Morgan Brinning

Right to left: Kody Brinker, Morgan Brinning, Cody Rickard, Josh Ruth, and Logan Wachter. All are graduates from Iowa State’s Department of Kinesiology and are now students in the University of Iowa’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Morgan Brinning, a 2022 graduate from Iowa State’s kinesiology program, is currently in the University of Iowa Doctor of Physical Therapy program pursuing her dream of becoming a physical therapist.

Brinning credits Iowa State’s challenging coursework and supportive professors for setting her up for success at the University of Iowa.

“Many of my professors challenged me in the best way possible and looking back, I am so glad they did,” she says.

Morgan had used what she’s learned at Iowa State to help others on the pre-health track. She was a kinesiology peer mentor which gave her the opportunity to guide younger students.

“That experience was one of my favorites overall at ISU because I was able to connect with pre-PT students on the same career path as me. Being a freshman on a pre-health track is difficult; I was glad I could be there to support and guide them through their first semester in the first-year learning community class,” Brinning says.

Brinning’s advice for undergraduate students is to seek out jobs and/or internships in physical therapy environments to gain experience, make connections with people in your future career field and, most important, have fun!

“These experiences will help you build new connections with professionals in your field. Making connections early in your career is extremely helpful for the future,” Brinning explains.

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