Position: Assistant Professor
Department: College of Healthcare Professions
Phone: 610-282-1100, x3331
Office: 212 Wills Hall
Education
Dr. Nicole Brennan is an Assistant Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at DeSales University and a Board‑Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS). Her clinical training includes completion of a neurologic physical therapy residency, supporting advanced expertise in neurologic rehabilitation.
Dr. Brennan teaches across the curriculum with a focus on human anatomy, neuroanatomy, neurologic clinical practice, and clinical reasoning. Her teaching responsibilities include coursework in Human Anatomy (Trunk, Upper Quarter, and Lower Quarter), Neuroanatomy and Function, Adult Neurologic Differential Diagnosis and Intervention, Clinical Medicine (Neurology), and Clinical Reasoning, as well as Special Topics. She also serves as a faculty mentor across all four research courses, supporting student development in evidence‑based practice and clinical inquiry.
Dr. Brennan is engaged in professional service and clinical education advancement as a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), including the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy and its Vestibular Special Interest Group.
Her scholarly contributions include peer‑reviewed publication and national presentation focused on neurologic rehabilitation, including work in high‑intensity gait training and cerebral palsy. She has also delivered professional education and clinical presentations on concussion management, vestibular rehabilitation, and neurologic care across healthcare and academic settings.
Dr. Brennan’s contributions to teaching and clinical practice have been recognized with honors including Teacher of the Year, DeSales University College of Healthcare Professions (2025–2026), the Service Excellence Award, Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network (2024), and the Spaulding Star Award (2021).
She is also engaged in community service through volunteer efforts, including participation in the Mikayla’s Voice Triathlon.
Through her combined roles in teaching, scholarship, and clinical specialization, Dr. Brennan contributes to the program’s focus on neurologic expertise, clinical reasoning, and service‑oriented physical therapy education.