Aug 28, 2014 04:46 PM EDT By J Baulkman, UniversityHerald Reporter

Michigan Technological University and Central Michigan University launched a collaborative physical therapy doctoral program on Monday.

The program will offer a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Central Michigan University to students at both campuses.

"This partnership is a signal of Michigan Tech's commitment to strengthening its education and research initiatives in the life sciences," Michigan Tech President Glenn Mroz said in a statement. "We are thrilled to mark the beginning of this cooperative endeavor by dedicating this wonderful space designed for physical therapy education."

The space, including a technologically cutting-edge remote classroom that will be shared in real time by students at Central Michigan University and Michigan Tech, is in Michigan Tech's Advanced Technology Development Complex. A student lounge there was furnished by a gift from the family of Roy and Ruth Jurva.

Twelve students are starting the program at Michigan Tech and another 48 are enrolled on the Central Michigan University campus.

"We value Michigan Tech as a partner and look forward to a rewarding collaboration," Michael Gealt, executive vice president and provost at Central Michigan University, said in a statement. "This collaboration will provide students in the Upper Peninsula access to our nationally recognized physical therapy program and will help many students achieve their goal of becoming physical therapists."

Chris Ingersoll, dean of Central Michigan University's Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions, said he views the physical therapy partnership between the two schools as "the tip of the iceberg of the collaboration opportunities between our two institutions."

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