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Faculty
Faculty

Bernardine Evans

Clinical Assistant Professor

  • Radiation Therapy
  • College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences

Biography

Bernardine Evans, D.P.T. is a full-time professor in the Department of Radiation Therapy at Howard University. Evans specializes in geriatric physical therapy related to neurologic disorders and oncology. Her courses range from pathophysiology and oncology to scientific inquiry. Evans has developed and taught pathology courses for physical therapy, occupational therapy, radiation therapy and physician assistant students.

Evans’ career began almost 35 years ago after graduating from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore with a degree in Physical Therapy. She practiced in Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, D.C., and Maryland. She received her doctorate in Physical Therapy from Utica College at Syracuse University in 2012. Since then, she has become board certified in geriatrics, taught in the Physical Therapy Assistant program at Montgomery College as an adjunct and full-time at Howard University in the Department of Physical Therapy. 

She is a docent, presenter and researcher at the National Museum of Health and Medicine working with the Neuroanatomical collections. She developed and has run Howard University’s PT pro bono clinic service in conjunction with the LWSH PT pro bono clinic established by GW PT students. She currently sits on the board for this clinic. She has served as a board member and ultimately as the Chair of the District of Columbia board of physical therapy since 2017. The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) is critical to any PT board member as a regulator. Dr. Evans remains an active member of this organization and also the professional organization of the American Board of Physical Therapy serving on several committees and attending national, educational and leadership conferences annually. Evans. is a native Washingtonian, wife, and mother of 3 teenage children. 

Education & Expertise

Education

Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T)

Physical Therapy
Utica College of Syracuse University
2012

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Physical Therapy
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
1986

Areas of Expertise

Geriatric medicine

Specialty Area: Falls prevention/awareness, pro bono services, wellness and prevention, adult neuromuscular disorders

Currently a member of the District of Columbia's Departments of Aging Falls Prevention Committee.

Academics

Academics

Intro to Neuromuscular Systems

Wellness Practice

Principles of Disease

Pathophysiology

Principles of Pathology

Clinical Rehabilitative Medicine

Advanced Geriatrics

Research

Research

Specialty

Geriatrics - wellness, neurology, therapeutic exercise

Funding

"Community Based Student facilitated Pro Bono Clinic - Impact on Learning" (Writing Results). (March 2021 - Present).
Analyze of a community-based model for student learning in pro bono setting as opposed to a university student run pro bono clinic. Involving disciplines of PT, OT, PA, and RT.

"Welker Scholarship" (On-Going). (May 2024 - 2027).
​The Welker Scholarship is funded by the Welker endowment in conjunction with the Williams and Franklin foundation. It will provide undergraduate ​students funding for participating in research with Howard University's Departments of Radiation Therapy and Clinical Lab Sciences. Each undergraduate will receive $2,500 towards their tuition. ​One Howard RT and One Howard CLS will be awarded annually.

"EPA Neuroanatomical Collections NMHM" (Writing Results). (2018 - 2021).
Create research involving brain collection with specimens diagnosed with glioblastoma and Alzheimer’s disease. Interdisciplinary approach ie. clinical lab, PT/OT, nutrition, nursing

Accomplishments

Accomplishments

Certificate of Appreciation, The United States Army Medical Research and Material Command and Fort Detrick, April 2016-2021

Provost Distinguished Service Award, Howard University, January 29, 2021

Professor of the Year 2019 Health Sciences, CNAHS student council, May 2020

Professor of the Year 2017-18 Health Sciences, CNAHS student council, April 2018

Professor of the Year 2016-17 - Health Sciences, CNAHS - Student Council, May 2, 2017

CNAHS Achievement Award, Dean Gina S. Brown, April 8, 2017

Certificate of Appreciation, CNAHS, April 2016

Publications and Presentations

Publications and Presentations

Role of physical therapy in managing hypertension

Chapters 6 & 9: Role of physical therapy in managing hypertension in Hypertension management: An Interprofessional Approach

The book begins with foundational chapters on cardiovascular anatomy and physiology, hypertension pathophysiology, and the emerging role of inflammation in cardiovascular disease. It then examines non-pharmacological management across disciplines, using a consistent framework that supports interprofessional learning and team-based practice. The final section addresses pharmacological management, reviewing current guidelines and antihypertensive drug classes with attention to mechanisms, safety, and clinical application. Designed for students, educators, clinicians, and interdisciplinary healthcare teams, this textbook equips readers with the knowledge and collaborative perspective needed to improve hypertension outcomes and advance cardiovascular health equity.

Growing public protection

Growing public protection: How PT Compact Committees enhance compliance and mobility through education

The PT Compact’s Compliance and Education & Outreach Committees work to educate member boards in establishing compliance with PT Compact requirements and licensees about the benefits of utilizing the Compact in their practice. This article is based on a presentation at the 2024 Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) Annual Education Meeting by Bernardine Evans, Susan Gile, and Jeff Rosa.

The Link between Geriatric Depression and Functional Mobility in Older Adults

The Link between Geriatric Depression and Functional Mobility in Older Adults: A Systematic Review

The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the association between geriatric depression and older adults' functional mobility. This study assessed four different outcomes which included reported number of falls, handgrip strength, dependency for activities of daily living, and health related quality of life.

PRESENTATIONS

Evans, B. (Guest lecturer), Incorporating Pro Bono Service into your practice, Northstar Summit, Rizing Tide, Phoenix, Arizona; October 3rd ,4th 2025. 

E Evans, B. (Keynote speaker), Diversity Supplemental Scholars Workshop, "Innovative Methods of Teaching Science," Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD-NIH), Web Ex platform - International audience, Bethesda, DC, United States. (October 24, 2023).

Evans, B. (Panelist), Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy Annual Education Meeting, "Keynote: DEI-B Panel Discussion," FSBPT, Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront, Jacksonville, DC, United States. (October 20, 2023).