Hanover College Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Takes Major Step Toward Accreditation

The Hanover College Doctor of Physical Therapy program (DPT) has been granted “candidate for accreditation” status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The achievement marks a key milestone for the new academic offering, indicating Hanover’s program is progressing toward accreditation. Hanover’s hybrid program provides students and faculty the flexibility to live anywhere in the country and graduate in two years, sooner than most traditional DPT programs.

“Hanover’s return to the world of graduate education is an important part of our future,” said Hanover President Lake Lambert. “A tremendous amount of progress has been made to make this vision a reality. Many of our faculty and staff members have been actively supporting the College’s effort to develop the DPT program through the past three years. We are thrilled to successfully complete these initial steps with CAPTE.”

CAPTE is nationally recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The entity grants specialized accreditation status to qualified entry-level education programs for physical therapists. Hanover’s DPT program previously received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission last summer.

“This new program will enhance campus life with vibrant new students and faculty, enhanced facilities, state-of-the-art technology and unique programming,” added Lambert. “I am excited because the DPT program not only adds a new dimension to our ability to deliver high-quality education, but it also forges a path between the College’s undergraduate and future graduate programs.”

Hanover’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, the College’s first doctoral offering since 1915, will connect the liberal arts with career preparation in this high-demand field. The College is currently admitting students to join its first cohort. Applications for the program will be accepted through June 13. A virtual orientation will be held June 15-16 and classes are scheduled to begin June 21.

“Hanover’s distinctive culture and sense of community will provide an engaging and meaningful experience for DPT students,” said Kerry Volansky, D.Sc., associate provost for graduate studies, program director, and clinical professor. “This program will attract faculty and students from around the country, which creates a unique learning environment. We are grateful to the entire campus community for their support of this program. Next, we look forward to welcoming our first cohort of students this summer.“

Completion of Hanover’s accreditation process is expected during summer 2023. Federal regulations permit graduates of the initial cohort to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination, the licensure exam for physical therapists, regardless of the program’s final accreditation outcome.

Learn more about Hanover’s DPT program and accreditation process at dptprogram.hanover.edu.

Hanover College Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

The mission of Hanover’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program is to empower students to live purposeful lives with a personal commitment to academic excellence, a quest for life-long inquiry, the promotion of innovation and meaningful service to improve the health of society.

Hanover’s DPT curriculum is an accelerated two-year hybrid education model that combines online learning, on-site laboratory immersions and integrated clinical education experiences. Students access online virtual classroom for face-to-face live class sessions. This unique evidence-based curriculum is centered on high-quality, engaging coursework developed by Hanover’s faculty with threads of service, innovation, interprofessional education and telehealth woven throughout to prepare students for the future of physical therapy practice.