Whitworth’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Earns National Accreditation
CAPTE members visited Whitworth in September 2024. The commission based its decision to grant status for a period of five years on the program’s general compliance with the Standards and Required Elements.
“Achieving CAPTE accreditation is recognition of the work and support of many people – from the Whitworth University administration and community willing to invest in us, the faculty who developed the curriculum in a pursuit of excellence, and the students who were willing to see our vision and take a chance,” says Carrie Hawkins, DPT, Ph.D., director of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
Receiving full accreditation means Whitworth’s program meets the quality standards set by the physical therapy profession and ensures that upon completion of the program, students are eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) and apply for licensure in any state.
“This accreditation is more than just a formal recognition,” says Mike Ediger, dean of the School of Health Sciences. “It validates the quality of education we provide and highlights the vital role our program plays in preparing future professionals to deliver exceptional care to their patients. It truly reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire community and strengthens our resolve to continue advancing the standards of healthcare education.”
Whitworth enrolled its first DPT students in 2022, with new cohorts added each year as the accreditation process progressed.
Whitworth’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program is rooted in innovation. The curricular design is centered on the movement system, social responsibility, faith and worldview, professional formation, and critical inquiry. It immerses students in real-world experiences, collaborative learning and meaningful community partnerships. Every aspect of the program reflects Whitworth’s deep commitment to serve with mind and heart.
Students enrolled in the DPT program progress through their studies as part of a close-knit cohort of approximately 40 peers. This cohort model is designed to foster a strong sense of community, promote collaborative learning and support professional growth. Throughout the program, students have the opportunity to study together, prepare for exams as a team and practice clinical techniques on one another in a supportive environment. The program is designed to be completed over eight consecutive semesters, under three years.
“We all believe in the Whitworth DPT program, a program that graduates excellent clinicians with the Whitworth mind-and-heart mentality,” Hawkins says. “I am excited about how we continue to move forward and how our graduates will impact the physical therapy profession and our surrounding community.”
About Whitworth University:
Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private Christian liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church. The university, which has an enrollment of about 2,500 students, offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Contacts:
Trisha Coder, associate director of media relations, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu.
