Programs in physical therapy, nursing to expand in Oxford

Programs in physical therapy, nursing to expand in Oxford

The University of Mississippi Medical Center is bringing physical therapy education to north Mississippi, adding a Doctor of Physical Therapy program in Oxford to meet growing demand for licensed physical therapists across the state.

"Expanding opportunities for our physical therapy students makes our program stronger on both campuses," said Dr. LouAnn Woodward, UMMC vice chancellor for health affairs. "We're addressing the high demand for skilled physical therapists in Mississippi as part of training the next generation of health care professionals in our state."

The School of Health Related Professions will begin offering the physical therapy program in Oxford in May 2028. Students who meet admission criteria will be eligible to apply in summer 2027 for one of 35 slots, adding to the 50 available at the Medical Center in Jackson.

"Serving the health and well-being of Mississippians is central to our mission as the state's flagship university and only academic medical center," said Noel Wilkin, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Mississippi. "These expansions create meaningful opportunities for students entering high-demand professions while broadening access to skilled care across the state."

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program, along with radiologic sciences and occupational therapy, is among the largest at SHRP. UMMC awarded 49 Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees to graduates at spring 2026 commencement exercises and has maintained a nearly 95% graduation rate over the past two years. Dr. Jacob Daniels, associate professor and 2016 alumnus of the program, will lead the Oxford program.

The expansion builds on UMMC's substantial and accelerating momentum in health care education across north Mississippi. The School of Nursing currently serves approximately 200 students in Oxford through its traditional and accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs. The accelerated BSN program will grow from 80 to 90 students in 2027, supported by recently completed classroom and laboratory renovations at the South Oxford Center. Planning is also underway to significantly expand the traditional BSN program, creating a robust and growing pipeline of highly trained nurses to meet Mississippi's urgent workforce demands and improve access to quality care across Mississippi.

"Our growing clinical partnerships open doors for accessibility to high-level acuity experiences for students to practice safe, direct patient care. Combined, these efforts reflect our commitment to building a stronger pipeline of high quality, well-prepared RNs to meet the workforce needs across Mississippi," said Dr. Tina Martin, dean of the School of Nursing.

The physical therapy program brings a strong track record to Oxford. Nearly 92% of PT students at UMMC the past two years passed licensure the first time, according to data from the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. The program has a 98.9% ultimate pass rate the past two years, the data shows.

Oxford students will have access to the same residency opportunities that have grown at the Medical Center, including hands-on sports residency positions that now include time in NFL training rooms and a new orthopaedics residency alongside existing programs in neurology and pediatrics.

"By expanding physical therapy education to Oxford, we are investing in Mississippi's future health care workforce. Students will benefit from the hands-on training and clinical excellence that come from being part of Mississippi's only academic health sciences center while helping address the growing need for physical therapists across our state," said Dr. John Garner, dean of the UMMC School of Health Related Professions.