SPOKANE, Wash. – Whitworth University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program has achieved full accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
CAPTE members visited Whitworth in September 2024, granting a five-year accreditation due to the program’s compliance with standards, the university said in a release.
“Achieving CAPTE accreditation is recognition of the work and support of many people – from the Whitworth University administration and community willing to invest in us, the faculty who developed the curriculum in a pursuit of excellence, and the students who were willing to see our vision and take a chance,” says Carrie Hawkins, DPT, Ph.D., director of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
With this accreditation, Whitworth said the program meets quality standards, allowing students to sit for the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) and apply for licensure in any state.
“It validates the quality of education we provide and highlights the vital role our program plays in preparing future professionals,” Mike Ediger, dean of the School of Health Sciences, stated.
Whitworth’s DPT program focuses on the movement system, social responsibility, faith, worldview, and critical inquiry, immersing students in real-world experiences, the university added in the release.
“We all believe in the Whitworth DPT program, a program that graduates excellent clinicians with the Whitworth mind-and-heart mentality.” Hawkins said.
The program spans eight consecutive semesters, under three years.
