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

• Two-Year Average for Graduates in 2023-2024
  • Licensure Rate - Ultimate NPTE Pass rate - (24/25) 94%
• Class of 2023
  • Licensure Rate - First Attempt NPTE Pass Rate - (17/21) 81%  
  • Licensure Rate - Ultimate NPTE Pass Rate - (19/21) 91%
  • Graduation Rate - 88%
• Class of 2024
  • Licensure Rate - First Attempt NPTE Pass Rate - (3/4) 75%  
  • Licensure Rate - Ultimate NPTE Pass Rate - (4/4) 100%
  • Graduation Rate - 50%
• Two Year Graduation Rate  2023-2024 - (19/26) 73%
• Graduation Rate 2023 -  (14/16) 87%.
• Graduation Rate 2024 - (5/10) 50%
• Employment Rate 2023-2024 (for licensed Physical Therapists) - 100%.

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 accreditation; for more information see https://www.capteonline.org/about-capte/recent-actions-and-updates/recent-actions/public-disclosure-notices.  If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 202-806-7614 or email ragreene@howard.edu.

• 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. A minimum score of 147 verbal, 147 quantitative, and 3.5 analytical is required.
• Applicants must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0.
• Applicants must have a minimum of 3.0 cumulative GPA in the required math and sciences courses. No requried courses with a grade below "C" are accepted.
• Anatomy must be completed within five years. The remaining prerequisite courses must have been completed within ten years of application.
• Complete the PTCAS application and all other admissions requirements by the deadline (March 15).
• All applications must be submitted through PTCAS; paper applications WILL NOT be accepted.
• The Admissions Committee may invite candidates who meet the admission requirements for an interview.

Please contact the Program Chair, Dr. Rose Schmieg at Rose.schmieg@Howard.edu or the chair of the DPT admissions committee, Dr. Sabrina Altema at Sabrina.altema@howard.edu for questions regarding the program and/or admission process.