Cleveland State University DPT Program

Way to go CSU DPT Students!

"Huge shoutout to the amazing students from Cleveland State University DPT Program for volunteering at today’s EmpowerMe Wellness Co****le Event at Vitalia North Olmsted! Arrow Senior Living Management

Grateful for your energy, professionalism, and heart. This is how great therapists are developed."

Alumni Highlight

Dr. Marlena Klein is a 2022 alum who has gone on to be a successful neurologic physical therapist. Before pursuing a career in physical therapy, Dr. Klein was exposed to the profession at a young age. Her grandmother had dementia and Parkinson’s disease that required daily care. Dr. Klein describes that many of her core childhood memories include home health PT sessions where she watched her grandma work with the therapists. Years later, Dr. Klein became involved in her high school STEM program where she got to shadow at an outpatient clinic, and her love for the profession was confirmed. She then went on to attend California State University, Northridge where she majored in kinesiology with an emphasis in exercise science.

After graduating from Cleveland State, Dr. Klein began working for University Hospitals and has been with them for three years. She also completed UH’s Neurological Residency Program and graduated from the program in January.

Outside of her work in the clinic at UH St. John’s outpatient center, she is active in University Hospital’s ALS Clinic where she works with an interdisciplinary team that meets with patients monthly. Dr. Klein also conducts research on stroke recovery with high intensity gait training and auditory rhythmic stimulation. Lastly, she has assisted with teaching as a part-time instructor in the CSU program!

When she isn’t in the clinic, conducting research, or teaching, Dr. Klein enjoys cooking, playing volleyball with her friends, running (recently including the Malibu Half Marathon), and hiking!

Dr. Klein wants to remind all current, and future PT students, that “PT school is a journey – there will be highs and lows – just know it will all be worth it and one day you will wish you were back in lecture and lab with your class.”

Congratulations on your successful career, Dr. Klein! You make us CSU proud!