Rutgers School of Health Professions

09/23/2026

A historic welcome to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Class of 2028.

This year’s cohort includes 23 students, the largest class in the 40+ year history of Rutgers School of Health Professions’ DMS program. Pictured here with their clinical coordinators after their first laboratory session, these future sonography professionals are officially beginning their SHP journey.

We’re proud to welcome the Class of 2028 and look forward to all they’ll accomplish in the classroom, the lab and beyond.

08/07/2026

Rutgers School of Health Professions is helping moms feel more supported through pregnancy and postpartum.

Through Maternal Wellness Solutions, moms can access practical guidance, trusted resources, and live virtual sessions focused on breastfeeding, perinatal mental health, and doula support.

Upcoming August events include:

The Brain-Boob Connection
August 11, 18 & 25 | 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.

Speak Up, Mama: Ask a Perinatal Therapist
August 19 | 12–1 p.m.

Spill the Tea, Meet a Doula: Ask the Questions You’ve Been Too Afraid to Ask
August 14 & 28 | 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.

Learn more and register:
https://sites.rutgers.edu/maternal-wellness-solutions/

Follow Maternal Wellness Solutions for helpful tips, resources, and ongoing support:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maternal.wellness.solutions/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61592699555670

07/29/2026

Join us in celebrating a standout year for the Rutgers School of Health Professions M.S. in Physician Assistant program.

Ranked #3 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools, the program has now reached another major milestone: the Class of 2026 achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination.

This achievement reflects the rigor of the program, the strength of its clinical and scientific training, and the dedication of our students, faculty, and staff.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026 and the entire PA program community.

07/20/2026

Join us in celebrating the Rutgers School of Health Professions Doctor of Physical Therapy program, ranked #1 in New Jersey, #2 in the tri-state area, and #40 among 277 programs nationwide in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings.

This recognition reflects the program’s academic excellence, outstanding faculty, and proven ability to prepare highly skilled physical therapists for today’s health care workforce.

Congratulations to the entire DPT community on this outstanding achievement.

We Are the Top Ranked DPT Program in New Jersey Our Doctor of Physical Therapy program is ranked #1 in NJ, #2 in the tri-state area, and #37 out of 245 programs in the U.S. Our highly ranked, entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program is now a 2.5 year, full-time degree program that prepares stu...

07/01/2026

Rutgers School of Health Professions faculty and students are advancing interprofessional education through the use of muscle ultrasound in nutrition care.

Muscle ultrasound is an emerging, non-invasive tool used to evaluate muscle mass and quality as part of a comprehensive nutrition assessment. Over the past year, Dr. Garth Nanni, Professor Samantha Taylor, and Professor Krista Donough have shared their sonography expertise to support DCN student Lian Cerella in developing this clinical skill.

Dr. Nanni and Lian are also collaborating on one of the first structured education trainings for dietetic students and dietitians, helping bring muscle ultrasound techniques into nutrition education and practice.

06/26/2026

Mentorship, connection, and community were at the center of this year’s Rutgers School of Health Professions faculty retreat.

With the theme “Finding Your People: Mentorship & Meaningful Faculty Connections,” faculty engaged in discussions and collaborative activities focused on career development, well-being, and professional growth. The retreat offered an important opportunity to connect across campuses, departments, and disciplines while recognizing the collective strengths of the SHP community.

These conversations will continue to shape how SHP supports faculty success, academic leadership, and a strong culture of collaboration.

06/24/2026

“Being a PA is about meeting patients where they are.”

Rutgers School of Health Professions PA student Nichole Geist has been named the 2026 PA Student of the Year by the American Academy of Physician Associates, recognizing her leadership, service, and commitment to accessible, team-based care.

With more than 700 verified hours of community service, Nichole’s impact spans patient education, health equity initiatives, student leadership, and support for underserved communities.

Read the full AAPA story on how Nichole is helping shape the future of the PA profession:
https://www.aapa.org/news-central/2026/05/2026-pa-student-of-the-year-champions-access-education-and-team-based-care/

06/19/2026

In early June, the Rutgers School of Health Professions faculty, students, alumni, and staff supported Special Olympics New Jersey’s Healthy Athletes Health Promotion exhibit during the annual Summer Games at The College of New Jersey.

Led by Dr. Thea Cogan-Drew and Dr. Jennifer Bridenbaugh, the SHP team provided health screenings and education in areas including blood pressure, nutrition, hydration, physical activity, sun safety, and bone mineral density. Together, they served more than 250 athletes, each receiving individualized findings and referral information to support their health and wellness.

It was a powerful weekend of service, learning, and celebration alongside athletes whose victories extended far beyond competition.

06/17/2026

What if PA students could practice complex patient conversations again and again before entering high-stakes clinical settings?

A new Rutgers School of Health Professions HEALS Innovation Grant will support a project using virtual simulated patients to help PA students strengthen communication and critical thinking skills.

The initiative explores how AI-driven patient encounters can expand access to structured, repeatable clinical practice while supporting performance in OSCEs and clinical training.

At Rutgers SHP, innovation is not abstract. It is being used to prepare students for the moments that matter most in patient care.

05/20/2026

Rutgers School of Health Professions is pleased to announce that the Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant program has achieved initial accreditation.

This milestone reflects the work of the OTA program faculty, staff, students, and community partners who contributed to the development of a rigorous, practice-focused program designed to prepare students for meaningful careers in occupational therapy.

Congratulations to the Rutgers OTA program on this important achievement.