March 12, 2021
Oakland University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program in the School of Health Sciences has been reaccredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) for a period of 10 years following an extensive review process.
“I am extremely proud of our faculty and staff whose hard work and high standards of clinical performance and professional preparation have earned this full 10-year reaccreditation,” said Dr. Kevin Ball, dean of the School of Health Sciences (SHS).
Accredited continually since 1981, the DPT program’s current accreditation now extends to 2031 — an impressive 50 years.
“This accreditation achievement, to be recognized as an academic program of excellence, is vital to the ongoing growth and success of the School of Health Sciences,” Ball said.
CAPTE concluded that OU’s DPT program “is meeting its mission as evidenced by delivering a comprehensive educational program that produces leaders in clinical practice, scholarship, and service.” Impressively, the report noted that the graduation rate for DPT students graduating from the program in 2017 and 2018 was approximately 97 percent, while the employment rate for students graduating during those same years was 100 percent.
The reaccreditation process typically consists of a thorough examination of the DPT program to identify strategic resources, strengths, and areas for improvement, as well as a site visit by CAPTE consultants. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the latest DPT reaccreditation process was conducted virtually over a four-day period in August 2020. The process was overseen by Dr. John Krauss, a professor of physical therapy and director of the DPT program at OU.
“The challenge presented by COVID required our accrediting body, faculty, staff, and administration to be flexible and embrace the opportunities available using a virtual format,” Krauss said. “This new and shared experience provided an opportunity for all involved to explore this potential for the future. I believe the virtual form offers opportunities to reduce costs associated with onsite reviews, enhanced meeting efficiency, and potentially may provide a format that will recruit more faculty to participate as site reviewers for CAPTE.”
“This recognition is a testament to the exceptional quality of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program,” said Dr. Deborah Doherty, associate professor and chair of the Department of Human Movement Science. “Our comprehensive curriculum, delivered by exemplary faculty members, prepares physical therapists to be leaders in clinical practice, scholarship, and service.”
For more information about the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, visit oakland.edu/shs/human-movement/physical-therapy-doctorate.