Two Sets of Twins Earn Their Second Degrees (D.P.T.s) at Arcadia
By Michelle Tooker ’07, ’10M
Earning bachelor’s and Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees from Arcadia University proved to be rigorous yet rewarding experiences for Drs. Ashley and Jennifer Eisennagel ’08,’11D.P.T. and Drs. Caryn and Meredith Exley ’08,’11D.P.T. A combination of assured admissions, faculty guidance and their own determination led these two sets of twins to succeed and prepared them for the field they’ve worked so hard to enter.
“It’s been such a long, hard road and we made it,” says Caryn Exley. “I’ve achieved a goal I’ve had for about 10 years now, but there’s so much more work to be done. We’re really just getting started. It’s a little overwhelming trying to figure out where to go from here because there are so many opportunities within the field of physical therapy. However, it’s much better to have too many options to choose from than none at all.”
“Before I started the program I thought it was going to take forever to finish, but honestly time went by so fast, I can’t believe I am done,” Jennifer Eisennagel says.
“It feels great to have graduated. So much time and effort has been put into it. Arcadia has taught me how to be an amazing PT, and I am so confident that I will go out into the field well-prepared,” adds Ashley Eisennagel.
“The program was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done in my life,” says Meredith Exley. “What helps you get through it is the bonds you create with your classmates. Without my classmates, family, and of course my sister, I don’t think I could have done it.”
All four women began their Arcadia journey as undergraduates studying Psychology, with the Eisennagel’s transferring in from the Community College of Philadelphia. The degree gave them a good basis for their work in Physical Therapy and assured them admission into the doctorate program. Arcadia’s 4+2½ Physical Therapy program allows students to earn a bachelor’s degree and then a doctorate as long as their academic record and GRE scores meet the entrance requirements.
“Being guaranteed a spot in the program after meeting certain requirements made the whole process less stressful,” says Caryn Exley. “As long as you meet the requirements, fill out the application, and make your deposit on time, you don’t have the added stress of wondering if you will be accepted.”
“Following the assured admissions guidelines gave me a goal of what to work toward (GPA, GRE scores), and I felt very accomplished after meeting the assured admissions criteria,” Jennifer Eisennagel says.
The next step for these two-time Arcadia graduates is the licensure exams and securing a job. The Exleys are considering job offers while studying, and the Eisennagels have jobs lined up once they pass the exams. Ashley will begin work at an outpatient facility, and Jennifer has a job waiting for her at Doylestown Hospital.
