Matthew A. Nuciforo, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, FAAOMPT

Dr. Nuciforo received his Masters in Physical Therapy from Marquette University. He subsequently completed a DPT from the University of Indianapolis and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Educational Policy and Leadership from Marquette University. His dissertation critically examined and explored how merit is constructed in physical therapist education programs and whether that construction might serve as a barrier to the admission of applicants from minoritized groups.

Dr. Nuciforo joined the faculty in 2006 with a teaching emphasis in orthopedics and manual therapy. Dr. Nuciforo is a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists. He continues his clinical practice in an outpatient orthopedic setting and has attended and presented continuing education courses centered on the treatment of patients with orthopedic dysfunction and manual therapy. He is a recognized leader and researcher in physical therapy admissions. He has published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Education, the Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy, Physical Therapy (PTJ), and presented at various national American Physical Therapy Association and the Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions meetings. Dr. Nuciforo previously served as Chair of the American Council on Academic Physical Therapy Admissions Task Force and was instrumental in passing national admissions Traffic Rules for programs and applicants. Dr. Nuciforo also serves as Assistant Dean for Admissions and Enrollment for the College of Health Professions.

Dr. Nuciforo previously served as Chair of the American Council on Academic Physical Therapy Admissions Task Force and was instrumental in passing national admissions Traffic Rules for programs and applicants. In 2022, he was appointed to a 3-year term to the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy National Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Commission. The Commission is charged with establishing anti-racist and anti-bias policies, programming, and effective initiatives to support member institutions with efforts to increase the representation of racial and ethnic minority students and faculty. Dr. Nuciforo also serves as Assistant Dean for Admissions and Enrollment for the College of Health Professions.