WSU Applebaum pathway helps students accelerate toward a career in physical therapy

For Harry Hilts, the decision to come to Wayne State University began as a practical one, but quickly became something more personal. As a Grand Rapids native, staying relatively close to home mattered. Detroit had been a city he'd grown up visiting and loved for its culture and energy. But what ultimately solidified his decision to become a Warrior was the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

"What really stood out to me was visiting the Applebaum building," Hilts said. "It felt familiar and comfortable, and I immediately noticed how close-knit the community was."

That first impression reflects something the Department of Applied Health Sciences does well: helping students build a strong academic foundation while staying connected to the career paths they're working toward. Students develop coursework in biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology while engaging with the questions shaping health care today, from ethics and health systems to research-informed practice.

For students committed to physical therapy early on, Wayne State also offers a distinct opportunity: a pathway that allows qualified students to transition into Wayne State's Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program before completing their bachelor's degree first. Rather than serving as a general accelerated route for any health profession, this option is specifically designed for students who know they want to pursue physical therapy and are prepared to meet the program's expectations.

"From a financial standpoint, it's been huge," Hilts said. "Being able to cut down on undergraduate time makes a big difference."

But moving ahead on a faster timeline only works when students have a clear plan and the right support. As the first student accepted into the new accelerated DPT pathway, Hilts knew he was stepping into something still being shaped, and he leaned on advising and faculty mentorship to navigate it.

"I've been able to use faculty and advisors as key resources, especially [Dr. Reid] from the physical therapy program and my advisor in the Applied Health Sciences program, Mr. Mitchell."

"One of the things that stood out about Harry is his ability to talk to people," says Kristina Reid, DPT, program director (academic) and assistant professor (clinical) in the Physical Therapy Program at Wayne State University. "He came to open houses and information meeting nights and gathered information; I think this is what helped him be thoughtful and purposeful about his path to Physical Therapy - it helped him be successful."

Confidence and real-world connection

One of the strengths of Hilts' experience in the Bachelor of Science in Applied Health Sciences (BSAHS) program is how quickly it helped him connect coursework to the profession he was working toward. He pointed to Introduction to Applied Health Sciences (AHS 2010), a course where program directors and faculty from across health fields visited to talk about their roles and career paths.

"Another benefit was a course where professionals from different medical fields came in to talk about their careers," he said. "Hearing directly from physical therapy faculty helped solidify my interest and gave me confidence that I was choosing the right path."

That clarity is reinforced through hands-on learning that keeps the curriculum rooted in real practice. Students build experience through research, applied assignments and community-based opportunities that strengthen critical thinking and communication skills. Hilts has been able to put that connection to work early as he's spent more than a year as a rehab aide in a physical therapy clinic.

Accelerated entry options can also be demanding in a lot of ways, and Hilts is honest about what has been hardest.

"Time management has been my biggest challenge: balancing coursework, observation hours, and getting involved in research," he said.

However, support has helped him manage the pace and stay focused.

When asked what he would tell a student who is interested but unsure, Hilts emphasized the practical benefit and the people who help make it possible.

"You're saving time and money by shortening the undergraduate portion," he said. "Beyond that, the people you meet and the resources available to you are invaluable."

He also highlighted mentorship as an underrated advantage for students trying to understand graduate expectations and next steps early.

"Being able to talk directly with someone already in the field and get advice about graduate programs and next steps was a great resource," he said.

In many ways, Hilts' experience reflects what this option can offer students who are confident in their direction: a focused route into physical therapy that rewards drive while reinforcing the need for guidance and connection. For him, the value is not just moving ahead sooner. It is taking that step forward feeling prepared, supported and ready for what comes next.