About
Shenandoah University's Division of Physical Therapy (PT) prepares students to be reflective practitioners who provide effective, evidence-based, compassionate care for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of movement dysfunction and to promote physical health and functional ability across the lifespan.
We accomplish this through an integrated, patient-centered curriculum with a low student/faculty ratio. Frequent patient care experience, community service by students and faculty and the integration of current technologies are key components of the PT education at Shenandoah University. Join us on Facebook!
Degree Programs
The Division of Physical Therapy offers a Doctorate in Physical Therapy through two different programs, the traditional program and the transitional program and also offers the option to pursue a dual degree with a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Master’s degree in Athletic Training.
Admissions
Physical Therapy (PT) is a challenging and satisfying profession — one with many career pathways from which to choose. The wide range of clinical settings, the diversity of the patient populations, and the variety of specialty areas provide a vast array of employment and professional growth opportunities for the new graduate. Shenandoah University's entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy professional degree program prepares students for the challenges of the profession and provides an excellent foundation for further graduate study. Applications for SU's Doctor of Physical Therapy Program are made utilizing the Physical Therapy Centralized Application system. Please see the PTCAS website for information regarding applications and deadlines.
The Physical Therapy Program at Shenandoah University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) and was recently reaccredited until October 2018.
Applicants to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program must have demonstrated success in academics and have a strong background in the sciences. Completion of the bachelor's degree is required. A demonstration of well-developed problem-solving skills, interpersonal skills and commitment to service is necessary. Those applying to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program should be prepared to work closely with other students in the program, make contributions to the learning process of others and contribute to the enrichment of the curriculum and the profession. Join us on Facebook!
Meet our Faculty
Dr. Karen Abraham, Director
Dr. Karen Abraham joined the faculty in 2001. She has more than 20 years of practice experience, graduating in 1989 with a BS in PT from the University of Maryland Baltimore. She is a board certified specialist in Orthopedics and currently practices in the area of women’s health physical therapy. She earned a PhD in…Read More
Dr. Todd Telemeco
Dr. Todd Telemeco joined the faculty in 2001. He has earned 4 degrees to date from Shenandoah University. He received BS degrees in Biology and Health Sciences from Shenandoah prior to earning Masters and Doctorate degrees in Physical Therapy also from SU. He also earned a PhD in Anatomy and Neurobiology from the Virginia Commonwealth…Read More
Dr. Ed Schrank
Dr. Schrank joined the faculty in 2002 after practicing Physical Therapy in the U.S. Navy. He is a 1992 graduate of the Army-Baylor program of Physical Therapy. He has degrees in Mechanical Engineering (Texas A&M University) and Controls and System Engineering (University of West Florida). He is a board certified specialist in Electrophsyiology and has…Read More
Dr. Andrea Fergus
Dr. Fergus has been on the faculty since 2002 coming from a faculty position at the Sage Colleges in Troy, New York. Dr. Fergus received her physical therapy degree from the University of Vermont in 1990 and her PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Virginia in 1997. Dr.Fergus has practiced physical therapy since 1990…Read More
Dr. Melissa Wolff-Burke
Dr. Wolff-Burke joined the Division of Physical Therapy faculty in 1999. She began her PT career in Washington state and then moved with her family to Knoxville, TN. She continued practice in orthopedics, pain management, and amputee rehabilitation at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. She earned an EdD in Leadership Studies from the University…Read More
Dr. Thomas Turner
Dr. Turner is a 1997 graduate of the Medical College of Virginia, Department of Physical Therapy. He has also earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology from Old Dominion University and a PhD in Anatomy & Neurobiology from Virginia Commonwealth University. He joined the faculty in 2006 and his interests include wound care and geriatrics.
Dr. Lisa McVey
Dr. Lisa McVey graduated with a MPT from the Shenandoah University Physical Therapy Program in 1995, then earned her DPT in 2006 also from Shenandoah University. She has worked in the acute care setting for over 15 years with a special interest in cardiopulmonary physical therapy and intensive care. She is a board certified specialist in…Read More
Dr. Sheri Hale
Dr. Hale joined the faculty in 2004. She received her Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Kinesiology from the Pennsylvania State University and earned her Master of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Pittsburgh. She is licensed in the state of Virginia as a Physical Therapist and an Athletic Trainer and…Read More