Physical Therapy Meets Heart Health: Simmons University Student Leads Research
Exploring Cardiac Research as a Physical Therapy Student
Simmons University’s Health and Exercise Science + Physical Therapy DPT (4+3) program equips students for diverse healthcare paths, including focused cardiac research. Students can combine clinical rotations with capstone projects that investigate how everyday factors, such as caffeine consumption, impact heart function. This blend of practice and inquiry offers a clear roadmap to a career in sports, geriatrics, or pediatrics, all while contributing to scientific knowledge.
Hands‑On Learning at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Internships are an integral part of the Simmons curriculum. Senior Jennah Harvey’s 100‑hour placement at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center places her alongside leading cardiologists and cardiac physiologists. While she observes EKGs, stress tests, and echocardiograms, she simultaneously gathers data for her capstone on caffeine’s effect on resting heart rate.
What Students Gain
- Direct exposure to advanced cardiac diagnostic tools.
- Mentorship from physicians and exercise physiologists.
- A real‑world context for the biological‑psychological‑sociological model taught in class.
Designing a Capstone That Ties Physics to Patient Care
Students looking to research heart health should start with clear research questions. For instance, “How does energy‑drink‑related caffeine intake alter cardiac rhythm in college athletes?” A focused topic allows students to collect measurable data, analyze patterns, and present actionable conclusions to both the academic department and hospital partners.
Step‑by‑Step Planning
- Identify a clinical partner through the School of Health and Exercise Science.
- Obtain Institutional Review Board approval for data collection.
- Use wearable technologies and bedside devices to gather heart rate data before and after caffeine ingestion.
- Statistically analyze results and draft a journal‑ready manuscript.
Integrating Research Into Career Pathways
Understanding cardiac physiology is a transferable skill across many PT specialties. Rehabilitation for post‑myocardial‑infarction patients, secondary prevention in veteran programs, and exercise prescription for geriatric heart failure patients all benefit from a research‑savvy clinician. Simmons alumni who pursued these tracks emphasize that research experience accelerates their transition from campus to bedside.
Potential Specializations
- Pediatrics – tailoring exercise plans for children with congenital heart disease.
- Veterans’ Services – addressing combat‑related cardiac injuries.
- Geriatrics – managing age‑related arrhythmias through tailored therapy.
Resources for Aspiring PT Researchers
• Health and Exercise Science + PT DPT Program Overview
• Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center – Internship Opportunities
• Simmons University Research Center for Health Sciences
Take the Next Step Toward a Cardiac‑Focused PT Career
If you’re ready to combine physical therapy practice with cutting‑edge heart health research, apply to Simmons University’s DPT program today. Our faculty, resources, and local hospital partners provide a foundation that accelerates clinical confidence and scholarly impact.
Have questions about the program or offer to share your own research interests? Contact us now to connect with a program advisor.
To learn more about the breadth of PT careers that support heart health, explore our related articles. Ready to take the first step? Submit your application today and start shaping the future of cardiac rehabilitation.
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