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 underserved 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 2018 and 2019 is 86.9%.
• 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.

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), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. 

*The program’s current status is probationary accreditation; for more information see http://www.capteonline.org/WhatWeDo/RecentActions/PublicDisclosureNotices/.  If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 202 806-7614 or email ragreene@howard.edu.

CAPTE  
3030 Potomac Ave
Alexandria, Virginia 22305                                     

Telephone: 703-706-3245
Email: accreditation@apta.org

• Degree Classification: Graduate
• Related Degrees: DPT
• Program Frequency: Full-Time
• Format: In Person

Admission Requirements

The following requirements must be satisfied for admission:

• Applicants must have received a baccalaureate degree in any field, from an accredited institution prior to start of classes in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
• GRE is required. Send a PDF copy of scores sent from testing center as part of the application package to dptadmissions@howard.edu.
• Possess a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in all required prerequisite courses. No required courses with a grade below "C" are accepted.
• Possess a minimum of 3.0 cumulative GPA in the required math and sciences courses.
• Math and Science courses must have been completed within seven years of application.
• Complete the PTCAS application and all other admissions requirements by the deadline (December 15th).
• Create a video presentation lasting no more than 5 minutes.  Upload the video to YouTube and include the link with application package materials
• Fully complete other supplemental application items and upload your entire application package to dptadmissions@howard.edu utilizing the following heading in the subject line: HU DPT Applicant Package 2018-(Last Name, First Initial)-(Your PTCAS #)
• Paper applications WILL NOT be accepted  
• The Admissions Committee may invite candidates who meet the admission requirements for an interview.
• Candidates will be selected following a competitive evaluation process.

Please refer to the Howard University DPT Admissions FAQ Sheet for more information and specific instructions.  Email questions or concerns to dptadmissions@howard.edu

Admissions Committee
Physical Therapy Department
dptadmissions@howard.edu   
Howard University College of Nursing & Allied Health Sciences  
Washington, DC 20059

International Applicants

Suggestions, Concerns or Complaints About The Program

The department of Physical Therapy takes concerns about the program very seriously. Suggestions, concerns or complaints should be in writing or electronically and addressed to the attention of the Program Chair at:

Department of Physical Therapy Program Chairperson
Howard University
Washington, D.C. 20059

gilaine.nettles@howard.edu or DPT@ howard.edu

1.  The Department Chair is responsible for handling suggestions, concerns, or complaints. If it is inappropriate for the Department Chair to handle the issue (e.g., the complaint involves the Department Chair), if will be forwarded to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Complaints should be submitted either in writing, or online using the University's electronic complaint form. 

   Office of the Dean

   CNAHS@howard.edu

2. Individuals submitting a complaint or concern should expect to receive a written response resulting from the submission within fourteen (14) days. 

3. Documentation regarding the complaint or concern and any actions taken are maintained in secure electronic format within the department for 5 years. 

Outside of the institution, a complaint can also be filed with: 

Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, American Physical Therapy Association, 3030 Potomac Ave. Suite 100 Alexandria, VA 22305-3005

The District of Columbia, Office of the State Superintendent of Education, 1050 First St NE, Washington, DC 20002