The pursuit of a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree is a significant step for those aspiring to become leaders in the field of physical therapy. For prospective students evaluating DPT programs, accreditation is a crucial factor to consider, ensuring quality education and professional recognition. The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) understands this importance and proudly holds accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) for its Doctor of Physical Therapy and Doctor of Physical Therapy Flex programs across its multiple campuses. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the accreditation status of USAHS’s Physical Therapy Doctorate programs, offering essential information for future physical therapists.
Understanding CAPTE Accreditation for Physical Therapy Doctorates
CAPTE, or the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, is the gold standard in accreditation for physical therapy education programs in the United States. Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, CAPTE ensures that physical therapy programs meet rigorous standards in curriculum, faculty, resources, and student outcomes. Accreditation by CAPTE signifies a program’s commitment to excellence and prepares graduates to become competent and ethical physical therapy professionals. For students, graduating from a CAPTE-accredited program is often a prerequisite for taking the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and obtaining state licensure, both essential steps to practicing as a physical therapist.
USAHS DPT Program Accreditation Status Across Campuses
USAHS has diligently pursued and achieved CAPTE accreditation for its DPT programs at each of its campuses, demonstrating a consistent commitment to high educational standards across all locations. Below is a detailed breakdown of the accreditation status for each USAHS campus offering the Doctor of Physical Therapy program:
San Marcos Campus: Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Accreditation
The Doctor of Physical Therapy and Doctor of Physical Therapy Flex programs at the San Marcos, California campus of the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences are fully accredited by CAPTE. This accreditation assures students attending the San Marcos campus that their physical therapy doctorate program adheres to the highest educational standards.
For any inquiries regarding the accreditation of the DPT programs at the San Marcos campus, or to file a complaint, CAPTE can be directly contacted using the following details:
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100,
Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085
Telephone: 703-706-3245
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.capteonline.org
For program-specific inquiries at the San Marcos campus, individuals can reach out to Dr. Jim Mathews directly at 760-410-5316 or via email at [email protected]
Image alt text: Students collaborating in a University of St. Augustine Doctor of Physical Therapy program lab, engaging in hands-on learning for their physical therapy doctorate.
It is important to note that while the DPT and DPT Flex programs are CAPTE accredited, other programs such as the Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy, Clinical Orthopaedic Residency, and Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship programs at USAHS are not subject to CAPTE accreditation.
Graduates of the accredited DPT programs at the San Marcos campus are eligible to sit for the national licensing examination administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). Successful completion of this exam, along with fulfilling state-specific licensure requirements, is necessary to practice as a licensed Physical Therapist (PT). It is also crucial for prospective students to be aware that a felony conviction may impact eligibility for both the FSBPT examination and state licensure.
St. Augustine Campus: Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Accreditation
Similarly, the Doctor of Physical Therapy and Doctor of Physical Therapy Flex programs at the St. Augustine, Florida campus of USAHS also hold full accreditation from CAPTE. This accreditation extends the assurance of quality and standards to students choosing to pursue their physical therapy doctorate at the St. Augustine location.
For direct contact regarding accreditation matters or complaints related to the DPT programs at the St. Augustine campus, CAPTE’s contact information remains the same as listed above.
For specific program-related questions at the St. Augustine campus, contact Dr. Beth Ennis at 904-770-3645 or via email at [email protected]
Graduates from the St. Augustine campus’s accredited DPT programs also gain eligibility to take the NPTE and pursue physical therapist licensure in all states, subject to meeting all other state requirements. The same consideration regarding felony convictions and their potential impact on examination and licensure eligibility applies to graduates from this campus.
Miami Campus: Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Accreditation
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the Miami, Florida campus of the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is also accredited by CAPTE. This accreditation ensures that the Miami campus DPT program meets the same rigorous standards as other USAHS campuses, providing students with a high-quality path to earning their physical therapy doctorate.
For accreditation-related inquiries or to file a complaint concerning the DPT program at the Miami campus, CAPTE can be reached using the contact details previously provided.
For direct program inquiries at the Miami campus, Dr. Beth Ennis can be contacted at 904-770-3645 or by email at [email protected]
Graduates of the Miami campus DPT program are also qualified to take the national licensure examination and pursue state licensure to practice as physical therapists. The information regarding felony convictions and their potential impact on eligibility for examination and licensure is also applicable to graduates from the Miami campus.
Austin Campus: Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Accreditation
The Austin, Texas campus of USAHS also offers CAPTE-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy and Doctor of Physical Therapy Flex programs. This accreditation confirms that students enrolled in the physical therapy doctorate programs at the Austin campus receive an education that meets the high standards set by CAPTE.
For accreditation inquiries or complaints related to the DPT programs at the Austin campus, CAPTE’s contact information remains consistent.
For program-specific information at the Austin campus, Dr. Chris Wise can be contacted at 737-202-3347 or via email at [email protected]
Graduates from the Austin campus’s accredited DPT programs are also eligible to sit for the NPTE and seek physical therapist licensure, provided they meet all other state-specific requirements. The same caveat regarding felony convictions and potential impact on examination and licensure applies to graduates of the Austin campus.
Dallas Campus: Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Accreditation
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the Dallas, Texas campus of USAHS is also accredited by CAPTE. This accreditation reflects USAHS’s dedication to maintaining consistent educational quality across its expanding network of campuses, ensuring that the physical therapy doctorate program in Dallas adheres to national standards.
For any accreditation-related matters or complaints about the DPT program at the Dallas campus, CAPTE’s contact information remains the same.
For program-specific inquiries at the Dallas campus, Dr. Thomas P. Werner can be reached at 469-498-5740 or by email at [email protected]
Graduates of the Dallas campus DPT program are also eligible to take the national physical therapy examination and pursue licensure in all states. As with all USAHS campuses, graduates should be aware of the potential implications of felony convictions on their eligibility for the licensure exam and state licensure.
State Approvals and Licensure Information for DPT Graduates
Beyond CAPTE accreditation, USAHS also ensures its DPT programs meet state-specific requirements for licensure. The USAHS DPT program curriculum is designed to satisfy the educational prerequisites for licensure in all 50 states. However, it is important to note that state approvals for on-the-ground educational activities may vary, and prospective students should verify the specific approvals for their state of residence, particularly if they are considering programs with residential or hybrid components.
USAHS provides detailed state approval information for each of its DPT program formats: Residential DPT, Hybrid Immersion DPT, and Flex DPT. This information is regularly updated and available on the USAHS website, ensuring that prospective students have access to the most current details regarding state authorization and program availability in their state.
USAHS Residential DPT State Approvals-11-12-2024
USAHS Flex DPT State Approvals-8-7-24
USAHS Residential DPT State Approvals-11-12-2024
USAHS Residential DPT State Approvals-11-12-2024
It is ultimately the student’s responsibility to ensure they understand and comply with all requirements for clinical education experiences, licensure, certification, or authorization in the state where they intend to practice. USAHS encourages prospective students to consult with enrollment advisors and review the most up-to-date state approval information available on the university website.
Conclusion: Choosing an Accredited Physical Therapy Doctorate at USAHS
For individuals seeking a high-quality physical therapy doctorate education, the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences offers accredited programs across multiple campuses and formats. CAPTE accreditation ensures that the DPT programs at USAHS meet rigorous national standards, preparing graduates for successful careers as physical therapists. Prospective students can be confident in choosing USAHS for their physical therapy doctorate, knowing that the university is committed to excellence in education and student success. For further information about USAHS DPT programs and the application process, interested individuals are encouraged to contact an enrollment advisor through the USAHS website.
