Bellarmine’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program receives grant to expand scholarships, strengthen Kentucky’s healthcare pipeline

Bellarmine University's Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program has received a new grant through the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education's Healthcare Workforce Investment Fund (HWIF), providing $120,000 in scholarship support for students preparing to enter high-demand physical therapy roles across the Commonwealth.

Funded through a public-private partnership model, the $60,000 HWIF award matches a $60,000 contribution from KORT Physical Therapy, one of the region's largest outpatient rehabilitation providers. Together, these funds will provide three DPT students with full-tuition scholarships for their final year of study, supporting Kentucky residents with financial need and helping the state address pressing shortages in the physical therapy workforce. Scholarship recipients commit to one year of employment with KORT upon graduation, ensuring immediate workforce impact.

Healthcare Programs at a Glance

Bellarmine University's healthcare programs combine rigorous academics with personalized mentoring, clinical experiences, and strong employer partnerships to meet the evolving needs of Kentucky's workforce.

Notable strengths:

• Unrivaled career outcomes: 100% of School of Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation.
• A growing portfolio of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral healthcare programs aligned with regional workforce needs.
• Recognition as a Carnegie "Higher Access, Higher Earnings" Opportunity University for fostering economic mobility and strong graduate earnings.
• Deep connections with Kentucky's leading healthcare systems, supporting clinical training and job placement.

Dr. Tony Brosky, dean of the College of Health Professions, said the award highlights the university's mission-driven commitment to preparing graduates to meet Kentucky's workforce needs.

"Physical therapists play a critical role in promoting mobility, independence, and quality of life," Brosky said. "This investment not only supports our students, who receive exceptional hands-on training and mentoring, but also strengthens our long-standing partnership with KORT. Together we are expanding access to highly skilled clinicians who are ready to serve Kentucky's communities from day one."

Bellarmine's proposal was noted by HWIF administrators as among the strongest submitted in this cycle, according to Brosky. The university has received HWIF support multiple times in recent years, reflecting sustained momentum and the strength of Bellarmine's healthcare programs.

The HWIF was created by the Kentucky General Assembly through HB200 to expand educational pathways into high-need healthcare fields. By supporting Bellarmine's students with targeted, need-based funding, the initiative reinforces the university's focus on affordability and strong career outcomes.

This announcement comes as Bellarmine celebrates its 75th anniversary and continues progress toward its $75 million comprehensive campaign, Honoring Our Past, Shaping Our Future. Investments in healthcare education and workforce development represent a key pillar of the campaign's vision to strengthen the region through high-impact academic programs and exceptional student support.