Springfield College

VIRTUAL

Saturday, 11/14
1:00-3:00pm
Sarah Zehnder, Modern/Contemporary 

Registration coming soon

Springfield College
Springfield, MA

The BA in Dance/Health Science: Pre-PT to Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) at Springfield College offers a dynamic, dual-discipline pathway for students passionate about dance and movement science, leading directly to advanced physical therapy training. Springfield College was ranked in the top 5.7% (40 out of 701) for best college for Physical Therapy in America by Niche for 2027.

Students are admitted as Dance/Health Science: Pre-PT majors, guaranteeing seamless entry into the DPT program once academic requirements are met—no reapplication necessary.

By merging rigorous study in both Dance and Physical Therapy, this innovative program positions graduates to address the growing national demand for physical therapists who truly understand the artistry and physical needs of dancers and performing artists. Prepare to launch a rewarding career where movement, creativity, and expert care unite to help others thrive.

As a first-year student, you’ll enter our Dance and Health Science/Pre-Physical Therapy program and begin your physical therapy studies at the end of your fourth year, without submitting a second application to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. In just seven academic years (including one summer), you’ll earn both a bachelor’s degree and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

Sarah Zehnder

Sarah Zehnder (she/her) is a contemporary dance artist based in Massachusetts. Her choreographic research with her company, Zehnder Dance, is rooted in feminism. Zehnder Dance’s choreographic themes often address and challenge power dynamics, socio-political systems and structures, and gender stereotypes, with a focus on the amplification of women’s stories. For over 15 years, Zehnder’s choreographic work has been presented nationally and internationally. Her work has been presented at Dixon Place, Ailey Citigroup Theatre, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, Manhattan Movement and Arts Center, Gowanus Arts, Triskelion Arts, 92nd Y, Greenspace, the Center for Performance Research (CPR), and Florence (Italy) Summer Dance. Zehnder has received numerous grants and awards, including a research fellowship through the Jacob’s Pillow College Partnership Program (2023-24). Zehnder recently published some of this research in the essay “HER body, HER story” on Jacob’s Pillow Dance Interactive. Furthermore, she has been a guest teaching artist at Dance New Amsterdam, Gibney Dance Center, Steps on Broadway, and Jacob’s Pillow, as well as taught and set choreographic works at numerous colleges and universities from New York to California. Zehnder earned her Bachelor of Science in Dance from Bowling Green State University and Master of Fine Arts in Dance Performance and Choreography from SUNY Brockport. She currently serves as director of dance, co-director of Dance/Pre-PT to DPT, and associate professor at Springfield College. She also creates and performs with Zehnder Dance.