Carolyn Nohren Finds Her Purpose in Physical Therapy Program

A decade-long dream fulfilled at Belmont 

For Carolyn Nohren, attending Belmont University was more than just a college choice — it was the fulfillment of a childhood dream nearly a decade in the making. 

"I had been coming to Nashville for vacation from the time I was six years old until I moved here," Nohren said. "Each time I visited, I fell more and more in love with the city. When I realized I could go to college here, I knew that somehow, someway, I had to make it happen." 

When the time came to apply for physical therapy school years later, Belmont stood out as her clear first choice.  

"I wanted to fulfill my almost 10-year-long dream more than I had wanted anything in my life," she shared. That dream became reality when she was accepted into Belmont's Doctor of Physical Therapy program, where she's now on track to graduate in 2026. 

Hands-On Learning from Day One 

Nohren's journey at Belmont began with an experience that challenged and transformed her — working in a cadaver lab for anatomy class. 

"Initially, I was very hesitant about working with a cadaver," she said. "Over time, I grew more confident in my dissecting abilities, and I enjoyed bonding with my groupmates in lab." 

The experience provided invaluable insights that textbooks alone couldn't offer. "As a visual learner, this was incredibly helpful," she said. 

Her education has continued to expand with specialized certifications like Dry Needling Level 1, which will make her more competitive in the job market while allowing her to apply the anatomy, kinesiology and orthopedic concepts she's learning in real-world treatments. 

"Being certified is also just another way that I feel like I'm stepping into the physical therapist that I'm meant to be," Nohren said.

Finding Faith and Mentorship

At Belmont, Nohren has found an educational environment where Christian faith and professional development intertwine seamlessly. 

"Belmont is the first Christian affiliated school I've attended," she said. "Being able to see professors live out their faith inspires me to model that to my fellow classmates and the patients I will have." 

The support extends beyond the classroom, creating a network that sustains students through the challenges of an intensive program.  

"Before every big exam, a group of my classmates and I pray that the Lord will give us the knowledge and comfort that we need to be able to succeed," she said. “It’s so comforting.” 

Faculty mentorship has been equally impactful. "The faculty and staff truly care about us as students and want to see us succeed,” Nohren said. “They treat students as equals because after we all graduate, we will all be colleagues." 

Community Beyond the Classroom 

One of the most meaningful aspects of Nohren's Belmont experience has been the community she's found among fellow students and faculty. 

"What I love about the physical therapy department is that each student tries to look after each other, regardless of which cohort they're in," she said. "PT school has been challenging in more ways than I can count, and I am infinitely blessed to have the support of my fellow PT students." 

Belmont's innovative "Formation Groups" have provided opportunities for deeper connections.  

"Simply put, professors sponsor different activities that are open to each student in the program,” Nohren said. “I've had so many wonderful opportunities to bond with fellow students and professors through Bible studies, Dancing with the Stars watch parties, pickleball matches and hikes around Nashville." 

These informal gatherings have led to some of her most meaningful relationships. "It's so special to me that the faculty want to spend time with students outside of the classroom." 

A Holistic Approach to Patient Care

What sets Belmont's physical therapy program apart, according to Nohren, is its emphasis on treating the whole person. 

"Since the very beginning of the program, I have been encouraged to view my future patients as an entire person and not simply a diagnosis," she explained. This holistic approach has shaped her clinical thinking and prepared her for the complex realities of patient care. 

The program's supportive environment also encourages growth through both success and failure.

Personal and Professional Transformation 

Halfway through her program, Nohren has already experienced tremendous personal growth.  

"One of the most fulfilling things about this program is that everything builds on itself, which allows for a lot of reflection on what you know and don't know," she said. "I think about concepts I've learned in anatomy that help me understand a more difficult orthopedics concept. It's almost like putting puzzle pieces together and not really knowing how much you've done until you're finished or almost done." 

This integration of knowledge has bolstered her confidence and reinforced her conviction that Belmont is exactly where she belongs. 

"I can confidently say that I know that Belmont is where I'm meant to be. I can't imagine myself anywhere else."

For Nohren, Belmont has become the foundation for her future as a compassionate, skilled physical therapist ready to make a difference in her patients' lives.