UNCP senior Nathan Kelley plans to open his own gym one day.
One that would double as a clinic, allowing him to combine his love for physical fitness and physical therapy. Soon after he turns his tassel in May, Kelley will begin training at one of the nation’s top physical therapy programs.
Kelley has been accepted into Duke University’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program. It is ranked 10th in the nation, according to U.S. News and World Report.
“This is a great opportunity for me to expand my knowledge and network with so many of the top physical therapists in the profession,” he said. “With the resources and opportunities available at Duke, I plan to take full advantage of this opportunity.”
Kelley will be familiar with Duke’s campus after attending the Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) Summer Discovery Program this summer.
"I got a chance to tour the facilities. It was a great chance to see what the program had to offer and network with faculty, staff and students.”
Duke wasn’t on Kelley’s radar when he began researching physical therapy schools. That all changed after a recruiter visit his junior year.
Mya Shackleford, assistant director of Admissions with Duke’s PT Program, spoke to Kelley and fellow members of the N.C. Health Careers Access (NC-HCAP) Program at UNCP. Kelley serves as Pre-Physical Therapy President, a subdivision within the Health Careers Club.
An Exercise and Sports Science major, Kelley has been around sports all his life. He played football and ran track at John Motley Morehead High School in Eden. A newlywed, Kelley will cross the stage in the spring with his wife, Hannah, who will earn a Bachelor of Social Work degree.