Tufts DPT Program in Phoenix Achieves Accreditation
Effective November 25, 2024, Tufts University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program in Phoenix has received accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
CAPTE is the recognized accrediting agency for physical therapist and physical therapist assistant education programs, acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Achieving this accreditation signifies that the Tufts DPT program in Phoenix meets the rigorous standards of quality set forth by the physical therapy profession, granting graduates the eligibility to sit for the licensing exam.
“Our accreditation is a testament to the collective, unwavering dedication of Tufts University, the School of Medicine, and the Department of Rehabilitation,” said Angela Spontelli Gisselman PT, PhD, DPT, director of admissions. “As the first degree-granting Tufts University program west of the Mississippi, this milestone represents an historic achievement. It also reflects the exceptional unity, courage, perseverance, and innovation demonstrated by our DPT community: students, faculty, and staff. This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Tufts DPT Program in Phoenix.”
The accreditation process for new programs is multifaceted, involving several stages: the application for accreditation, achieving candidate status, and ultimately receiving full accreditation. The Phoenix DPT program became a candidate for accreditation in May 2022, welcomed its first class in June 2022, celebrated their inaugural cohort’s hooding ceremony in August 2024 [link to news story], and has now successfully achieved this significant milestone.
“I am incredibly proud of our outstanding team in Phoenix, whose steadfast dedication and tireless efforts have been instrumental in achieving full accreditation,” said Tawna Wilkinson, PT, DPT, PhD, program director. “This accomplishment highlights our shared vision and the exceptional work of our faculty, who are deeply devoted to providing a top-tier education. Their passion for fostering an environment of learning and innovation has been central to our success. We look forward to continuing this tradition of excellence.”
Tufts’ DPT programs utilize a hybrid, accelerated model that combines online courses, on-campus clinical skills labs, and transformative clinical education experiences, enabling students to graduate in just seven semesters.
Learn more about Tufts’ DPT programs