Behind every great educator is passion, expertise and real-world experience. Jennifer Furtado’s, PT, DPT, CNT experience as an educator began in 2023 when she joined Logan University as an adjunct faculty member in multiple programs.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in nutrition and exercise science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she was also a cheerleader, before completing her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. In addition, Dr. Furtado holds a Neonatal Therapist Certification, bringing both breadth and depth of experience to her role.
Dr. Furtado’s journey into pediatric physical therapy began during college, when she worked as a nanny for a toddler with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Spending more than 40 hours a week as his caregiver and accompanying him to therapy appointments left a lasting impression. “He changed my life forever and was my inspiration for pursuing pediatric physical therapy,” she says.
Over the years, Dr. Furtado has worked in nearly every setting available to physical therapists, from inpatient and outpatient care to intensive care, acute care and home health. She then specialized in neonatal intensive care.
Along the way, Dr. Furtado discovered she also had a passion for education.
As a clinical instructor, she noticed how much of physical therapy revolves around educating patients and their families. Guest lecturing at her alma mater opened the door to more teaching opportunities, ultimately leading her to Logan.
At Logan, Dr. Furtado has taught many different courses. Currently, she teaches the Health Science capstone in the online Bachelor of Science in Human Biology program, Clinical Rehab Internship course in the online Master of Science in Sports Science and Rehabilitation program and the Clinical Outcomes Development and Performance Assessment in the online Doctor of Education in Health Professions Education program.
In the courses she teaches, Dr. Furtado emphasizes salience – helping students connect classroom concepts directly to their professional goals. She combines rigor with encouragement, reminding students that challenges can be tackled one bite at a time.
Dr. Furtado believes online learning offers a powerful platform for adult learners by shifting from the traditional “sage on the stage” model to a more student-driven, “guide on the side” approach. She encourages critical thinking, prioritizes engagement and works to create a supportive, dynamic learning environment.
Her favorite moments are when students share what they’ve learned or reach out after graduation to celebrate professional milestones. Challenges, such as keeping students on pace in a fast-moving online program, are met with gratitude for Logan’s strong student support systems, including Academic Success Coaches.
Dr. Furtado lives in the Dallas–Fort Worth area with her husband, who also teaches at Logan, and their three children. Outside of her professional role, she enjoys sourdough baking, weightlifting, reading and playing board games with her kids.
With her blend of clinical expertise, teaching passion and dedication to student growth, Dr. Furtado exemplifies Logan’s mission to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals.