The at 91 has partnered with Shenandoah University to create a streamlined process for granting priority status to five undergraduate students from George Mason’s Program for admission into Shenandoah University's doctor of physical therapy (DPT) program.
Eligible students must obtain a bachelor of science degree in kinesiology conferred by George Mason and meet all requirements as specified in the admissions agreement. Matriculation of the first group of George Mason students accepted for admission into the DPT Program under this new process will take place in the fall of 2027. Students will be required to enroll on a full-time basis.
This partnership creates a transparent pathway from undergraduate education into graduate study and helps students understand the academic expectations of a competitive DPT program earlier in their undergraduate careers. It also creates opportunities for continued dialogue about student preparation, evolving workforce needs, curriculum alignment, and future partnerships that can further expand educational opportunities across allied health professions. This will ensure that George Mason students continue to receive the preparation needed to be competitive applicants—not only for Shenandoah, but for physical therapy programs nationwide.
The admissions agreement between George Mason and Shenandoah is the outcome of a collaboration between faculty at both institutions. George Mason alumna Anne Blackstone, an assistant professor at Shenandoah, received a PhD in Education with a concentration in kinesiology from George Mason in 2024. She recently approached CEHD to explore the idea of establishing a partnership between the institutions.
Blackstone and her colleague Aaron Hartstein, director of Shenandoah's Division of Physical Therapy, presented their perspective on what a DPT articulation agreement with George Mason might look like, based on similar agreements Shenandoah has with several regional universities.
There is growing demand for physical therapists in Virginia. According to a from the American Physical Therapy Association published in March 2025, the demand for full-time physical therapists is projected to grow in Virginia from 6,580 in 2022 to 7,540 in 2037, representing a 14.59% increase. This highlights the need for strong educational partnerships that prepare the next generation of health care professionals.
Blackstone and Hartstein praised George Mason's Kinesiology Program, which is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. "Partnering with George Mason allows us to build a direct pipeline for high-caliber kinesiology students who already possess a strong academic foundation,” said Hartstein. “By expanding our articulation network to include George Mason, we make top-tier doctoral education seamlessly accessible right here in Northern Virginia, allowing students to complete their doctor of physical therapy degree at our Loudoun campus and step directly into serving the growing health care needs of our local communities."
Shenandoah's location makes it convenient for many George Mason graduates to continue their education close to where they already live and work, maintaining their professional and community connections while supporting the health care workforce needs of Northern Virginia.
For George Mason, the agreement showcases its Kinesiology Program as an excellent preparation pathway for students pursuing careers in physical therapy and other health care fields. This helps to elevate the visibility of the program and also defines the course prerequisites and other requirements for admission into the DPT program. This will provide students with a high level of certainty that they are completing the necessary coursework to reach their professional goals.
Another important benefit of the articulation agreement is that it allows students greater exposure to practicing physical therapists who are on the Shenandoah faculty and who have developed professional networks that could provide students valuable access to mentorship, clinical experiences, and future employment opportunities.
"George Mason students who are granted admission to the DPT program through this pathway will have an opportunity to train under practicing physical therapists,” said , academic program coordinator and associate professor in George Mason's Kinesiology Program. “Those students will be able to leverage the benefits of early exposure and referral opportunities that could eventually help them obtain career positions in the physical therapy profession. This will give them a competitive advantage in securing a job once they complete their doctoral program."
Overall, the agreement between George Mason and Shenandoah represents more than an admissions pathway. It is a strategic partnership that supports regional workforce development, enhances enrollment opportunities for George Mason, and creates meaningful benefits for students, both institutions, and the future of health care in Virginia.
For more information on the new admissions process, see .