Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy | Graduate

The Physical Therapy program offers an accredited program leading to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. Students in this program are exposed to cutting edge research and practice in both the classroom and the clinic.

Program Mission

The mission of the program is to recruit and prepare promising African Americans and undeserved minority populations with leadership potential to become compassionate, and competent physical therapists, with expertise in clinical decision making, problem solving and research. The program is committed to attracting and sustaining a cadre of faculty who promote critical thinking, self – inquiry, active learning, community service, cultural sensitivity, ethical behavior and contribute to research, practice, and enhancement of the profession nationally and internationally.

Program Highlights

Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the state licensure examination and are entitled to full membership in the professional organization, the American Physical Therapy Association. Information regarding state licensure can be obtained from the individual licensing boards.

Physical therapists are health care professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages with medical problems or other health - related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. Physical therapists examine each individual and develop a plan using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. In addition, physical therapists work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles. State licensure is required in each state in which a physical therapist practices.

Program Outcomes

Licensure: The ultimate NPTE pass rate for 2016 and 2018 is 88.4%.*
Graduation: The 2018 graduation rate is 83.3%; the 2019 graduation rate is 73.6%. The two-year average graduation rate for 2018 and 2019 is 77.4%.
Employment: 100% of graduates seeking employment as physical therapists from 2018-2019 have been successful.

*The Physical Therapy program did not admit a cohort in 2015; therefore, there was not a graduating class in the Fall of 2017.

Accreditation*

Howard University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Howard University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program or institution directly, please call Dr. Gilaine Nettles at 202-806-7614 or email: gilaine.nettles@howard.edu.

*The program’s current status is probationary accreditation; for more information see http://www.capteonline.org/WhatWeDo/RecentActions/PublicDisclosureNotices/.

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