PT Solutions is extending its people-centered approach to support the local physical therapy community through a gift to the School of Health & Human Sciences (SHHS) at IU Indianapolis.
Driven by a desire to grow services for students, practitioners, and patients, PT Solutions (PTS) committed nearly $277,500 to IU’s physical therapy (PT) students and program over the next three years. The gift will establish the PT Solutions Student Success Fund with the IU Foundation to incentivize top students to choose IU, as well as provide additional funding for students who commit to working with PTS post-graduation.
“This collaboration contributes to health–care workforce expansion in Indiana, addressing regional shortages, and subsequently ensuring ample job opportunities for our graduates,” said Rafael Bahamonde, founding SHHS dean. “This gift and grant will foster a mutually beneficial ecosystem for education, workforce development, and employment stability.”
The funds also help address the rising costs of education and the simultaneous growing need for health–care providers and physical therapists in Indiana, he added.
“Since entering the Indianapolis market in 2020, PT Solutions has been drawn to the renowned physical therapy program at IU due to its reputation for excellence in education and values alignment,” noted Matthew Butler, director of strategic partnerships at PT Solutions Physical Therapy.
Butler quickly established a connection with William Thompson, associate professor of physical therapy. The two initially teamed up on behalf of students in a few ways, including support of an existing student-led golf fundraiser for scholarships and a PTS clinical experience for students.
But for Butler, who is a licensed physical therapist, the motivation to collaborate with the school grew beyond events and experiences.
“It’s very personal,” he said. “We want to be a partner in access to care. So many people can’t get to their appointments, or appointments are not available. It’s important to have options forpeople.”
For students such as PT’s Bailey Roney, the opportunity is priceless.
A third–year Doctor of Physical Therapy student, Roney just finished an eight-week clinical rotation with a PTS rehabilitation team at Ascension St. Vincent in Salem, Indiana.
“I am incredibly excited to work with the amazing team in Salem that has been such an integral part of my learning experience as a student, and then have them again as a novice clinician in the fall,” Roney said. “I also greatly look forward to the opportunities ahead that will be made possible with the scholarship that PT Solutions has offered me as a soon-to-be graduate.”
As a gesture of goodwill and commitment, PT Solutions provided a one-time bridge scholarship for third-year students to apply for similar funding that future students will receive from IU. Roney, who will start with PTS full time in August, was selected for this opportunity.
Mark Gaines, vice president of development at IU Indianapolis, said this collaboration demonstrates the power and impact of values-driven corporate relationships.
“Such corporate support plays a vital role in attracting and retaining students, paving the way for their success beyond graduation,” Gaines shared. “They are a testament to the power of synergy between industry and academia in advancing the well-being of individuals and communities.”
The first IU PT Solutions scholarships will be awarded officially later this spring.
About PT Solutions Physical Therapy
Founded in 2003 by CEO Dale Yake, PT Solutions Physical Therapy is a privately held physical therapy practice based in Atlanta, Georgia, with more than 550 points of service across 25 states. PT Solutions provides physical and occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, athletic training, and sports medicine services in outpatient, inpatient rehabilitation, and acute care settings.
Through its accredited residency program, PTS educates, trains, and trusts its professionals to provide research-supported care in hospitality-driven and service-oriented environments. While outpatient physical therapy is their focus, PTS also offers occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and sports medicine in inpatient and outpatient settings.
Earning a place on Inc. 5000’s list of fastest-growing private companies for nine consecutive years, PT Solutions continues to expand its national footprint through its unique model of hospital partnerships, private acquisitions, and de novo clinics. For more information on PT Solutions Physical Therapy and a complete list of locations, please visit PTSolutions.com.