Nova Southeastern University Tampa Campus: A Hub for Research, Education, and Patient-Centered Care

Nova Southeastern University (NSU) has a campus in Tampa Bay, specifically located in Clearwater, Florida, which offers a range of educational and research opportunities. NSU is recognized as the state's largest private research university, holding an R1 designation from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, a distinction awarded to universities with the highest levels of research activity, funding, and doctoral degrees conferred. NSU aspires to be among the top tier of America’s research universities. Its wide-ranging research enterprise includes robust initiatives in vital areas such as oceanography and life sciences, technology, health care, social science, and human services. With an annual investment of $50 million or more, the university continues to foster groundbreaking discoveries that make an impact on our world. The university contributes to scientific knowledge and supports workforce development and emerging commercial enterprises, positioning NSU as a cornerstone of Florida’s “blue economy” and a hub for research, collaboration, and education.

Research Prowess and Impact

The R1 designation signifies NSU's commitment to high-impact research. This impacts faculty, students, and the broader community by fostering an environment of discovery and innovation. NSU is home to a vast range of opportunities and resources to advance the future of research and train next-generation scholars.

Shaping Future Researchers

NSU offers programs such as U-RISE, which connects undergraduates with research opportunities in fields like cancer, neuroscience, and drug discovery. The Hochberg-Miniaci Razor’s Edge Scholars program provides immersive experiences in research and other fields.

Patient-Centered Care at NSU Health

NSU Health is committed to patient-centered care, exemplified by the Cathy J. Husman ALS Center.

Cathy J. Husman ALS Center

The Cathy J. Husman ALS Center goes beyond traditional treatment by integrating patient-centered support, healthcare provider education, and cutting-edge research aimed at finding a cure for ALS. The center features thoughtfully designed patient spaces, a multidisciplinary team, and access to clinical trials, providing exceptional care and renewed hope for patients and families.

Academic Programs and Opportunities

NSU offers a diverse range of degree programs, from undergraduate to professional levels, designed to prepare students for success in competitive fields.

Diverse Degree Programs

NSU provides preeminent bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs across various disciplines. These programs are designed to unite students' passions with their career goals.

Shark Sightings: Student Success Stories

The "Shark Sightings" video series showcases the experiences of NSU students and alumni who are making a difference in their chosen fields. These stories highlight why students chose NSU and how their education is preparing them to dominate in their respective careers.

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program at NSU-Tampa Bay

The NSU-Tampa Bay campus offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program with a blended learning format.

Blended Learning DPT Program

The Professional DPT Program at NSU-Tampa Bay is delivered over 3.3 years using a blended learning format, incorporating best practices in online and face-to-face instruction. This program is designed for individuals seeking versatile options for attaining their DPT degree, considering geographical, personal, or financial reasons. The Tampa Bay campus is located in Clearwater, Florida, and features state-of-the-art PT facilities and equipment, including a simulation lab. The Nova Southeastern DPT-Tampa Bay program was one of the first DPT blended model programs, producing innovative and successful therapists. The program has dynamic, experienced physical therapy faculty members who have extensive clinical experience. Faculty are trained in dynamic face-to-face and online teaching. The program is accredited by The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). A cohort of approximately 46 students is accepted yearly, with classes beginning in the fall term (late August).

Read also: The success of Nova SBE

Delivery and Structure

The program schedule consists of self-paced, interactive online classes for four weeks, followed by a five-day on-campus practice intensive known as ‘Weekend Institute’ for skills mastery. Students learn online through lectures, high-quality demonstration videos, discussions, and assignments. Clinical skills are learned through practice at home, video assignments, and on-campus practice. Three on-campus weekend institutes are held every semester (one institute every five weeks) on the Tampa Bay campus. The on-campus institutes are 8-hour days, held Wednesday through Sunday. During the institutes, students practice hands-on skills, apply learning to clinical case scenarios, interact with patient volunteers, and participate in group activities. The blend of online and on-campus instruction allows more versatility, so students save time and money with reduced daily commute to campus. Some students may work part-time during the didactic curriculum; however, this is dependent upon each student’s capabilities. NSU-Tampa Bay’s blended model has the same rigor as face-to-face programs, with the added versatility to learn in a student’s preferred location. Students in the blended program must be engaged and self-directed learners who enjoy interaction both online and in the classroom. The rigor of this program requires self-discipline and strong study and organizational skills.

Clinical Education Opportunities

The program provides frequent opportunities for students to learn from patients, patient actors, and clinical instructors. The opportunity to work with patients who have real health conditions is integrated into the didactic curriculum, enabling students to apply skills they are learning while receiving direct faculty feedback. Participation in the student-run Shark Motion pro bono clinic is required of all students. In the 3rd year, students spend 1 week in an out-patient clinic or participate in a medical outreach experience. In addition, there is a pediatric experiential course where students attend local clinics and learn from clinical instructors and their patients.

NSU Tampa Bay’s DPT Program includes 3 full-time clinical experiences, 30 weeks in total, in various patient settings, facilities, and locations. These occur in the final 3 semesters of the program. Students provide input regarding geographical and setting preferences and are placed in clinical sites based on these preferences and clinical site availability. Specific locations or geographical regions cannot be guaranteed. NSU’s blended model allows students who have successfully balanced school and work to continue working until they start these full-time terminal clinical experiences (Summer, year 3).

It is important to note that clinical placements in California are unlikely due to California's non-membership in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA).

Application Process

After completing the PTCAS application, applicants who meet the minimum requirements will be invited to visit the campus by attending a “Backstage Pass” tour during an institute weekend. The Backstage Pass is a 1-2 hour experience that will allow a candidate to tour the campus and observe current students and professors interacting in classroom activities.

Dual Degree Options

The NSU physical therapy programs allow students to expand their impact with a DPT Dual Degree. Options include a Master of Public Health (DPT/MPH), a Master of Exercise Science (DPT/MSSS), or a Master of Business Administration (DPT/MBA).

Enrollment and Deposit

A $1,000 deposit fee is required to reserve the applicant’s seat in the cohort. Payment is due within 10 calendar days of the acceptance offer, but no earlier than January 15th. This advance payment will be deducted from the tuition payment due on registration day but is non-refundable in the event of a withdrawal. While the program strives to place students in locations that satisfy their location requests, it cannot guarantee placements that would not require additional costs. This program does not require students to relocate to the Tampa Bay area, as the blended format requires students to be in Tampa Bay for only five days per month.

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