Historical Overview of the University of New Mexico Physical Therapy Program

The UNM Physical Therapy Program, located within the School of Medicine's Division of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, holds a distinguished legacy as the only accredited physical therapy program in the state. Established in 1974 with support from an Allied Health Manpower Training Grant, the program emerged as part of a broader initiative to address healthcare workforce needs in New Mexico. Since its inception, the program has maintained continuous accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), graduating over 1,100 physical therapists and significantly advancing the profession within the state.

Early Development and Growth
The program's foundation was laid by Elizabeth Barnett and Julie Stephens, physical therapists who secured funding to establish a curriculum and recruit the first director, Elizabeth Barnett, MS, in 1973. The inaugural class of three students graduated in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. Community therapists and faculty collaborated to teach coursework, a tradition of professional partnership that continues today.

Throughout the next two decades, the program expanded in size and infrastructure. By 1989, a move to the Health Sciences and Services Building provided much-needed consolidation of office and classroom spaces. The 1990s ushered in further academic and curricular developments, including the transition to a Master's in Physical Therapy (MPT) in 2001.

Transition to Doctoral Education
Responding to evolving professional standards, the program began offering a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree in 2009, graduating its first DPT class in 2012. Faculty and staff implemented innovative curricular enhancements such as flipped classrooms and standardized exams to support student success. These efforts have resulted in an exceptional 100% pass rate on the National Physical Therapy Examination, positioning UNM among the top programs nationwide.

Commitment to Diversity and Community Impact
Rooted in the culturally rich and diverse city of Albuquerque, the program emphasizes serving underserved populations, particularly in rural and minority-majority communities. Its alignment with the missions of UNM, the Health Sciences Center, and the School of Medicine underscores this commitment. Strategic goals focus on fostering diversity among students, advancing physical therapy education and research, and engaging with New Mexico's communities through outreach and professional development.

Innovation and Leadership
The UNM PT Program prides itself on its faculty's accomplishments and leadership within the field. Faculty members are recognized nationally and internationally as experts in their specialties, leading initiatives that enhance education, research, and clinical practice. Their scholarly contributions include research funded by intramural and extramural grants, publications in top-tier journals, and presentations at professional conferences.

At the helm of the program is Dr. Beth Moody Jones, a visionary leader and accomplished educator, who serves as Division Chief. Dr. Moody Jones is a trailblazer in the field and has elevated the program’s national profile through her role as Secretary of the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT). Her position enables her to influence academic standards and the future direction of physical therapy education across the country. Under her guidance, the UNM PT Program has achieved key milestones, including enhanced curricular innovations, expanded residency opportunities, and the cultivation of a robust mentorship culture that supports both students and faculty.

Faculty-driven initiatives, such as the mentorship program pairing students with seasoned professionals, and the establishment of endowed scholarships, demonstrate their commitment to supporting students' academic and professional success. The faculty also spearheaded the development of the Gait and Motion Analysis Lab, showcasing their dedication to integrating cutting-edge research and clinical practice.

In addition to research and teaching, faculty members have played pivotal roles in professional organizations, state-level policy discussions, and interprofessional collaborations. Their achievements include receiving the APTA’s Dorothy E. Baethke-Eleanor J. Carlin Award for Excellence in Academic Teaching, UNM School of Medicine Excellence in Teaching and Curricular leadership awards, leading groundbreaking research projects, and mentoring students who have gone on to assume leadership roles in healthcare and academia. It was the current faculty that helped change the NM Practice rules related to Dry Needling.

The program has also launched post-graduate residency programs in orthopedics and women’s health, a testament to the faculty’s vision and dedication. These programs not only address critical needs in New Mexico but also provide advanced training opportunities for graduates, ensuring they are well-equipped to lead in their fields.

As the UNM PT Program continues to grow, its faculty and leadership remain at the forefront of innovation, ensuring that the program’s mission to “advance physical therapy” is realized through exceptional education, research, and service.