Jane K. Sweeney

Jane K. Sweeney serves as Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, directing the Pediatrics Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT) program and PhD Pediatric Science track while co-directing the annual Pediatrics Institute continuing education series for clinicians.

Her educational background includes:

• BA from University of the Pacific
• MS from Colorado State University
• PhD from University of Washington (research on physiological/behavioral tolerance in neonatal neurological assessments)

Dr. Sweeney’s research specializes in pediatric physical therapy with critical contributions to neonatology and high-risk infant care. She pioneered the first US-accredited Physical Therapy Fellowship in Neonatology (2012) and developed Neonatal ICU Practice Guidelines through APTA leadership. Her work bridges clinical practice with academic innovation in pediatric movement science.

Her distinguished honors include:

• Mary Switzer Distinguished Research Fellowship
• Catherine Worthingham Fellowship (APTA)
• APTA Lucy Blair Service Award
• Fischer Distinguished Mentorship Award
• Richmond Research Award (Cerebral Palsy Academy)
• Hartgraves Teaching Excellence Award

As a founding leader in pediatric physical therapy certification, Dr. Sweeney mentors future specialists through program development and her role as one of the first four US board-certified pediatric physical therapists (1986). Her military service culminated as Pediatric Physical Therapy Consultant to the Army Surgeon General prior to transitioning to academia.