Utica University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Achieves Prestigious 10-Year Re-accreditation

Utica Community
Utica Stories
Utica University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Achieves Prestigious 10-Year Re-accreditation

“It is rare for a DPT Program to achieve re-accreditation at this level without additional requirements.”

As National Physical Therapy Month comes to an end, Utica University proudly announces the re-accreditation of its Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program for another 10 years.

This milestone marks the program’s third consecutive 10-year re-accreditation, the highest possible level of approval. Graduating from an accredited DPT program is required for all
physical therapists to begin their careers.

Following a comprehensive curriculum review and an extensive on-campus evaluation last fall, the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), confirmed that Utica University’s DPT Program meets all necessary standards. The commission praised the program's faculty for their "thorough and professional" approach to meeting these obligations.

“We are incredibly proud of the Commission's findings,” said Dr. Ashraf Elazzazi, Chair of the Physical Therapy Department. “It is rare for a DPT Program to achieve re-accreditation at this level without additional requirements.”

Dr. Elazzazi emphasized the unique advantages of the program, noting that students appreciate the small cohort sizes, the expertise and dedication of faculty, and the quality of clinical instruction. Employers also commend graduates for their compassion and skill, expressing eagerness to hire more.

Students can enter Utica’s DPT Program through an accelerated 3+3 undergraduate track or as graduate students holding a bachelor’s degree. The 3+3 track is particularly appealing to high school students, as it offers guaranteed admission into the graduate DPT Program upon meeting all academic criteria, along with significant savings on tuition.

Each summer, the graduate DPT Program admits 36 students, who benefit from a robust curriculum on campus during the first two years, followed by hands-on clinical education at a choice of sites located across the country in their final year.

With the addition of three new professors and state-of-the-art clinical and anatomy labs, Utica University’s re-accredited DPT Program is poised to train the next generation of physical therapists to serve the country’s increasingly multifaceted healthcare needs.

Learn more about the Physical Therapy Program at Utica University by clicking here.