Our program prepares you for a career and certification in personal training or strength and conditioning. You will gain a solid foundation for athletic training, coaching, and other sport-related areas. You will also complete a six-hour internship with your coursework. If you are interested in becoming an allied health professional, our program provides you with the knowledge, skills, and experience to work in commercial, corporate fitness, and cardiac rehabilitation settings.

Dr. Baweja works with a student over a table

Welcome Message From Director

Harsimran S Baweja

Dear Aspiring Physical Therapists,

I am thrilled to extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you to the Auburn Family as you embark on this incredible journey as the charter cohort of the Auburn University Physical Therapy Program. This marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in your academic and professional lives, and I am honored to be your Program Director.

Your decision to join our program reflects your dedication to the field of physical therapy and your commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others. As the inaugural class, you have a unique opportunity to shape the culture and traditions of our program, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations of students.

Throughout your time here, you will be challenged intellectually, encouraged to think critically, and supported in your pursuit of excellence. Our distinguished faculty members are not only experts in their respective specializations but also passionate educators who are committed to your success. They will serve as your mentors, guiding you through coursework, clinical experiences, and research endeavors. 

In addition to academic rigor, we place great emphasis on fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with peers, learning from each other's experiences and perspectives. Together, we will cultivate a community of lifelong learners dedicated to advancing the field of physical therapy.

As you embark on this journey, remember that you are not alone. You are part of a close-knit community that is here to support you every step of the way. We are your Auburn Family. Whether you need academic guidance, personal support, or simply someone to talk to, know that our doors are always open.

I sincerely encourage you to embrace every opportunity that comes your way, to challenge yourself, and to never stop pursuing your dreams. Your passion for physical therapy has brought you here, and I have no doubt that you will leave a lasting impact on our profession.

Once again, welcome to the Auburn University Physical Therapy Program! I am excited to witness your growth and achievements over the coming years. 

WAR EAGLE!

Harsimran S Baweja PT PhD
Director, Physical Therapy

Program Faculty

Harsimran Baweja
Harsimran Baweja
Director, Physical Therapy
Niyati Shah
Niyati Shah
Director of Physical Therapy Clinical Education
Ryan M. Babl
Ryan M. Babl
Assistant Professor
Blair Saale, DPT
Blair Saale, DPT
Associate Clinical Professor

Program Staff

Caroline Kirkham
Caroline Kirkham
Admissions Advisor
Sarah Beckum
Sarah Beckum
Administrative Support Associate
Lauren Einhorn
Lauren Einhorn
Administrator, Business & Admin Services
Robin Martin
Robin Martin
Director, Academic Advising
Miranda Nobles
Miranda Nobles
Communications and Marketing Specialist

News

An Auburn faculty member and students work lead a community member through physical therapy exercises

Supported by the generosity of the Auburn Family, Auburn's distinctive physical therapy program is grounded by experiential learning and meaningful community impact and fueled by real-world research.

An artist rendering of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program

October is National Physical Therapy Month, and Auburn is gearing up to launch its inaugural Doctor of Physical Therapy program next summer.

a physical therapist helps a woman stretch her core

The husband-and-wife team of Harsimran Baweja and Niyati Shah will lead the new Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program in Auburn University’s School of Kinesiology,

A physical therapist works with an athlete in a lab.

Students interested in a career in health care will want to attend Auburn University’s Health Care Industry Week lineup of events Oct. 28-Nov. 1.