHCPE) grant from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission to build a dedicated Pre-Physical Therapy career track for high school students in rural West Tennessee. Led by Dr. Jacque Bradford, Principal Investigator and Program Director for the developing Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the UofM Lambuth campus, the project marks a major step toward addressing the state’s critical shortage of physical therapists—felt most acutely in rural communities.

Tennessee currently ranks among the lowest states in physical therapists per capita, and national demand for PT professionals is projected to grow by 14% over the next decade. This funding supports the launch of the Pre-Physical Therapy Pathway Program, an innovative workforce-development model designed to introduce high school students to physical therapy while helping rural communities cultivate much-needed healthcare talent.

Working in collaboration with Courtney Orians, Director of Dual Enrollment and Early Postsecondary Programs, and colleagues in the College of Health Sciences, the project team will create dual-enrollment and Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses tailored to pre-physical therapy. These offerings will be implemented in rural high schools across Tipton and Dyer counties, led by local CTE Directors Harvey Witherington (Tipton County Schools), Kim Yeiter (Dyersburg City High School), and Amy Hester (Dyer County High School).

Students in the pathway will have access to robust experiential learning opportunities, including:

• Clinical internships and work-based learning placements
• Innovative classroom technology, such as BodyViz 3D anatomy tables and software
• Simulation-based PT learning experiences in partnership with Lift Therapy, Dyersburg Health, and STAR Physical Therapy
• Stipends for obtaining Certified Physical Therapist Aide credentials, a nationally recognized certification that offers immediate employment opportunities

The impact of this research-driven initiative extends beyond early exposure to healthcare careers. By equipping students with foundational clinical skills, hands-on experience, and industry-recognized certifications, the program will help produce a well-prepared cohort of physical therapist aides to support clinicians throughout the region. It also creates a clear, supported pipeline into postsecondary PT education—positioning students for advanced degrees, professional licensure, and long-term careers in physical therapy.

Ultimately, the RHCPE grant represents a significant investment in the future of rural healthcare in West Tennessee. By empowering local students and strengthening partnerships between schools, universities, and healthcare providers, the Pre-Physical Therapy Pathway Program will contribute to a sustainable workforce pipeline that improves access to care and supports healthier communities for years to come.

For more information, contact Dr. Jacque Bradford, PI and associate professor and director of College of Health Sciences Doctor of Physical Therapy, at jlbarnes@memphis.edu.