DMU Promotes Allison Larson to Director of Clinical Education

Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences has promotedAllison Larson, P.T., D.P.T., to director of clinical education in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Larson began her new role on Oct. 7, 2024.

With extensive experience and a deep commitment to physical therapy, Larson has been an assistant professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program since 2021, where she played an integral role in shaping the clinical education curriculum. She graduated from DMU's physical therapy program in 2010.

"My primary teaching focus has been on the patient management of individuals with neuromuscular disorders, which is my clinical passion and board specialty," Larson says. "I strive to help students recognize the incredible rehabilitation potential of this population using video cases, personal examples and research evidence."

Larson will oversee the clinical education program, ensuring students gain valuable hands-on experience in diverse clinical settings. "I'm most excited about the opportunity to build stronger relationships with both students and our clinical partners. Watching students grow throughout their clinical education and helping them develop their specific ambitions within physical therapy is something I truly look forward to," she says.

"I look forward to working with Dr. Larson to build upon the success of our excellent clinical education program and usher in the next generation of learners," says Julie Ronnebaum, D.P.T., Ph.D., MPT, GCS Emeritus, program director and department chair of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program and P.T. clinics at Des Moines University Clinic. "Our clinical instructors are integral to our success, and I know Dr. Larson will continue to foster these relationships."

Larson is focused on advancing the strategic goals of the program, particularly during the transition from a 34-month to a 29-month curriculum. "As we continue making this transition, my top priority is to maintain strong clinical partnerships and to offer a variety of quality clinical education opportunities for students to meet their goals for graduation and beyond," Larson says.