MedStar Health Offers $100,000 in Scholarships to Address Physical Therapist Shortage in DMV Area
MedStar Health, a health care system in the DMV area, has taken a proactive approach to address the current physical therapist shortage by offering five $20,000 scholarships to Marymount University physical therapy students. This initiative aims to not only support students pursuing a career in physical therapy but also to combat the growing shortage of physical therapists in the region.
One of the recipients of the scholarship, Marymount University physical therapy student Jenna Kniceley, expressed her gratitude for the financial assistance and shared her passion for working in a healthcare setting. With the support of MedStar Health, students like Kniceley have the opportunity to participate in educational workshops and shadowing experiences to further enhance their skills and knowledge in the field.
The shortage of physical therapists is not just a local issue but a nationwide concern. According to a report by Definitive Healthcare, around 22,000 physical therapists left the workforce in 2021. However, there is hope for the future as the U.S. Department of Labor projects a 15% growth in employment for physical therapists from 2022-2032, which is significantly higher than the average growth rate for all occupations.
John Brickley, the vice president of MedStar Health Physical Therapy, emphasized the importance of addressing the healthcare worker shortage, including physical therapists, to ensure that patients in the community have access to the care they need. By offering financial assistance and unique educational opportunities, MedStar Health hopes to attract future physical therapy students to the region and ultimately alleviate the shortage of physical therapists in the DMV area.
With the contribution of $100,000 in scholarships to Marymount University students, MedStar Health’s initiative is a step towards finding a local solution to the nationwide issue of physical therapist shortages. This program not only supports aspiring physical therapists but also ensures that patients in the community have access to quality care in the future.
