We Are Better When We Rize Together

Every patient deserves to have access to affordable, effective care—and feel represented by their healthcare provider. That’s why we offer scholarships and career development to aspiring physical therapists. Our vision? A future rooted in inclusive excellence and exceptional leadership.

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We believe that physical therapy is for everyone.

Yet a major PT provider shortage and the high cost of care prevents many patients (especially those who are low-income or marginalized) from seeking the musculoskeletal care they need to lead a functional and pain-free life.

 

At Rizing Tide, we believe that supporting historically underrepresented student physical therapists through graduation will improve accessibility for all patients. More working providers with a wider net of cultural knowledge is a net positive to all! To that end, we provide scholarships, career development, and a supportive community to empower the next generation of DPT leaders.

 

Our Impact Since Launching in 2021

$1.7 million

Committed to further the education of Rizing Tide scholars

69 scholars

Supported from DPT and residency programs across the country

46 hours

Of premium live education (either virtual or in-person) provided to scholars to date

47 DPT programs

Represented amongst our four cohorts of scholars

1,100 applicants

Submitted an entry to earn a Rizing Tide scholarship

100% graduation

Rate amongst our four cohorts of scholars

Rizing Tide is a scholarship program—and a community, too.

Physical therapy school is notoriously tough to attend. Tuition is high, the curriculum is challenging, and sometimes students don’t have the rock-solid support they need to succeed. At Rizing Tide, we aim to relieve these pain points! In addition to financial aid, Rizing Tide empowers scholars by organizing:

  • Mentorship opportunities with industry leaders,
  • Quarterly educational sessions with expert speakers,
  • An all-expenses-paid trip to our annual in-person summit,
  • A community of like-minded students and residents, and
  • Opportunities and connections for clinical affiliations and future employment.

We are so much more than a scholarship program. We are a networking force, a professional development educator, and an avenue for mentorship and employment. We are a community!

Scholarships

Each year, Rizing Tide presents scholarships to 23 outstanding students who are on the path to earn their Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree or are furthering their PT education by pursuing a residency program. Scholarship recipients are selected by our Beachcombers committee on the basis of merit and potential future impact.

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Crest

Rizing Tide annually awards the Crest scholarship to incoming undergraduate DPT star studentsor PTAs attending a PT bridge programwho are conscientious, studious, and natural-born leaders with a passion for patient care.
 
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Surge

Rizing Tide annually awards the Surge scholarship to graduating DPT students who are on a quest to achieve personal excellence, provide exceptional patient care, and develop leadership skills through a residency program.
 
JFK

"A rising tide lifts all boats."

John F Kennedy

Resources

Abstract image of overlapping circles of various colors. Atop the circle reads "March is Women's History Month."

Honoring Women’s History Month: Celebrating the Women Who Shape Us

March marks Women’s History Month, a time to reflect on…

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Illustration of a Black woman in an orange shirt sitting at a desk that's surrounded by plants. She's looking at a book and a laptop and holding a pen, as if preparing to write.

Survival Skills for the New Era of PT: Reflections from the 2025 Graham Sessions

What do you get when you bring together some of…

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Rizing Tide Founder, Dr. Heidi Jannenga, stands in front of a window holding a microphone and speaking. She wears a gray blazer and dark jeans.

The Death of DEI in Healthcare: What it Means for Physical Therapy

Over the past four months, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives…

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