Buffalo, NY - A group of kinesiology students received a preview of life as a physical therapist, when they spent a weekend learning advanced rehabilitation techniques alongside clinical professionals.
Students get early exposure to physical therapy careers
Braden Tent '26, Lauren Drager '26 and Roslyn Stein '26, from the sports and exercise health care program, were selected from a competitive field to participate in the Buffalo Rehab Group Clinical Excellence Symposium. The students, who plan to pursue graduate studies in physical therapy, trained in three specialized areas: pelvic health, neurological rehabilitation, and athletic performance.
The symposium combined self-paced online coursework with hands-on lab sessions led by Buffalo Rehab Group's residency directors and clinical experts. Students earned continuing education credits while gaining practical skills they can apply in future patient care settings.
"Braden, Lauren and Roslyn represented Canisius with professionalism and enthusiasm," said Karl F. Kozlowski, PhD, professor and chair of the Department of Kinesiology and associate dean for the School of Behavioral and Health Studies. "Their participation in this symposium reflects their commitment to clinical excellence and their readiness to take the next step toward becoming physical therapists."
Partnership strengthens pathways for students to graduate physical therapy programs
The experience offered students an inside look at evolving standards in rehabilitation practice, knowledge that will serve them as they transition from undergraduate study to doctoral programs in physical therapy.
Kozlowski thanked Eric Herman, PT, FAFS, partner and chief clinical officer of Buffalo Rehab Group, for providing this learning opportunity and for his continued partnership in supporting student professional development.
The Department of Kinesiology at Canisius offers undergraduate programs in Health and Wellness and Sports and Exercise Health Care, an undergraduate minor in Strength and Conditioning, and graduate programs in Exercise Science and Sports Performance.
Canisius was founded in 1870 in Buffalo, NY, and is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the U.S. Consistently ranked among the top institutions in the Northeast, Canisius offers undergraduate, graduate and pre-professional programs distinguished by close student-faculty collaboration, mentoring and an emphasis on ethical, purpose-driven leadership.
