Graduate programs reflect on year marked by student achievement and community engagement

Located in central Indiana’s burgeoning health and life sciences hub, the Graduate Health Professions programs at the Indiana University Indianapolis School of Health & Human Sciences (SHHS) combine rigorous, integrated curricula with robust experiential learning opportunities to drive student success. With exceptional pass rates on national certification exams and a strong commitment to service and community-engaged learning, the programs enable students to attain high levels of practice readiness.

Skills on Wheels participant shares a special moment with occupational therapy students.

“Our graduate programs in physician assistant studies, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and nutrition and dietetics are intentionally designed to build a strong foundation in theory, clinical reasoning,and evidence-based practice,” said Jennifer Piatt, PhD, CTRS, chair and associate professor, Department of Graduate Health Professions. “Academic rigor and real-world learning, coupled with faculty mentorship and individualized guidance, prepare our students for leadership in health care.”

Following are some program-specific highlights for 2025.

Physician Assistant Studies

• Students achieved a 100% pass rate on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE).

• The program implemented key curriculum revisions aimed at enhancing students’ preparation for clinical rotations.

• Continuing in 2025, students in the clinical year benefit from individualized assessment and performance tracking, allowing program leaders to identify trends early and partner with students on tailored plans for success.

Physician assistant studies students provide an educational lesson to local elementary school students.

“Our 100% pass rate reflects several years of intentional, student-centered improvements to our curriculum and assessment systems,” said Lauren Gilliam, MPAS, CHA/PA-C, physician assistant students program director. “This, combined with proactive academic support, meaningful clinical experiences, and strong faculty/student relationships, created the foundation to help our Class of 2025 achieve this outstanding result.”

Occupational Therapy (OT)

• The OT program partnered with NeuroHope to offer free Skills on Wheels training for adults. The program expands on the SHHS’ existing wheelchair training program for children, which launched in 2021 and is the only pediatric wheelchair training course of its kind in the United States. In addition, Tony Chase, PhD, faculty leader of Skills on Wheels, presented at the Oceania Seating Symposium conference in New Zealand.

• As part of the program’s technology in OT course, students adapted toys for children.

• Second-year OT student and Indianapolis Colts cheerleader Morgan McLa received national news coverage for using American Sign Language to communicate with a young fan attending his first Colts game.

• OT students continue to excel on the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam with 100% pass rates in 2023 and 2024.

An occupational therapy student and NeuroHope staff assist a Skills on Wheels participant.

“Learning is scaffolded across the didactic courses, labs, fieldwork and capstone experiences so students can progressively integrate and apply knowledge with increasing confidence,” said Julie Bednarski, OTD, MHS, OTR, occupational therapy program director. “Our faculty are committed to providing strong mentorship, and with support from our professional development resources, students grow in self-assessment, goal setting, and readiness for practice.”

Physical Therapy (PT)

• Students continued the program’s longstanding track record of a 100% pass rate on the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE).

• PT moved into new space with state-of-the-art teaching and research areas that include a new high–tech gait lab and functional assessment areas for research.

• IU PT initiated innovative support programs for students while they are in school, enabling them to develop skills to maintain health and well-being as practicing professionals.

• This year marks the 10th anniversary of GoBabyGo!, a popular program organized and executed by PT students, which furnishes adapted battery-powered cars and four wheelers to children with disabilities.

A physical therapy student shares a special moment with a GoBabyGo participant during evaluation day.

“Our program is committed to community-based service through programs that serve older adults, children with disabilities, people with neurological health conditions, and underserved communities in Indianapolis,” said Kristine Miller, PhD, PT, physical therapy program director. “This past year, 89% of our students participated in community-based service-learning opportunities.”

Nutrition and Dietetics

• The program earned full accreditation for the professional doctoral program in Nutrition and Dietetics.

• Three students presented work at the Food and Nutrition Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.

• The program celebrated the launch of the Nutrition and Wellness Club at IU Indianapolis.

Nutrition and dietetics students smile for a photo after completing final presentations.

“This has been an exciting and productive year for nutrition and dietetics at IU Indianapolis,” said JoAnne Whelan, PhD, RDN, LD, nutrition and dietetics program director. “We received full accreditation for the professional doctoral program in nutrition and dietetics, and our new curricula with credit reductions for the doctorate in nutrition and dietetics program and the master of science plus dietetic internship program were approved by the university and Indiana state education commission.”

Learn more about the Graduate Health Professions Programs at the IU Indianapolis School of Health & Human Sciences: Physician Assistant Studies, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Nutrition and Dietetics.