Doctor of Physical Therapy

The Division of Physical Therapy (housed within the School of Allied Health Sciences) at FAMU was established in 1981, becoming the third physical therapy program in the State University System (SUS) of Florida. The first class of students was admitted to the baccalaureate program in 1982; the last baccalaureate class graduated in August 2001. Currently, all Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students must have completed a bachelor's degree. Consistent with other SUS physical therapy programs, applicants accepted into the FAMU program are admitted as graduate students in the professional curriculum.

Physical therapy involves the evaluation and treatment of individuals with movement disorders, disabilities, injuries caused by a variety of problems, such as musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiovascular disorders and aging. Physical therapists treat individuals of all ages (across the lifespan) restoring function and promoting independence. To learn more about the profession, please visit the American Physical Therapy Association Website: www.apta.org

 

Physical therapist working with client
The DPT Program at FAMU is a full-time, campus-based program which takes 34 months to complete. Students are admitted in the fall semester annually and graduate at the end of the 3rd year Spring semester. The program includes 32 weeks of full time clinical practice. Graduates are awarded the DPT degree upon satisfactory completion of all curricular requirements.

Academic Catalog

 

 

Physical therapy is a profession with many career options.
Physical therapy is a profession with many career options.

Physical Therapy Careers

Physical Therapy is a profession with many career options in various environments. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Acute Care
  • Rehabilitation Hospital
  • Outpatient Clinic
  • Preschool/School
  • Sports/Fitness
  • Home Health
  • Hospice

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) sections, also referred to as academies in some instances, focus on a wide range of special interest topics, from patient populations, to practice areas, to policy areas. Some produce specialty publications, including scientific journals, and offer courses and conferences. No matter your interest, there's probably a section for you.

Acute Care Profile | Website
Aquatics Profile | Website
Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Profile | Website
Clinical Electrophysiology and Wound Management Profile | Website
Education Profile | Website
Federal Profile | Website
Geriatrics Profile | Website
Hand and Upper Extremity Profile | Website
Home Health Profile | Website
Leadership and Innovation Profile | Website
Neurology Profile | Website
Oncology Profile | Website
Orthopaedics Profile | Website
Pediatrics Profile | Website
Pelvic Health Profile | Website
Private Practice Profile | Website
Research Profile | Website
Sports Profile | Website

The DPT curriculum is a lock-step curriculum that is built upon a broad foundation of liberal arts, social sciences, basic and clinical sciences.
The DPT curriculum is a lock-step curriculum that is built upon a broad foundation of liberal arts, social sciences, basic and clinical sciences.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about the FAMU DPT Program

 

View our FAQs document here

 

 

 

 


 

Accreditation

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Florida A&M 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: www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 850-412-7866 or email physicaltherapy@famu.edu.

The next on-site review is scheduled for 2024.


Filing a Complaint with CAPTE

DPT students may file a formal complaint against a physical therapy program with CAPTE if they feel a program is not in compliance with CAPTE Evaluative Criteria or if CAPTE expectations related to academic integrity have been violated.

Process for Filing a Complaint with CAPTE

CAPTE will take action only when it believes that practices or conditions indicate that the program may not be in compliance with the Evaluative Criteria for Accreditation, CAPTE’s Statement on Academic Integrity Related to Program Closure, or CAPTE’s Statement on Academic Integrity in Accreditation. A copy of these documents may be attained by contacting the Department of Accreditation. A formal written, complaint may be filed with CAPTE at the address above. The complaint must be in the format provided by the Department of Accreditation. Complaints may not be submitted anonymously.


 

DPT Program Outcomes

Outcomes 2022 2023 2022-2023 Averages

Graduation Rate (%)

96% 92% 94%

Employment Rate (%)

95.6% 100% 97.8%

NPTE Ultimate Pass Rate (%)

95.8% 100% 97.8%

NPTE First Time Pass Rate (%)

79.2% 77.3% 78.3%

 

More Detail Information

Course Or Named Substitute

Credits

Biological Sciences
(Must be courses for science majors. Anatomy and physiology may be combined or separate)

 

Biology I w/Lab        

4

Biology II w/Lab       

4

Human Anatomy & Physiology I w/Lab
(Vertebrate Physiology or Chordate, Comparative or Human Physiology course)

4

Human Anatomy & Physiology II w/Lab
(Vertebrate Physiology or Chordate, Comparative or Human Physiology course)

4

Chemistry
(Must be courses for science majors)

 

Chemistry I w/Lab

4

Chemistry II w/Lab  

4

Physics
(Must be courses for science majors)

 

Physics I w/Lab

4

Physics II w/Lab

4

Mathematics
(Upper level)

 

Statistics

3

Psychology

 

A General Psychology + an additional Developmental Psychology or equivalent

6

TOTAL

41

 

Note: A grade of C (not C-) is the minimum grade considered as acceptable for any one of the prerequisite courses. However, the "average" grade required across all prerequisite science courses is B (3.0).

The following courses are NOT required, but are recommended as electives to provide a strong base for the DPT curriculum:

  • Management
  • Exercise Physiology 
  • Medical Terminology

Students should have prior competency in computer skills such as word processing, spread sheets, and presentation software and a working knowledge of medical terminology.

 

American Physical Therapy Association
The American Physical Therapy Association is the national professional organization representing more than 66,000 Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist’s Assistant members. Its goal is to foster advancements in Physical Therapist practice, research, and education.

Florida Physical Therapy Association
The Florida Physical Therapy Association promotes excellence and quality in the physical therapy profession through advocacy, education and services for its members and consumers.

Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy

School of Graduate Studies and Research

 

Mission

The mission of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Florida A&M University is to foster excellence in education, research, and practice.

We cultivate a diverse and inclusive environment, preparing competent, compassionate, and culturally sensitive physical therapists.

Our graduates excel in critical thinking, effective communication, interdisciplinary collaboration, and research, improving health outcomes for underserved populations.  Committed to lifelong learning and ethical practice, our program addresses evolving healthcare needs at local, state, and national levels.




Vision

To be a leader in physical therapy education, research, and practice, recognized for our commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. We aspire to produce highly skilled and compassionate physical therapists who are dedicated to advancing health equity and improving the quality of life for diverse populations.