Lamoni, IA — Graceland University is proud to announce that its Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, launched in January 2024, has officially earned full accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
It’s a major milestone and one that reflects years of focused effort from faculty, staff, students, leadership, and community partners.
“Full CAPTE accreditation affirms that our curriculum, faculty, facilities and student support services meet the rigorous national standards for excellence in physical therapist education,” said Leigh Murray, Program Director of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
“As Program Director, I am extremely grateful to our faculty, staff, students, administration and clinical partners whose dedication and collaboration made this achievement possible.”
The program’s inaugural cohort of 22 students is set to complete their education this fall and graduate on Dec. 13, with a second cohort already underway and the third cohort starting in early January of 2026.
“For our graduates, full accreditation means they are eligible to sit for the national licensure examination and enter the profession with a credential that is recognized and respected across the country. For current and future students, it offers assurance that the education they receive is high-quality, student-centered, and aligned with the evolving needs of clinical practice,” Murray added.
This milestone also reflects Graceland’s longstanding commitment to providing an education that endures across a lifetime.
“Looking ahead, initial accreditation is only a step in the process; it’s the foundation for our next chapter so that our graduates are not only practice-ready today, but prepared to lead the future of physical therapy,” Murray said.
The program is delivered in a two-year accelerated hybrid format, allowing students the flexibility to learn online, while providing 14 weeks of hands-on experience through on-site lab immersions in the Kansas City area. Students participate in 32 weeks of collaborative clinical education experience and will complete their degrees a full year earlier than most DPT programs.
Accreditation Statement
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Graceland 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: http://www.capteonline.org. If you need to contact the program/institution directly, please call 816-209-1332 or email dpt-admissions@graceland.edu.
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