Clinical Support

One barrier to entry into many professional fields is when college students face financial costs related to internships, such as rent, travel and other living expenses. That’s why it is important for students and universities to make financial decisions that lead to sustainable and successful outcomes.

Part of Slippery Rock University’s mission is to provide the highest quality education at the lowest possible price, but for fields like physical therapy that require intensive clinical work to meet the standards within an accredited program, weeks of unpaid internships present a challenge for students.

Jesse Phlegar, ’23, was fortunate. A native of nearby Beaver Falls, Phlegar earned his doctorate in physical therapy at SRU while completing his clinical education locally at AHN Grove City Medical Center and clinics near Slippery Rock.

“You have to be mindful of how much money you’re spending while you’re in school and go somewhere to be able to save money on living expenses,” said Phlegar, who is now a physical therapist at Wise Physical Therapy in Slippery Rock. “Sometimes having the highest quality clinical education and experience comes at an expense, because there are only so many clinics around Slippery Rock.”

A cohort of 50 students in SRU’s DPT program must complete 30 weeks of full-time clinical work in their third year. Some students are able to live at home, but others commute long distances to hospitals or clinics and some temporarily relocate out of state for clinical opportunities in a variety of areas of practice, including pediatrics, sports, concussion, pelvic health and geriatrics.

Recognizing the financial challenge for students, the SRU Foundation and the Physical Therapy Program are raising funds to support DPT students through a new scholarship established in memory of an alumnus, the Dr. Michael J. Sharr ’82 Clinical Education Support Fund. Sharr founded a physical therapy clinic in Mercer in 2004 and was also a temporary instructor at SRU. He served as a clinical instructor and mentored physical therapy students throughout his career. When he passed away in 2023, his family created a memory fund to support SRU students.

Thanks to an initial donation of $2,137, the annually supported scholarship will provide money for students on their clinical rotations. The first scholarship will be awarded in 2025 through a selection committee of physical therapy professors.

“Mike wanted to give back to his profession and support students entering the field,” said Meg Michaels, SRU associate professor of physical therapy. “This is an important fund to support because it provides a gateway into the profession for our students. It helps give students more opportunities to explore optimal clinical sites and focus on their internship without having the stresses of working part-time jobs or taking on more debt to enhance their career. It moves them onto a great path forward.”

To learn more about supporting the Sharr Fund or donating to the University, contact University Advancement at 724.738.2004, email advancement@sru.edu, or click here.