NSU Horizons Fall 2011

Last April, the Tampa SEC introduced NSU’s first physical therapy program in the Tampa Bay area. Launched as a hybrid program, it combines classroom instruction with online classes. The program offers students a Hybrid Entry-Level Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, or D.P.T., from NSU’s College of Allied Health and Nursing. “This innovative D.P.T. program provides qualified, nontraditional students, such as working adults, with the opportunity to become physical therapists,” said Mary Blackinton, PT, Ed.D., GCS, associ- ate program director of the physical therapy program in Tampa. “Our blended learning design creates a strong, interactive learning commu- nity supported by the outstanding technological resources of NSU.” The Tampa SEC also is offering a Master of Health Science with a specialization in Anesthesi- ologist Assistant program that features coveted hospital-based clinical rotations available to students in their final semesters. SEC students also participate in NSU’s Dual Admission Program, where achieving students who maintain a high grade point average specific to their program are assured places in one of NSU’s graduate or professional schools while earning their bachelor’s degrees. Academics at the SECs are held to the same standards as all NSU programs. “These aren’t watered-down programs. The students are getting the same quality education as they would get on our main campus,” said DePiano. The SECs not only serve students, but also are intended to be vital community partners. In Fort Myers, NSU is part of the Civilian Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps. “Our students have been trained and are mobilized to help in case of an emergency,” said Pepe. Community groups can use the facilities for meetings and training seminars. NSU alumni in each area are encouraged to visit and make use of the SECs for business, networking, and social events. “We’d like to see alumni chapters established and housed out of each of these centers, and that goal is not far off,” said DePiano. Graduating students of the SECs can count them- selves among proud NSU alumni who have had an academic and collegiate experience of excellence that is no different than their colleagues at the main campus. “A lot of our students see the benefit of getting a large campus experience in a more close-knit environment,” said Pepe. n Fort Myers 3650 Colonial Court Fort Myers, Florida 33913-6636 Regional Director and Interim Executive Director: Joe Pepe (239) 274-6070 • 800-541-6682 nsu-swflorida@nova.edu Jacksonville 6675 Corporate Center Parkway Suite 115 Jacksonville, Florida 32216-8080 Regional Director: Kathy Sandusky (904) 245-8910 nsu-jacksonville@nova.edu Miami 8585 SW 124th Avenue Miami, Florida 33183-4600 Director: Ricardo Belmar (305) 274-1021 • 800-541-6682 nsu-miami@nova.edu Nassau, Bahamas 8 Jean Street c/o BBCC P.O. Box EE 15958 Nassau, Bahamas Director: Juliett V. Reid (242) 364-6766 nsu-bahamas@nova.edu 30 horizons Students at the Orlando SEC