Rehabilitation Careers for All (RCA) Program
What is RCA?
In the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Delaware (UDPT), we are dedicated to preparing the next generation of physical therapy leaders for practice in a growing multifaceted world. For this reason, we are committed to assuring that persons from all backgrounds and situations are successful in their pursuit of a physical therapy career, particularly students who are first-generation college attendees or come from a socioeconomically disadvantaged background. Through graduate physical therapy training here at UD, students receive an unmatched educational experience through mentorship from a world-class faculty of researchers, clinicians and educators. Our desire is for the RCA program to play a critical role in ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, are well-prepared to pursue a graduate physical therapy education. Through participation in the RCA program, you could have the opportunity to interact with physical therapy faculty here at UD, learn about the various training opportunities available, meet other like-minded students who are pursuing a similar career path and participate in programs that will increase the likelihood of successful entry into a top-tier program such as UDPT. We hope that you will take advantage of this amazing opportunity.
Gregory E. Hicks, PT, PhD, FAPTA
Distinguished Professor of Health Sciences | Department of Physical Therapy
Associate Vice President for Clinical & Translational Research | University of Delaware
PI & Director | Delaware Clinical & Translational ACCEL Program
ghicks@udel.edu
Programs & Resources
Summer Scholars
(Preference given to First-generation college students or students who meet NIH criteria for disadvantaged background.)
1. Research Scholars – A funded summer research experience in the lab of a UD Physical Therapy faculty mentor.
- Eligibility: Any year
- Application Deadline: March 1
- Lab assignments made based on the interests of the scholar.
2. Anatomy Scholars - Registration in a modified version of the DPT Program’s Clinical Gross Anatomy course.
- Eligibility: Rising seniors only
Scholars work with course instructor to determine curriculum.
Summer Scholar Essay Questions (The essay questions below will be included on the Summer Scholars Application. You will choose one and respond.)
1. Please describe how participation in the RCA Summer Scholars Program would benefit your pursuit of a career as a physical therapist.
2. Please describe whether you have faced significant difficulty in your prior educational efforts due to personal circumstances or the lack of accessible resources in your educational environment.
The application can be found at this link. (Available between January 1 - March 1)
Private Tutoring
(Must meet NIH criteria for disadvantaged background. Please complete the questionnaire below and return to jeannekw@udel.edu.)
Private tutoring services through the UD Office of Academic Enrichment paid by RCA.
GRE Prep
(Must meet NIH criteria for disadvantaged background. Please complete the questionnaire below and return to jeannekw@udel.edu.)
Online test preparatory course through the UD Professional & Continuing Studies Office paid by RCA.
All are welcome to attend RCA meetings and events.
Undergraduate students in majors related to rehabilitation science professions will personally receive invitations to meetings and events via email.
- Interested in conducting research? Check out UDPT research to see what area meets your interest. A contact for each researcher’s lab is listed on their research page. You can also explore this option by visiting the individual research facility.
- Volunteer in the UDPT Clinic!
- Earn credit(s) in a Physical Therapy (PHYT) course to fulfill practicum credit.
ADDITIONAL LINKS
Connect
Tower at STAR: 100 Discovery Blvd, Newark, DE 19713 | Health Sciences Complex: 540 S. College Ave, Newark, DE 19713 chs-info@udel.edu Phone: 302-831-1060