“Comparatively speaking, physical therapy is a new field.”
Bouvé-Boston School of Physical Education (BBSPE) built a robust, national fieldwork program, developing partnerships with hospitals and clinics, throughout the early twentieth century. School leaders deemed practice outside of the classroom as important as theoretical coursework to the successful preparation of physical therapists. Representatives from the American Physiotherapy Association remarked upon this practice-oriented approach during the School’s accreditation review. BBSPE administrators continued to refine the curriculum to ensure physical therapy graduates could meet the challenges of an evolving healthcare field.
An epidemic and a second world war presented new threats to American well-being after nearly a decade of peace and prosperity. With the support of the federal government and school leaders, Bouvé students once again turned their energies toward the national need.
