Earning a Doctorate Of Physical Therapy (DPT) is a significant step towards a rewarding career in helping people regain movement and manage pain. For prospective students seeking a quality DPT program, accreditation is a crucial factor to consider. The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) stands as a reputable institution with its DPT programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). This article provides a comprehensive overview of the accreditation status of USAHS’s DPT programs across its various campuses and program formats, ensuring you have the information needed to make informed decisions about your physical therapy education.
Understanding CAPTE Accreditation for Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs
The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) is the gold standard for accrediting physical therapy education programs in the United States. CAPTE accreditation signifies that a DPT program has met rigorous standards for quality in curriculum, faculty, resources, and student outcomes. Choosing a CAPTE-accredited program is essential for several reasons:
- Licensure Eligibility: Graduation from a CAPTE-accredited DPT program is a prerequisite for taking the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). Passing the NPTE is mandatory for obtaining licensure as a Physical Therapist in all states.
- Program Quality Assurance: Accreditation ensures that the program provides a high-quality education that prepares graduates for competent and ethical practice.
- Professional Recognition: Employers and the healthcare community recognize and value graduates from accredited programs, enhancing career prospects.
For further details about CAPTE and the accreditation process, you can visit the official CAPTE website at http://www.capteonline.org. CAPTE’s contact information is also available for direct inquiries:
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100
Alexandria, VA 22305-3085
Telephone: 703-706-3245
Email: [Email protected]
USAHS Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program Accreditation Status Across Campuses
USAHS offers its Doctor of Physical Therapy program across multiple campuses, each holding individual CAPTE accreditation for its DPT and Doctor of Physical Therapy Flex programs. Below is a detailed breakdown of the accreditation status for each USAHS campus:
San Marcos Campus – Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program
The Doctor of Physical Therapy and Doctor of Physical Therapy Flex programs at the San Marcos, California campus are fully accredited by CAPTE. This accreditation assures students of the program’s quality and graduates’ eligibility for licensure.
For specific inquiries regarding the San Marcos DPT program, you can contact Dr. Jim Mathews directly:
- Telephone: 760-410-5316
- Email: [Email protected]
It’s important to note that while the DPT and DPT Flex programs are 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.
St. Augustine Campus – Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program
Similarly, the Doctor of Physical Therapy and Doctor of Physical Therapy Flex programs at the St. Augustine, Florida campus are also accredited by CAPTE. This accreditation underscores USAHS’s commitment to maintaining high educational standards across all its DPT program locations.
For program-specific questions for the St. Augustine campus, please reach out to Dr. Beth Ennis:
- Telephone: 904-770-3645
- Email: [Email protected]
As with the San Marcos campus, the Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy, Clinical Orthopaedic Residency, and Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship programs at the St. Augustine location are not within the scope of CAPTE accreditation.
Miami Campus – Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the Miami, Florida campus of USAHS holds CAPTE accreditation. This accreditation extends to the newly proposed Hybrid Immersion model at the Miami campus, pending CAPTE approval prior to implementation.
For Miami campus DPT program inquiries, contact Dr. Beth Ennis at the details provided above for the St. Augustine campus, as they share administrative oversight.
Austin Campus – Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program
The Doctor of Physical Therapy and Doctor of Physical Therapy Flex programs at the Austin, Texas campus are accredited by CAPTE. This accreditation applies to both program formats offered at this location, ensuring comprehensive quality assurance.
For direct contact with the Austin campus DPT program, please reach out to Dr. Chris Wise:
- Telephone: 737-202-3347
- Email: [Email protected]
Dallas Campus – Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the Dallas, Texas campus is also accredited by CAPTE, maintaining the university-wide standard of accredited DPT education.
For Dallas campus DPT program information, contact Dr. Thomas P. Werner:
- Telephone: 469-498-5740
- Email: [Email protected]
Program Curriculum Formats: Residential, Hybrid Immersion, and Flex DPT
USAHS understands that students have diverse learning preferences and life circumstances. To accommodate these needs, USAHS offers its Doctorate of Physical Therapy program in multiple formats:
- Residential DPT: A traditional, campus-based program offering an immersive, on-campus learning experience.
- Hybrid Immersion DPT: A blended learning model combining online coursework with intensive, on-campus immersion labs and clinical experiences. This format is currently seeking CAPTE approval for expansion at the San Marcos, CA, and Miami, FL campuses.
- Flex DPT: A flexible, primarily online format with strategically designed on-campus lab immersions, catering to students needing a more adaptable schedule.
State Approvals and Post-Graduation Licensure for DPT Graduates
USAHS’s DPT program curriculum is designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure in all 50 states. Graduates are eligible to sit for the national licensing examination administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). Successful completion of the NPTE and fulfillment of individual state requirements are necessary to practice as a licensed Physical Therapist (PT).
Important Note: While the USAHS DPT program meets educational requirements for licensure nationwide, students should be aware of state-specific authorization for on-the-ground educational activities. Some states may have restrictions that affect enrollment eligibility based on residency. It is the student’s responsibility to verify and comply with all state-specific requirements for clinical education and licensure. Refer to the state approval maps provided on the USAHS website for the most up-to-date information regarding state-specific enrollment and on-the-ground activity authorizations for each DPT curriculum format.
Map displaying USA state approvals for the Residential Doctorate of Physical Therapy program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences.
Map displaying USA state approvals for the Hybrid Immersion Doctorate of Physical Therapy program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences.
Map displaying USA state approvals for the Flex Doctorate of Physical Therapy program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences.
Filing a Complaint with CAPTE
Individuals wishing to file a complaint regarding a USAHS DPT program can do so directly through CAPTE. The process for filing a complaint is detailed on the CAPTE website: http://www.capteonline.org/Complaints/.
Conclusion: Choose an Accredited Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program at USAHS
Pursuing a Doctorate of Physical Therapy is a significant investment in your future. Choosing a CAPTE-accredited program like those offered at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences ensures you receive a quality education that meets the highest standards of the profession. With multiple campus locations and flexible program formats, USAHS provides accessible pathways to achieving your DPT degree and launching a successful career as a physical therapist. For further information or to begin your application process, please use the Request Information form available on the USAHS website to connect with an enrollment advisor.
