Trine physical therapy program receives accreditation
Trine University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program has received accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.
The university learned of the decision Wednesday.
In its Summary of Action affirming Trine’s accredited status, CAPTE commended Max Baumgartner, program director and dean of the Rinker-Ross School of Health Sciences, and the program’s faculty “for developing a comprehensive and high-quality program that recognizes the needs for a strong faculty, strong inter-collegial interactions and strong ties to the clinical community.”
“In addition, the program submitted a well-written, thorough, concise and comprehensive Self-study Report, which clearly conveyed the nature and scope of the educational experience,” the summary stated.
“We had a very positive visit from the accreditation team this past December, and we are very excited that CAPTE has affirmed the quality and direction of the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program at Trine University,” said Baumgartner.
“I am especially proud of the 32 students who will become Trine’s first Doctor of Physical Therapy graduates during commencement ceremonies on Saturday. They are true pioneers in this endeavor, and we look forward to the impact they will have on the profession as they begin their physical therapy careers.”
Trine’s becomes the fourth accredited DPT program in Indiana, and the only such program north of Indianapolis. CAPTE accreditation allows graduates of Trine’s program to sit for the national licensure exam. Licensure is required in all states to practice as a physical therapist.
“Dr. Baumgartner and all the faculty and staff involved with the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Trine University have done a phenomenal job of creating and implementing an excellent program that meets a growing need in the health care community,” said Earl D. Brooks II, Trine University president. “As our first doctoral degree, the DPT serves as a powerful testament that Trine University can offer an elite program at this level.”
Launched in the fall of 2014, the three-year Doctor of Physical Therapy program is located in Trine’s Health Sciences Education Center on the Randallia campus of Parkview Health, which has partnered with the university on the DPT and provided financial support.
