Altovise White worked as a massage therapist for about 15 years before deciding to make a career change.
“I knew that many of my clients were more therapeutic massage than relaxation,” the 38-year-old Atlanta native said. “Seeing the benefits of how physical therapy and massage can go hand in hand made me interested in helping people beyond relaxation.”
After completing her undergraduate degree in health science and pre-physical therapy, Altovise attended a virtual info session for the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at College of Saint Mary.
“I met the staff and learned about the program and the curriculum; I was very intrigued by it,” she said. “As a non-traditional student living in Atlanta, this program really fits my needs. I could still work, spend time with my family, and care for my father, who was sick at the time.”
CSM’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program offers a hybrid-learning and competency-based model with core faculty certified in online instruction. This model allows students to study from the comfort of their homes while attending six one-week on-campus program sessions throughout the year.
Altovise received her acceptance call two days after her father passed away. While her emotions were mixed, she was ecstatic to start the next chapter. But life sometimes made it difficult for her.
“At my age, I felt that initially, I wanted to give up, but I didn’t give up,” she said. “I’m glad I didn’t give up because my professors and those who were surrounding me here at College of Saint Mary would not let me give up. That’s why I really love this school.”
While online learning was something she had done before, Altovise said she prepared for the on-campus intensives and the opportunity to apply the skills she learned. She also looked forward to seeing her classmates.
“For me, it was challenging. But it was fun because you meet people from all walks of life. We have students from different cities, and we all come together,” she said. “You grow a bond with your fellow classmates because you’re all helping each other through the program. The bond is special.”
Altovise also has appreciated her relationships with her professors, who she said are willing to meet with their students one-on-one and are quick to respond to any questions a student might have.
“They care about your well-being, your education and who you want to be as a person,” she said.
Altovise began her 16-week clinical on May 1 at an outpatient orthopedic clinic in Atlanta. She’ll finish in December. She was still deciding between pediatrics or geriatrics as a specialty.
“I just want to work,” she said. “I know I can’t change the world, but I can make a difference.”
