Two University of South Florida (USF) School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science (SPT&RS) Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) 2020 students, Nicole Harder and Sandrine Urias  have been selected as scholars in the USF MS STEP UP (Multiple Sclerosis Standardized Training and Education) program. They were selected in May 2018 by the MS STEP UP Leadership Team and will receive a scholarship provided by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS). The new MS Scholars will participate in the MS STEP UP program over the 2018-2019 academic year. The scholarship will support additional coursework, faculty mentoring, community service, observation in MS clinics, and physical therapy clinical experiences with patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

The MS STEP UP program was developed to address the scarcity of Physical Therapists with advanced training in the unique assessment and treatment of people with MS. The program aims to prepare DPT students with advanced knowledge, training and experience related to multiple sclerosis rehabilitation.

SPT&RS faculty member Jeannie Stephenson, PT, PhD, NCS and National MS Society representatives coordinate the program along with an interdisciplinary leadership team including USF faculty, MS specialists, and community partners. These individuals have collaborated to develop the program over the past 7 years.