Central ND News

Corbin Olson, a third-year Doctor of Physical Therapy student at the University of Mary, has been elected as the 2025 national chairman of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Student Council. As chairman, Olson will represent over 30,000 student members to the APTA Board of Directors and staff.

Olson expressed his sense of duty in this new role: “I think this is a huge privilege and responsibility, as I will be responsible for leading the charge of representing all 30,000 student members, including my classmates here at Mary, to the APTA Board of Directors and staff.” He also shared his enthusiasm about participating in significant meetings since his election.

This achievement is notable for the University of Mary as Olson becomes the first student from its health sciences programs to secure a national leadership position within a professional association. Dr. Mary Dockter, dean of the Saint Gianna School of Health Sciences, commented on Olson's accomplishment: “Corbin’s achievement reflects both his dedication to the field and the support he has received from our faculty and program.”

Olson transferred to the University of Mary from another institution and attributes his success to the mentorship he received there. He remarked on his journey: “The Lord led me on this wonderful journey to the University of Mary.”

The University’s DPT program admits 48 students annually and is known for its competitive nature. Applications are currently open for fall 2025. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice and offers hands-on experience in physical therapy treatment along with training in research and preventive care. It includes an Early Assurance initiative for high school seniors and undergraduates at Mary, alongside a Priority Admissions plan for those transferring into the doctoral program.

DPT students gain clinical education through full-time placements across various U.S. sites and international service-learning opportunities in Guatemala. Additionally, they participate in a pro-bono clinic providing community services under faculty supervision.