Rate My Professor Brad Kruse

Brad Kruse, PT, DPT, EdD, serves as Chair and Professor of Physical Therapy at Clarke University in Dubuque, Iowa. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from South Dakota State University (1995), a Master of Physical Therapy from St. Ambrose University (1998), a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Clarke University (2007), and a Doctor of Education in Health Sciences from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (2017). Kruse has maintained a clinical practice in outpatient orthopedic and sports physical therapy since 1998, with positions including staff physical therapist at Mercy Rehab Services and Mercy Medical Center facilities, site coordinator, and currently part-time staff physical therapist at Dubuque Physical Therapy since 2017. His academic career at Clarke University began as an adjunct instructor from 2004 to 2006, followed by faculty instructor (2006-2010), assistant professor (2011-2018), associate professor (2018-2023), and professor since 2023, with tenure granted in 2018 and chair role since 2022.

Kruse's academic interests encompass sports injury rehabilitation, spine injury rehabilitation, neuroscience education for pain in orthopedic conditions, and patient motivation and compliance with exercise. He is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Sports Physical Therapy (SCS since 2003, recertified 2013), with additional certifications in Certified Spine Manual Therapy (2020), Strength and Conditioning Specialist (1999), Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (2005), and Dry Needling (2016). Notable peer-reviewed publications include 'A Randomized Controlled Trial of Different Single Pain Education Sessions in Middle School Students: Immediate Effects' (Journal of the Physiotherapy Pain Association, 2019), 'Dynamic Postural Instability in Individuals with High Body Mass Index' (Journal of Novel Physiotherapies, 2018), 'Utilization of an Integrated Clinical Experience in a Physical Therapist Education Program' (Journal of Physical Therapy Education, 2013), and 'Cardiorespiratory Responses to Abdominal Stabilization Exercises Using a Therapeutic Exercise Ball' (Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Journal, 2001). He has delivered multiple peer-reviewed poster presentations at American Physical Therapy Association conferences and received Clarke University's College Teacher of the Year award in 2015. Kruse contributes extensively to university governance through accreditation, admissions, and search committees, supporting the Doctor of Physical Therapy program's excellence.