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
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.
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.
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
2023
2024
2023-2024
Graduation Rate (%)
92%
92%
92%
Employment Rate (%)
100%
100%
100%
NPTE Ultimate Pass Rate (%)
100%
74%
87%
NPTE First Time Pass Rate (%)
77.3%
70%
74%
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.
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.
