Dr. Theresa O’Neil Accepted to the American Association for Anatomy
Aug 5, 2025

߲ݴý is pleased to announce that Dr. Theresa O’Neil, PT, MS, DPT, EdD, has been accepted as a member of the American Association for Anatomy (AAA), the professional home for more than 2,500 students, teachers, and researchers of the anatomical sciences. Founded in 1888, AAA’s mission is to advance anatomical science through research, education, and professional development.
“Theresa’s acceptance to the American Association for Anatomy is particularly meaningful, as there are very few physical therapists nationally who are credentialed to teach gross anatomy,” said Dr. Salome Brooks, PT, EdD, MBA, MA, Associate Professor and Program Director at ߲ݴý DPT-NH. “Her acceptance to the AAA has elevated the visibility of our program and brought well-deserved attention to the accomplishments of this distinguished faculty member.”
Among Dr. O’Neil’s many academic achievements, she has earned several degrees and certificates, including the Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy (PT), Master’s of Advanced Physical Therapy Practice and Health Administration (MS), and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from the University of Massachusetts–Lowell, and Doctor of Education (EdD) from the University of New England. She is an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, certified by the American Board of Physical Therapist Specialist (ABPTS OCS), and has earned several additional certificates including a Certificate in Achievement Vestibular Rehabilitation from Emory University and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), a certificate in Residency Trained Orthopedic Manual Therapy from the Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy and she is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT).
Theresa recently completed a Graduate Certificate in Gross Anatomy Instruction through Hardin-Simmons University in Texas. This advanced training is specifically designed to prepare physical therapists to teach gross anatomy using contemporary and evidence-informed educational approaches. It represents not only a personal milestone for Dr. O’Neil, but a significant achievement for ߲ݴý, positioning the University among a select group of institutions advancing PT-led anatomy education in their doctorate in physical therapy programs.
߲ݴý offers two full-time Doctor of Physical Therapy program formats, both fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). These graduate-level programs are available at locations in Manchester, New Hampshire (full-time, on-site) and Goodyear, Arizona (full-time, hybrid). The on-site New Hampshire program is a two-and-a-half-year offering with 38 weeks of clinical work with courses, lectures, and seminars (117 total credits) and small classes and early clinical experience. The hybrid program in Arizona offers a two-year program format, blending online learning sessions and intensive, 3-5 day in-person labs at least twice each 12-week term and 30 weeks of clinical work. In both programs, accomplished faculty bring real-world experience and teach hands-on skills in state-of-the-art labs.
Dr. O’Neil has been a key faculty member for the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program (DPT-NH), located at Franklin Pierce’s Manchester, N.H. Academic Center, since 2020. To learn more, visit franklinpierce.edu/dpt.