The Marshall University School of Physical Therapy has achieved full accreditation status for its Doctor of Physical Therapy program from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). For all new programs, the first accreditation is for five years, after which they must submit a self-study for reaccreditation with the possibility of 10 years of accreditation at that time.
Since opening its doors in May 2012, the School of Physical Therapy has worked hard to reach this achievement, according to program director Dr. Penny Kroll.
“The bid for full accreditation status is a three-year process. A new program must first achieve ‘Candidacy for Accreditation,’ admit the inaugural class and then complete the entire three years of the Doctor of Physical Therapy curriculum before it is reviewed for final accreditation,” Kroll said. “It’s been a long, arduous process, but I’m happy to say with the help of my wonderful, talented academic and clinical faculty and support from our university administration and from the Marshall University and Huntington communities at large, we have achieved our goal.”
Kroll said the highlight of the entire accreditation process was watching the inaugural class of students receive their hoods and doctoral degrees at the May 9 graduation ceremony.
“By enrolling in the program prior to even achieving ‘Candidacy for Accreditation,’ this group of students took a gamble on us. They believed we would receive full accreditation so they could be deemed graduates of an accredited program, and hence be allowed to sit for the practice board examination,” Kroll said. “I am tremendously proud to say we have achieved our goal for our recent graduates and the future students of this program.”
Dr. Michael Prewitt, dean of the College of Health Professions and one of the School of Physical Therapy’s biggest supporters, said he had no doubts the program would receive full accreditation.
“Earning CAPTE accreditation is an indication that our School of Physical Therapy has the highest quality and best standards of practice offered,” Prewitt said. “This is another example of how Marshall University is well suited to provide the best health professions education through programs dedicated to improving our region’s health. This is certainly an accomplishment to be proud of.”
Currently, there are 228 accredited physical therapy programs in the U.S. with over 29,000 students enrolled. For more information on the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 No. Fairfax St., Alexandria, Virginia 22314, call 703-706-3245, e-mail accreditation@apta.org or visit the website at http:/www.capteonline.org online. To learn more about how to apply for the Marshall University School of Physical Therapy, visit www.marshall.edu/cohp online.
