Augustana University’s DPT Program Achieves Important Milestone in Accreditation Process

Augustana University is excited to announce that its Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program has achieved ”candidate for accreditation” status from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Nationally recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), CAPTE is the accrediting body for entry-level physical therapist programs.

"This achievement is a major milestone toward the realization of Viking Bold: The Journey to 2030 strategic plan as we begin to transform and deliver a new standard for physical therapy education," said Augustana University Dean of the School of Health Professions and DPT Program Director Dr. Matt Volansky. "The word is spreading fast that something special is happening here at Augustana. Both students and faculty are taking notice, wanting to be a part of what we're building."

This achievement signifies that the Augustana DPT Program is successfully progressing toward full accreditation. Graduates from the inaugural program cohorts will now be eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for licensure. Additionally, the USDE has ruled degrees earned and issued by an institution or program holding pre-accreditation from a nationally-recognized agency are considered to be from an accredited institution or program.

“The doctor of physical therapy program (DPT) showcases the academic innovation taking place at Augustana University, providing what many adult learners are looking for today and highly value — a flexible combination of synchronous and asynchronous online learning paired with in-person immersion labs and other cohort experiences,” said Augustana University President Stephanie Herseth Sandlin. “We are proud to offer a DPT program which reflects the integration of top skills with emerging fields and new technology.” The DPT program is launching in partnership with Evidence In Motion (EIM), a leading provider of hybrid health care education.

The Augustana DPT Program is the university’s first doctorate program. The innovative program is accelerated — preparing future physical therapists in two years through a hybrid model that combines online learning, lab immersions held at the National Sports Training Center near Minneapolis, Minnesota, and clinical education rotations at health care facilities across the country. The program will welcome its inaugural cohort in June of 2023.

To read the original press release, click here.