Valerie Rucker-Bussie Joins Rizing Tide as Community Development Officer

Professional headshot of Dr. Valerie Rucker-Bussie, PT, DPT, NCS. Behind the photo is a desaturated blue and beige background with a circle made of wavy lines.

Rizing Tide is excited to welcome Valerie Rucker-Bussie, PT, DPT, NCS, as its new Community Development Officer. A seasoned physical therapist with a strong focus on workforce development, Valerie brings extensive experience to the table—alongside a fiery passion for improving lives. We recently sat down with Valerie to learn more about her journey, her vision…

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From Entrepreneur to PT Advocate: Meet Rizing Tide Scholar Li Chen

Li Chen smiling slightly while on a virtual phone call. Next to her, green text reads "Rizing Tide, Li Chen, 2023 Crest Scholar."

This is the fourth installment of the 2023 Rizing Tide Lighthouse Series: a series of blogs and video interviews that spotlight our exceptional scholars. Stay tuned for the next installment! Li Chen’s hard work and dedication have taken her far in life—ultimately helping her excel in Duke University’s doctor of physical therapy (DPT) program. As…

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How to Prepare for Physical Therapy School

Illustration of a person standing at a fork in the road. Each road leads to a school house, but each path is dotted with hazards and pitfalls.

Journeying toward a doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degree is an incredibly rewarding pursuit. DPTs change their patients’ lives each and every day, offering support and a helping hand to many people who are experiencing life lows. But the DPT journey itself is far from effortless. From crafting a perfect application to surmounting serious financial…

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6 Equitable Hiring Practices to Help You Diversify Your DPT Clinic

On a blue background, six illustrated resumes with photos of various people are spread out in a pyramid shape. A magnifying glass emphasizes the image of the middle applicant.

Let us put on our fortune-teller hat and make some guesses about who you are. You are a hiring manager, HR representative, or clinic leader—and your physical therapy clinic needs help. Your patient population is unique. Whether you treat a large number of Spanish-speakers or Black postpartum parents, you’ve noticed that your patients have distinct…

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