Trine DPT graduates earn perfect scores on national exam

FORT WAYNE — Three graduates from Trine University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program recently earned perfect scores on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), required to attain licensure as a physical therapist.

Jessica Westphal, PT, DPT, Allison Bedwell, PT, DPT, and Brianna Medcalf, PT, DPT, members of Trine University’s DPT Class of 2025, each earned the top score of 800.

Though thousands of physical therapy program graduates take the exam each year, only a small percentage achieve a perfect result.

“The outstanding performance of these three students on the National Physical Therapy Exam showcases their dedication and pursuit of excellence. The faculty and staff are extremely happy for them,” said Max Baumgartner, P.T., Ph.D., professor and director of Trine’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.

“After eight semesters with the students, we are deeply invested in their success. At Trine, we work to give every DPT student the chance to reach their full potential, making sure they are well prepared to succeed, lead and serve as physical therapists and community members.”

Rigorous preparation

The graduates credited the rigorous academic environment at Trine for preparing them to succeed on the NPTE as well as in their careers.

“While preparing for the NPTE, I often found that I was reviewing material rather than learning new concepts,” said Medcalf. “This is a testament to the strength of Trine’s DPT program, which gave me the solid foundational knowledge I needed to succeed.”

“Faculty consistently challenged me and guided me to think critically through every clinical decision,” Bedwell commented. “Beyond lectures and exams, the real-world, hands-on experience built my confidence and overall success. The combination of extremely high expectations (in addition to personal expectations) and endless support allowed me to excel in the science and application of information to not only succeed on the NPTE, but also become a capable, confident clinician.”

Westphal also credited the support of Trine University faculty, particularly Tricia Widenhoefer, DPT, her NPTE advisor.

“(She) provided me with resources and met with me virtually,” Westphal recalled. “In addition, I believe the entire staff’s focus on teaching all aspects of the profession throughout the didactic portions of the degree ensures well-rounded students. Overall, the staff at Trine cares about the students, and I believe this makes a difference in their teaching and their relationships.”

‘Never believed it could be me’

Westphal said she focused on passing the exam and was surprised when she learned she achieved a perfect score.

“When preparing and studying for the exam, I heard about students who achieved the perfect score but never believed it could be me,” she said.

Medcalf, similarly, said she was nervous when she checked her score, even though she knew she had passed.

“When I saw the 800, I felt both excited and relieved,” she said. “All the months of preparation had meant something more than just passing — it meant I had achieved something significant not only for myself, but also for the future patients I will help reach their goals.”

Bedwell felt the score validated “all the hard work, sleepless nights and dedication invested over the years.”

“But in the bigger picture of clinical practice, my score could never explain the real impact I have on my future patients,” she said. “Scores won’t change lives, but my compassion and love for bettering others is where my true sense of accomplishment and fulfillment comes from.”

Working in the field

Bedwell has been working as a physical therapist at PruittHealth, a skilled nursing facility in Brunswick, Georgia, since passing her exam.

“I plan on continuing my education by pursuing my geriatric specialty as well as becoming certified in Parkinson’s treatment,” she said. “I am eager to spread love and compassion to the geriatric population and create a sense of community.”

Medcalf is an outpatient physical therapist at Mercer Health, PT Services in Celina, Ohio. She also plans to begin serving as an assistant track coach for a local high school next year and hopes to teach in a Doctor of Physical Therapy program in the future. 

Westphal is working as a pediatric physical therapist in Colorado.

“I am grateful each day for this opportunity and hope to continue in this career for as long as I can,” she said.

Located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in the new Brooks College of Health Professions facility, Trine University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program prepares students to sit for licensure and practice in a clinical setting. For more information, please visit trine.edu/dpt.