Xavier University of Louisiana has partnered with the Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy at the University of Southern California to create a pipeline program for students studying physical therapy.
The new program will allow Xavier students to apply to the Early Assurance Program at the University of Southern California during the spring of their sophomore year. From there, USC will invite the most qualified candidates to interview on campus before their junior year at Xavier. Once accepted, students will begin receiving mentorship and individualized attention from USC faculty members, as well as summer opportunities to gain research and clinical experience.
“We ultimately want our profession to represent our patient population in every facet,” said Terry Richardson II, an instructor of clinical physical therapy at USC and a 2008 XULA graduate who helped forge the new partnership. “We specifically wanted to partner with XULA because they have been No. 1 in the U.S. for placing African-American students in health professional schools for well over 20 years.”
Dr. Richardson holds a bachelor of science degree from Xavier University of Louisiana and doctor of physical therapy degree from the University of Southern California.
