Meet Our Students

Current Students

  • Emma Jaffe
  • Emma Jaffe
  • Class of 2026
  • Why did you choose Rutgers DPT 4+3 Program?: I chose the Rutgers DPT 4+3 Program because the field PT, graduate school, and just general course requirements can seem very daunting at times. Within the program, I knew having the support system of my peers and our amazing advisor would allow for my experience to be a much smoother process. Being in the PT program definitely makes me feel more confident that I am on the right track, taking all of the courses I need to be taking, and overall just makes me feel like I am not alone in the process of reaching my PT goals.

What made you want to become a Physical Therapist? 
Growing up watching my mom as a nurse in the healthcare system, it really inspired me to follow a similar path. With that being said, from a very young age I knew healthcare could be a satisfying career path for me. In addition, growing up as a dancer I knew I could never have a job where I was stagnant and being able to obtain a career where I was always on the move was a goal for me. After shadowing multiple physical therapists, I realized that PT was my dream job. For me, PT was a career path that combined the want I had to improve people’s quality of life and maintained the activeness I longed for in a career. Now, after learning much more about the career, working a job as a PT aide, and being involved in the PT-concentration, I can confidently say I have made the right choice.

How do you think this program has helped you prepare for graduate school?
This program has definitely helped me prepare for graduate school. To elaborate, having a set schedule of course recommendations, the push to volunteer/shadow/etc, and the encouragement to be involved/obtain a leadership position allows for us students to have a step up in the application process. By making sure we are involved and on the right track with everything, it prepares us and allows us to feel much more confident that we are doing everything we can to be a good candidate for graduate school.

A fun fact about me is that I am a twin and she goes to RU with me!

  • How did you decide on your major?
    I chose my major after observing a variety of physical therapy settings prior to and during my freshman year of college, including early intervention, outpatient clinics, and special education environments. These firsthand experiences solidified my interest in a career within the medical field. After researching the academic programs offered at Rutgers, I found that Exercise Science with a Pre-PT concentration aligned perfectly with my long-term goals of becoming a physical therapist.

    What is it about your chosen field (and the department) that appeals to you?
    What draws me to physical therapy is the wide range of settings and patient populations available, allowing for flexibility in shaping your career around your personal and professional goals. The ability to build meaningful connections with patients and provide empathetic, hands-on care is incredibly fulfilling. Within the department, the DPT 4+3 program has been instrumental in guiding my academic journey. The structured path, along with the support and resources provided, has made managing a demanding course load much more achievable.

    Do you have a favorite class/professor within your major?
    Two of my favorite classes have been Systems Physiology with Professor Nelson and Exercise and Aging with Professor Malamug. Both professors brought genuine passion and clarity to their teaching, and despite the size of the classes, they made an effort to learn students' names and foster a welcoming, supportive learning environment.

    What are your favorite academic experiences outside of your major?
    Outside of my major, I’ve really enjoyed the wide range of electives Rutgers offers. These courses have added balance and variety to my schedule. One standout was Theater Appreciation, a course I’d recommend to any first-year student. It offered a creative and relaxing break from the intensity of my science-heavy coursework while still being engaging and enjoyable.

    What are your other Rutgers activities?
    In addition to serving as the student representative for the Pre-PT concentration and actively participating in the DPT 4+3 program, I spend much of my free time enjoying the outdoors and socializing with friends. During the warmer months, I love exploring the various Rutgers campuses—especially Cook/Douglass and College Ave’s Voorhees Mall—which offer beautiful scenery and a peaceful escape from academic demands. These moments of balance have been essential to maintaining well-being throughout my college experience.

    What are your plans following graduation?
    After graduation, I plan to attend the Rutgers DPT program in Newark to earn my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. I'm excited to deepen my knowledge of the field and collaborate with peers who share the same passion. While I’m currently interested in working with the geriatric population, I’m open to exploring wherever the profession leads me as I gain more experience.