Vanessa A. O'Donnell

Dr. O'Donnell is a core faculty member in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of Hartford, where she teaches coursework in Professional Practice, Pathophysiology, and Physical Therapy Examination and Intervention in Acute Care. She also contributes to instruction in Kinesiology and Biomechanics for graduate students in both the Doctor of Physical Therapy and the Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics programs. As a member of the Clinical Education team, Dr. O'Donnell plays an integral role in coordinating student clinical placements at local and national sites.
Dr. O'Donnell's clinical expertise lies in sub-acute rehabilitation, with a focus on the geriatric population. She treats a diverse range of conditions including cardiorespiratory, neurological, and musculoskeletal pathologies.
Her scholarly interests focus on enhancing student development and academic success, particularly during the transition from undergraduate to graduate studies. She has a keen interest in fostering the development of students’ professional identity and the behaviors essential for effective clinical practice and is curious about how resilience, grit, and coping strategies influence student growth. Dr. O’Donnell’s other professional interests include the development of well-rounded admissions practices that better identify candidates with the potential for academic excellence and professional growth, as well as exam item analysis and the use of psychometric methods to improve the validity, reliability, and effectiveness of assessment tools used in physical therapy education.