Alumni Career Q + A with Dustin Titcomb, Physical Therapist
Name, Age, Occupation, Graduation Year
Dustin Titcomb, 37, physical therapist and owner of Aligned Life Physical Therapy in Flagstaff
NAU Grad: Bachelor’s in exercise science 2009, Doctorate in Physical Therapy 2015.
Why did you choose to go down the career path that you did?
Growing up, I was always very active, participating in as many sports as I could. This cultivated a deep interest in physical health, wellness, and performance. My mother was a school teacher and my father owned a business, and this gave me a deep respect for educating others as well as being autonomous in a profession. As I was fortunate enough to pursue not only an undergraduate degree but also higher education, I have always viewed this knowledge as something that I can share with others, and to help educate them on how to live a healthier lifestyle.
How did NAU prepare you for your career?
I was fortunate to have been under the care and guidance of some amazing teachers during my time at NAU. It was evident that many of them cared deeply about what they did, and this passion created an amazing environment to foster my own passions.
Why should others consider pursuing a career in your field?
Physical therapy offers the ability to make lasting connections and positive impacts on people’s lives within your community. It allows you to stay active in the workplace and lead by example in a career that will always be needed and helpful.
What do you hope to see in the future for your profession?
I hope that with time, the public will view physical therapists as the primary practitioners for any musculoskeletal issues and recognize that we can be the practitioners of choice in this realm. I hope that people not only seek our care in recovery but from a prevention and wellness standpoint too.
What’s the best part of your job?
I love the time that we are able to spend with clients. The connections and impact that you can make on someone’s life is always rewarding.
What would you say to a student interested in pursuing your profession as a career?
Volunteer, shadow, intern, or work with a physical therapist. There are many settings that physical therapists can work in, and gaining exposure to all the possibilities can help guide your path.
What are some ways you practice self-care to avoid burnout / what do you do for fun?
Spending time being active outdoors, especially with my family, is what fills my cup.