Embarking on a career as a physical therapist is a rewarding path, focused on helping individuals regain movement and manage pain, thus enhancing their quality of life. A crucial step in this journey is selecting the right educational program, and for aspiring physical therapists, a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) is the recognized professional degree. But beyond just choosing a DPT program, ensuring that you select one from accredited Doctorate Of Physical Therapy Schools is paramount. Accreditation validates the quality and standards of the program, assuring prospective students that their education meets rigorous benchmarks and prepares them for licensure and practice.
Accreditation in physical therapy education is primarily overseen by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). CAPTE is the gold standard, an independent body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Choosing a DPT program accredited by CAPTE is not just a preference; it’s often a prerequisite for professional licensure and signifies a commitment to excellence in physical therapy education. CAPTE meticulously reviews DPT programs, evaluating everything from curriculum and faculty qualifications to clinical education and student outcomes. This rigorous process ensures that graduates from CAPTE-accredited programs are well-prepared to enter the field and provide competent, ethical care.
For those exploring doctorate of physical therapy schools, the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) stands out as an institution with a strong focus on health sciences and a variety of accredited DPT program options. USAHS offers multiple campuses and program formats, catering to diverse student needs and learning preferences. It’s important to note that CAPTE accreditation is granted on a campus-by-campus basis, meaning each USAHS campus offering a DPT program holds its own accreditation status.
To provide clarity for prospective students, here is a detailed overview of the accreditation status for the Doctor of Physical Therapy programs at each University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences campus:
USAHS Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program Accreditation Status by Campus
Doctor of Physical Therapy – San Marcos Campus
The San Marcos, California, campus of the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences offers both the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Doctor of Physical Therapy Flex programs, both of which are fully accredited by CAPTE. This accreditation signifies that the curriculum, faculty, and resources at the San Marcos campus meet the high standards set by CAPTE for physical therapy education. Graduates from these accredited programs are eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), a crucial step towards becoming a licensed physical therapist.
For specific inquiries regarding the DPT programs at the San Marcos campus, you can contact Dr. Jim Mathews directly at 760-410-5316 or via email at [email protected].
Students in a DPT Program Classroom Setting
Doctor of Physical Therapy – St. Augustine Campus
Similarly, the St. Augustine, Florida campus of USAHS also holds CAPTE accreditation for its Doctor of Physical Therapy and Doctor of Physical Therapy Flex programs. This accreditation assures students that the DPT education they receive at the St. Augustine campus is of the highest quality and meets national standards for physical therapy practice. Graduates are well-prepared for the NPTE and for successful careers as physical therapists.
For direct program inquiries at the St. Augustine campus, contact Dr. Beth Ennis at 904-770-3645 or email [email protected].
Doctor of Physical Therapy – Miami Campus
The Miami, Florida, campus of USAHS is also accredited by CAPTE for its Doctor of Physical Therapy program. This accreditation extends to the traditional DPT program offered at this location, confirming that the program adheres to CAPTE’s comprehensive accreditation standards. Students choosing the Miami campus can be confident in the quality and rigor of their DPT education.
For program-specific questions for the Miami campus, you can reach out to Dr. Beth Ennis at 904-770-3645 or via email at [email protected].
Doctor of Physical Therapy – Austin Campus
The Austin, Texas, campus of USAHS offers CAPTE-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy and Doctor of Physical Therapy Flex programs. This accreditation highlights the Austin campus’s commitment to providing excellent physical therapy education, meeting CAPTE’s benchmarks for curriculum, faculty, and student resources. Graduates are well-positioned for licensure and successful PT careers.
For program-related inquiries at the Austin campus, contact Dr. Chris Wise at 737-202-3347 or email [email protected].
Doctor of Physical Therapy – Dallas Campus
Lastly, the Dallas, Texas, campus of USAHS also holds CAPTE accreditation for its Doctor of Physical Therapy program. This accreditation ensures that the DPT program in Dallas meets the same rigorous standards as other USAHS campuses, providing students with a high-quality educational experience that prepares them for the demands of the physical therapy profession.
For inquiries regarding the DPT program at the Dallas campus, contact Dr. Thomas P. Werner at 469-498-5740 or email [email protected].
It is important to remember that while USAHS offers Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy, Clinical Orthopaedic Residency, and Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship programs, these are postgraduate programs and are not subject to CAPTE accreditation. CAPTE accreditation focuses specifically on entry-level DPT programs.
For individuals wishing to file a complaint regarding a DPT program accredited by CAPTE, the process and necessary information can be found on the CAPTE website: Process to file a complaint with CAPTE.
For additional information about CAPTE accreditation in general, you can contact CAPTE directly:
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
American Physical Therapy Association
3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100
Alexandria, VA 22305-3085
Telephone: 703-706-3245
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.capteonline.org
State Approvals and Licensure Considerations for DPT Programs
Beyond accreditation, doctorate of physical therapy schools must also navigate state-specific approvals to operate and offer programs. USAHS DPT programs are designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure in all 50 states. However, it’s crucial for prospective students to understand state authorization, especially if considering online or hybrid program formats.
USAHS offers different DPT curriculum formats – Residential DPT, Hybrid Immersion DPT (HI DPT), and Flex DPT – each with potentially different state approval statuses based on the mode of delivery and on-the-ground educational activities.
For students starting from Fall 2024 and beyond, the Residential DPT curriculum at USAHS is available to residents of a wide range of states. It’s important to note that for certain states with restrictions, only the Residential DPT program is available, as USAHS may not have state authorization for on-the-ground activities in those specific locations for other program formats. These restrictions, however, should not impact a graduate’s eligibility for professional licensure, provided all other state requirements are met.
Map of USAHS Residential DPT State Approvals
The Hybrid Immersion DPT (HI DPT) curriculum, offered at the San Marcos and Miami campuses starting Spring 2025, also satisfies licensure requirements in all 50 states. State approvals for the HI DPT program are currently in place for a specific set of states, and prospective students should verify that their state of residence is among those approved for enrollment in the HI DPT program.
Map of USAHS Hybrid Immersion DPT State Approvals
The Flex DPT curriculum, available at the San Marcos, St. Augustine, and Austin campuses for students starting Fall 2024 and beyond, also meets licensure requirements across all 50 states. Similar to the other formats, state approvals for the Flex DPT program are in place for a specific list of states. Students interested in the Flex DPT program should confirm their state’s approval status.
Map of USAHS Flex DPT State Approvals
It is the student’s responsibility to ensure they understand and comply with all state-specific requirements related to clinical education, licensure, and authorization. USAHS encourages prospective students to check for the most up-to-date state approval information and to contact an enrollment advisor for personalized guidance.
In Conclusion
Choosing the right doctorate of physical therapy school is a pivotal decision for your future career. Accreditation, particularly CAPTE accreditation, is a critical factor to consider, ensuring program quality and licensure eligibility. The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences offers a range of CAPTE-accredited DPT programs across multiple campuses and formats, providing options to suit various learning styles and preferences. By understanding accreditation status, program formats, and state approval considerations, prospective students can make informed decisions and embark on a successful and rewarding journey in physical therapy. For those interested in exploring DPT programs at USAHS, reaching out to their enrollment advisors is a recommended next step to gain detailed information and begin the application process.
