Pictured: Austin Schmitt '25 (second from the left) poses with other members of the inaugural cohort who graduated from the Augustana Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program in Spring 2025.
This past spring, Dr. Austin Schmitt ‘25 made history as one of the first students to earn three different degrees from Augustana University. Schmitt earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in exercise science in 2022, Master of Science in athletic training (MSAT) in 2023 and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) in 2025.
The Augustana alumnus, who now has a full-time fellowship with a team in the NFL, admitted that he had no idea about the “first” he had achieved at the university.
“It is truly humbling to be recognized in that way,” he said of the distinction.
The Boyd, Minnesota, native, who grew up on a farm, was first drawn to Augustana for its strong academic reputation after learning about the university through friends. He appreciated that “Sioux Falls offered the opportunities of a larger city while Augustana still provided the feel of a close-knit community.”
Schmitt was inspired to pursue physical therapy because of his past experiences as an athlete and the growing need for more professionals in the field.
“I have always had a passion for sports. Once I finished competing myself, I wanted to find another way to contribute,” he shared. “I understand how challenging athletics can be, particularly when injuries occur. I wanted to be part of helping athletes overcome those setbacks. Athletic training provided that opportunity and physical therapy was the natural next step.”
Schmitt’s timing couldn’t have been better. The launch of Augustana’s DPT program aligned perfectly with the completion of his master’s degree and helped him grow even more — both in skillset and expertise.
“Augustana has been very influential in shaping who I am today. Each time I advanced in my education, Augustana had exactly what I needed to prepare for the next stage of my career,” Schmitt said. “The people were my favorite part of being at Augustana. The professors who invested in me, the mentors who guided me and the peers who became lifelong friends are what I value most from my time at Augustana. Those relationships made all the difference.”
As a student, Schmitt interned at organizations including Sanford Health, Dakota Physical Therapy and Home Health, as well as the Minnesota Vikings. Upon graduation, Schmitt passed the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and currently serves as an athletic training/physical therapy fellow with the Green Bay Packers.
Schmitt said his experiences and the lessons he learned at Augustana prepared him not only for a career, but life beyond college.
“As a student, I learned discipline and critical thinking,” Schmitt said. “As a professional, my experiences at Augustana prepared me to step confidently into roles. As a person, I grew through the relationships and sense of community that surrounded me — I even found my wife (Brianna Wildermuth ‘25) along the way!”
A lifelong learner, Schmitt has advice for those who want to follow in his footsteps.
“Be clear about your ‘why.’ Pursuing multiple degrees is demanding, but if you are passionate about your path, it is worth the effort,” he said. Rely on the support of peers and faculty, take advantage of the opportunities Augustana provides, and embrace the challenge. It will prepare you in ways you may not anticipate.”
To learn more about the academic programs offered at Augustana University, visit augie.edu/academics.